Falling from height at work can be a frightening experience, particularly when you are left dealing with an injury and uncertainty about how serious it may be. A fall from a ladder, scaffolding, roof or platform can happen in seconds, but the effects can last much longer. You may be facing pain, medical treatment, time away from work and worries about your recovery and what happens next.

If your fall happened because your workplace was unsafe or reasonable steps were not taken to protect you, Watson Woodhouse Solicitors can help you understand whether you may be able to make a claim. Our Personal Injury team will listen to what happened, explain your options clearly and support you through the process.

Free Initial Discussion

For a no-obligation discussion, call our specialist Personal Injury Solicitors on 01642 247656 or use our contact form, and we will call you back.

What Is a Fall From Height at Work Claim?

A fall from height at work claim is a claim that can be made if you have been injured after falling from a height while working and the accident was caused by unsafe conditions or a failure to take reasonable steps to protect you.

Falls from height can happen in many ways. You may have fallen from scaffolding, a ladder, a roof, a platform or another raised area. If the right safety measures had not been put in place and you were injured as a result, you may be able to claim compensation.

What Can Cause a Fall From Height at Work?

Working at height can involve several risks, particularly where suitable equipment or safety measures are not in place. Falls can happen because of:

• Unsafe or poorly maintained scaffolding
• Defective or unsuitable ladders
• Unprotected edges or openings
• Inadequate guardrails or barriers
• Unsafe roofs or fragile surfaces
• Poorly maintained platforms or access equipment
• Wet, slippery or uneven surfaces
• Inadequate lighting
• Lack of suitable training or supervision
• Equipment that is unsuitable for the work being carried out

Falls do not always happen because someone simply lost their balance. Sometimes the conditions around them made an accident much more likely.

What Injuries Can Be Caused By a Fall From Height?

A fall from height can result in serious injuries, and the impact can depend on how far you fell and the surface or object you landed on. Injuries may include:

• Broken bones and fractures
• Head and brain injuries
• Back, neck and spinal injuries
• Crush injuries
• Internal injuries
• Damage to muscles, ligaments or joints
• Cuts and other serious wounds
• Psychological injuries following a traumatic accident

Some people recover after treatment and rehabilitation, while others may be left with long-term pain, reduced mobility or an inability to return to the same type of work.

Can I Claim Compensation For a Fall From Height at Work?

You may be able to claim compensation if you were injured after falling from height and the accident happened because reasonable steps were not taken to keep you safe. This could include situations where:

• Suitable equipment was not provided
• Scaffolding, ladders or platforms were unsafe
• Guardrails or other protective measures were missing
• The risks of working at height were not properly considered
• You were not given suitable training or supervision
• Equipment had not been properly inspected or maintained
• Safe working procedures were not followed

Every accident is different, and we can talk through what happened and help you understand whether you may have a claim. Call our specialist Personal Injury Solicitors on 01642 247656 or use our contact form, and we will call you back.

What Should I Do After a Fall From Height at Work?

After a serious fall, your health should always come first. If you can, taking a few simple steps can also help keep a record of what happened. You should try to:

• Report the accident to your employer or site manager as soon as possible
• Ask for the accident to be recorded in the accident book or workplace records
• Seek medical attention and follow any advice you are given
• Take photographs of the area, equipment or conditions that contributed to the fall, if it is safe to do so
• Make a note of anyone who witnessed the accident
• Keep medical records and details of any treatment or appointments
• Keep a record of any time off work or financial losses

Can I Claim If I Am Still Working For The Same Employer?

Yes. You can still make a fall from height claim if you remain employed by the same employer. It is understandable to worry about making a claim when you still work with the people involved. In most cases, workplace accident claims are dealt with through your employer’s insurance.

If you are concerned about how making a claim could affect your job, we can talk through your concerns before you decide what to do.

Can I Claim If I Am Self-Employed Or A Subcontractor?

You may still be able to make a claim if you are self-employed, a subcontractor or work through an agency. Construction sites and other workplaces can involve several employers and contractors working alongside each other, so it may not always be immediately clear who was responsible for keeping you safe.

We can look at the circumstances of your accident and explain your options.

How Much Compensation Could I Receive For a Fall From Height Claim?

The amount of compensation depends on the nature of your injuries and how they have affected your life. A claim may include compensation for your injury and the pain and suffering it has caused, as well as financial losses such as:

• Lost earnings
• Medical treatment and rehabilitation
• Travel expenses
• Care or support you have needed
• Future loss of earnings
• Any longer-term impact on your ability to work or carry out everyday activities

Once we understand your circumstances, we can explain what your claim may include.

How Long Do I Have to Make a Fall From Height Claim?

In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to start a personal injury claim.

There are some exceptions, including claims involving children or people who do not have mental capacity. It is usually best to seek advice sooner rather than later, while evidence about the accident and your injuries is still available.

Why Choose Watson Woodhouse?

We understand that a fall from height can have a significant impact on your life. Alongside your physical injuries, you may be worried about your recovery, your ability to return to work and how you will manage financially.

Watson Woodhouse Solicitors has been supporting clients for over 30 years. Our Personal Injury team will take the time to listen to what has happened, explain your options in plain English and guide you through the process with clear, practical advice.

Contact Us

If you have been injured in a fall from height at work, Watson Woodhouse Solicitors can talk through what happened and help you understand whether you may be able to make a claim.

For a no-obligation discussion, call our specialist Personal Injury Solicitors on 01642 247656 or use our contact form, and we will call you back.