If you’ve been injured while working on a construction site, you may be wondering: how to sue for construction accident compensation? Whether you suffered broken bones, head injuries, or long-term damage due to someone else’s negligence, you could be entitled to make a construction accident claim.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through every step of the claims process. You’ll learn when you’re eligible to claim, the types of compensation you could receive, and how to maximise your payout with help from our panel of solicitors. We’ll also explain how a No Win No Fee agreement could benefit you.
Speak to our advisors today for free advice about your potential claim. We offer a free consultation and can connect you with our panel of specialist solicitors.
- Call on 0800 408 7827
- Contact us online
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Jump To A Section
- How To Sue For Construction Accident Compensation
- The Average Construction Accident Compensation Amounts
- Common Construction Accident Claims Causes
- How To Start Construction Accident Compensation Claims
- Get Help From Our Advisors
- More Information
How To Sue For Construction Accident Compensation
To make a construction accident claim, you must demonstrate that your injuries were caused by someone else’s failure to uphold their legal duty of care. This might be an employer, site manager, or contractor who breached health and safety regulations. Construction sites are inherently hazardous, and under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, all employers and site controllers owe a duty of care to keep workers and visitors reasonably safe.
Eligibility is based on three core elements:
- You were owed a duty of care.
- That duty was breached.
- Your injuries were a direct result.
If you’ve suffered injuries on a building site and need to know how to sue for construction accident compensation, contact our advisors today for a free consultation.
Can I Claim If I Was Partially Responsible?
Yes, even if you were partly at fault for the injuries you suffered, you may still be able to claim compensation under a principle known as “contributory negligence.” This means responsibility is shared, and your compensation may be reduced to reflect your share of the blame.
For example, if you were not wearing a hard hat but were hit by falling debris due to unsafe scaffolding, both you and the site controller may be held partially liable. Your compensation could be reduced accordingly, but you would still receive a settlement.
Get in touch today to discuss how to claim construction accident compensation even if you were partially responsible.
Am I Able To Claim As A Part Time Or Zero Hour Contract Employee?
You are still owed a duty of care from your employer while working as a part-time or zero-hour contract worker. If you can prove that you were injured while working due to the duty of care you were owed being breached, you may be eligible to claim.
The key factor is not your contract status but whether your injury was caused by a breach of duty. Your employer must follow safety regulations, provide training, and ensure safe working conditions under the Health and Safety at Work Act.
If you’ve suffered construction site injuries and you’re unsure of your rights, speak to our team today for expert advice. We can advise you on the eligibility of your potential claim.
What If I’m Self-Employed?
Even as a self-employed contractor, you could still claim construction accident compensation if your injuries were caused by someone else’s negligent actions. While self-employed workers may be responsible for their own equipment and conduct, other parties on-site, such as contractors or principal designers, still owe you a duty of care under the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015.
If, for example, you were injured due to faulty equipment supplied by another party or because of a lack of signage, you may be entitled to claim.
Contact our advisory team today for free advice about claiming if you’re a self-employed contractor injured on a construction site.
Can I Claim If I Was Just Visiting The Construction Site?
Yes, under Section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, construction companies owe a duty of care to anyone on-site, including visitors and inspectors. If you were injured while visiting a site—whether for business, delivery, or inspection—you may be able to make a personal injury claim.
Examples include:
- Falling over debris not clearly marked
- Being struck by a vehicle or object
- Falling due to unstable walkways
If the site failed to uphold health and safety standards, you could seek compensation. Speak to our team now to learn how to sue for construction accident compensation as a site visitor.
Can I Claim On Behalf Of A Loved One?
Yes, if your loved one was injured and is either under 18 or mentally incapacitated, you can claim on their behalf as a litigation friend. You’ll act in their best interests throughout the claims process.
Children injured on construction sites will not be able to begin their own claim until their 18th birthday. From this date, they will have 3 years to begin the claiming process.
If your loved one lacks mental capacity due to brain damage or other conditions, the time limit is paused indefinitely unless they regain capacity.
Call us now to start a personal injury claim on behalf of a loved one. Our team can guide you through every step.
Fatal Construction Site Accidents
In the tragic event of a fatal accident on a construction site, the deceased’s estate and dependents may be able to claim compensation. The Fatal Accidents Act 1976 allows close family members to recover damages for:
- Loss of financial dependency
- Funeral expenses
- Bereavement award
- Loss of services
These claims can also include compensation for the pain and suffering the deceased experienced before death.
If you’ve lost a loved one in a construction accident, we understand how difficult this time can be. Contact our advisors today for compassionate and expert advice about making a fatal accident claim.
The Average Construction Accident Compensation Amounts
Compensation is typically divided into two categories:
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General Damages – Compensation for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity.
-
Special Damages – Financial losses such as medical costs and lost earnings.
Those valuing your general damages may refer to the compensation guidelines within the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG). We have used some of these within the table below, aside from the first entry.
| INJURY | SEVERITY | COMPENSATION GUIDELINES |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Severe Injuries With Special Damages for loss of earnings etc. | Severe | Up to £1,000,000+ |
| Brain Damage | Very Severe | £344,150 to £493,000 |
| Paralysis | Paraplegia | £267,340 to £346,890 |
| Injuries Affecting Sight | Loss of Sight in One Eye with Reduced Vision in the Remaining Eye (i) | £117,150 to £219,400 |
| Back Injuries | Severe (i) | £111,150 to £196,450 |
| Arm Injuries | Injuries Resulting in Permanent and Substantial Disablement | £47,810 to £73,050 |
| Leg Injuries | Severe (iii) Serious | £47,840 to £66,920 |
| Foot Injuries | Moderate | £16,770 to £30,500 |
| Shoulder Injuries | Serious | £15,580 to £23,430 |
The final amount depends on injury severity, recovery time, and long-term impact.
Speak to our advisory team today to find out how much compensation you could receive for your construction injury.
How Is The Amount Of Compensation Determined?
Compensation is calculated based on:
- Severity of injuries
- Type of medical treatment required
- Long-term prognosis
- Impact on daily life and work
- Loss of income and other financial losses
Medical records, expert reports, and evidence of care costs, prescriptions, or rehabilitation all help determine the value of your claim.
Get in touch today to get a tailored estimate based on your injury severity and circumstances.
What If My Accident Has Left Me Unable To Work?
If you’re unable to return to work due to your injury, you could claim special damages to cover lost earnings, future loss of income, and pension contributions. You may also recover expenses like:
- Medical costs
- Travel to medical appointments
- Care costs
- Mobility aids
- Home adaptations
Our panel of solicitors can help gather bank statements, payslips, and other documentation to support your claim.
Contact us today to discuss how to sue for construction accident compensation and claim for financial losses.
Common Construction Accident Claims Causes
Construction sites are dynamic and high-risk environments. When safety regulations are not followed, even minor oversights can result in serious construction site injuries. Below, we explore some of the most common types of building site accidents, what causes them, and the types of injuries suffered as a result.
Slips, Trips And Falls
Slips, trips and falls are a type of accident that could be suffered on a construction site. Hazards that often lead to these types of site accidents include:
- Uneven flooring or unsecured boards
- Trailing cables and wires
- Spills from water or other liquids
- Poor lighting in high-traffic areas
-
Obstructed walkways
These accidents may seem minor but can result in serious injuries such as:
- Sprains and strains
- Fractures (especially to the wrists, hips, or ankles)
- Head injuries, including concussions
- Back and spinal damage
If a site controller fails to carry out regular inspections or address hazards promptly, they could be held liable for any injuries that occur.
Falls From Heights
Falls from height are one of the leading causes of fatal construction accidents in the UK. The Health and Safety Executive (Bitain’s regulatory body for workplace health and safety) has strict guidance for working at height, but breaches still occur, especially when:
- Scaffolding is poorly erected or lacks guardrails
- Ladders are unstable or improperly used
- Roof edges and openings are unprotected
- Harnesses or fall arrest systems are not provided
These types of construction accident claims can involve life-changing injuries, including:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Broken limbs and complex fractures
- Spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis
- Internal organ damage
These injuries often result in long-term care costs, loss of independence, and permanent inability to work.
Manual Handling Injuries
Construction workers frequently lift, carry, and transport heavy or awkward loads. Without proper training, lifting aids, or team lifting procedures, manual handling can cause:
- Muscular strains
- Slipped discs
- Hernias
- Chronic back injuries
Poor manual handling techniques or the absence of mechanical lifting equipment may indicate employer negligence. Injuries can be immediate or develop gradually, resulting in ongoing pain and reduced mobility.
These types of building site injury claims can often be supported by physiotherapy records, occupational health assessments, and medical evidence.
Hit By Objects
Construction sites often involve the use of cranes, scaffolding, tools, and materials stored at height. If equipment is not properly secured, or if site rules are not followed, workers can be struck by falling objects such as:
- Tools falling from scaffolding
- Debris from demolition activities
- Materials being dropped by cranes
- Misfired machinery or flying fragments
These accidents can result in:
- Head injuries (including concussions and skull fractures)
- Facial injuries and dental trauma
- Broken bones or crush injuries
- Deep lacerations and soft tissue injuries
Failing to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) like hard hats may reduce compensation under contributory negligence, but you could still have a valid personal injury claim.
How To Start Construction Accident Compensation Claims
To start your claim:
- Seek medical attention immediately.
- Report the accident in the workplace accident book.
- Gather evidence: witness contact information, photos, CCTV, accident report form.
- Keep receipts, bank statements, and medical records.
- Contact our advisors to begin your claim.
What Is the Time Limit to Claim?
In most construction accident claims in England and Wales, the standard time limit for starting a personal injury claim is 3 years from the date of the accident. This is outlined in the Limitation Act 1980.
Failing to issue your claim within this time period usually means your accident claim will become “time-barred,” and you will lose your legal right to seek compensation.
Don’t delay—speak to our team now to protect your right to claim before time runs out.
Get Help From Our Panel Of Solicitors
At How To Sue, we work with a panel of experienced solicitors who specialise in construction accident claims. They understand the challenges construction workers face after a serious accident at work, and they’re committed to helping you seek compensation for your injuries and financial losses.
What Services Do Our Panel Of Solicitors Offer?
When you begin a construction accident compensation claim with us, the solicitors on our panel can assist you with a full range of services tailored to your situation, including:
- Free initial legal assessment of your potential claim
- Comprehensive evidence gathering, including securing medical records, CCTV footage, witness statements, and accident report forms
- Handling all communication with the defendant, insurers, and courts, so you don’t have to
- Negotiating a settlement on your behalf to ensure you receive the compensation awarded that reflects the injury severity and impact on your life
- Providing regular updates and clear advice throughout the claims process
Whether you suffered multiple serious injuries or a minor injury that resulted in time off work, our panel will work hard to build a strong case and secure the compensation you deserve.
What Are The Benefits of A Conditional Fee Agreement?
Our panel of solicitors offers legal representation under a Conditional Fee Agreement—commonly known as a No Win No Fee contract. This means:
- You won’t pay any upfront service fees to start your claim.
- You don’t pay any service costs if your claim fails.
- If your claim is successful, a success fee will be deducted from your compensation. This is agreed upon at the start and is legally capped.
Why Choose How To Sue?
- We offer free advice and can assess the eleigibility of your potential claim.
- Our advisory team is trained to provide clear, practical guidance for construction site accident claims.
- We only work with reputable, experienced solicitors who have a proven track record in construction injury claims.
- The solicitors on our panel can help gather as much evidence as possible and take the pressure off your shoulders.
If you’re ready to find out how to claim construction accident compensation, contact our team today for a free consultation. We’ll help determine your eligibility and connect you with a solicitor who can guide you through the process from start to finish.
Start your claim today with confidence—our panel of solicitors is ready to help you on a No Win No Fee basis.
Contact Our Advisors
If you’ve been injured on a construction site, it’s essential to act quickly. Our advisors are available to offer free advice, assess your potential claim, and help you start the claims process.
Don’t delay — speak to our team today to find out how to sue for construction accident compensation on a No Win No Fee basis.
- Call on 0800 408 7827
- Contact us online
- Use our live chat
More Information
More guides by us:
- Learn how to sue for a warehouse accident.
- Guidance on claiming for a factory accident.
- Learn if you could be sacked for having an accident at work.
External resources:
- Guidance on health and safety in construction from the Health and Safety Executive
- See if you could be eligible for statutory sick pay from Gov.UK
- Guidance on first aid from the NHS.
Thank you for reading this guide on how to sue for construction accident compensation.