Scaffolding is used to minimise the risk of working at heights, but when it becomes the danger itself, the consequences can be dire. If you’ve been injured due to a scaffolding accident, speak to our team about making a compensation claim.
Construction work, particularly at heights, can prove quite risky, and structures such as scaffolding are created to minimise the risk as much as possible. Employers have a duty to maintain scaffolding and ensure its safety – but when mistakes are made and the scaffolding erected to protect employees becomes the danger itself, people can be seriously injured.
No one should be put at increased risk due to employer negligence, whether they are employees or a member of the public who just happens to be passing by. Such injuries can range from relatively minor to life-changing or fatal, and they can have major implications on people’s work and personal lives.
If you’ve been injured in a scaffolding accident that wasn’t your fault, you could be entitled to make a claim for compensation. Our expert scaffolding injury lawyers are on hand to support you through the process and can ensure you receive the compensation and rehabilitation you deserve.
What are the most common causes of scaffolding accident claims?
Scaffolding is used to make working at heights safer and provides a much more stable and secure working environment than a ladder or other tool. However, if mistakes are made in its construction and use, people can be badly hurt.
Some of the most common mistakes that lead to scaffolding accidents at work include:
The scaffolding has not been correctly constructed and is unsafe to use
Employees have not been provided with the proper personal protective equipment (PPE)
Risk assessments have not been conducted properly, or at all
No safety training has been provided
Too many people have been permitted to use the scaffolding at once
A lack of appropriate supervision
It is critical to the safety of all employees, whether they are using the scaffolding or are working nearby, that the appropriate safety measures are followed correctly. Where this has not happened, and you have been injured as a result, you could be entitled to make a scaffolding injury claim.
What injuries can be caused by scaffolding accidents?
Scaffolding accidents can cause all manner of injuries, ranging from more minor concerns through to severe and traumatic injury. Often, the extent of the injury will depend upon the nature of the accident you have suffered, though even relatively minor mistakes can cause significant damage.
Injuries we regularly see as a result of scaffolding accidents include:
Broken bones and fractures
Soft tissue damage
Lacerations and bleeding
Infections
Damage to internal organs
Head trauma, including damage to the skull and brain injuries
Nerve damage
Shock
What should my employer do to prevent scaffolding accidents?
Whether you are a full or part-time employee, a temporary staff member or on a zero-hours contract, your employer has a legal obligation to keep you safe at work under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974.
As part of this, it is an employer’s job to ensure:
You and your colleagues have had health and safety training
All members of staff are aware of the risks their work could pose
All members of staff have access to appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as head gear, eye and ear protection, and gloves
Staff are made aware of how risks are controlled and who is responsible for site safety
Equipment is subject to regular maintenance and inspection
Ensure all work sites have a designated first aider and a first aid kit
Really helpful and always on the other side of the phone if needed. Quick and easy service.
Client testimonial (accident at work case)
Following an accident at work, which has left me wheelchair bound and in need of an above knee amputation in the future, I am delighted that my solicitor, Tracey Benson, at Slater and Gordon has steered my case through to a successful conclusion. I am now in possession of my dignity and self-belief again.
5* Trustpilot Review (for Tracey Benson)
I used Slater and Gordon for an accident at work claim. They were very professional and quick. When you needed to get in touch with them there was never a problem. Definitely would use them again.
Client testimonial (for Tom Mulcock)
What should I do after a scaffolding accident at work?
If you’ve been injured in a scaffolding accident, dealing with your injuries in the immediate aftermath should always be your priority.
For minor injuries, it may be sufficient to get help from the on-site first aider in the first instance, though it is usually advised to see your GP as soon as you can. For more severe injuries, you may need more significant medical intervention and a longer recovery period may be needed. When you feel ready to start a scaffolding injury claim, speak to our industry-leading personal injury specialists to find out how we can support you.
Why should I choose Slater and Gordon’s scaffolding accident lawyers?
Every employee has the right to work in a safe and secure environment, without worrying about being put at unnecessary risk by negligent employers. While some occupations may be inherently riskier than others, employers have a moral and legal obligation to minimise risk as much as possible and where this standard is not met, the consequences can be severely damaging, both physically and psychologically.
Members of the public who have been injured while passing by poorly maintained scaffolding are also entitled to make a claim for the injuries and trauma they sustain.
We know that moving forward involves more than just legal advice and compensation, which is why we work closely with medical professionals to determine the impact of your injuries long-term and identify any additional support and rehabilitation you may need, based on the unique circumstances of your case.
We’re no win no fee specialists, meaning there’s no financial risk when making a claim for an accident at work.
Talk to the experts
Our teams of legal experts specialise in representing those who’ve suffered injuries at work.
Tailored advice
As specialists in accident at work accident claims, we’ll ensure your case is dealt with swiftly, whilst ensuring you receive the maximum compensation.
Your local law firm
We’re a reputable national law firm with expert lawyers in local areas across England, Scotland and Wales.
Speak to one of our accident at work law experts today
Frequently asked questions about scaffolding accident claims:
Could I lose my job if I make a scaffolding injury claim?
No. Under UK law, employers are not allowed to dismiss staff who make a personal injury claim against their business.
We know that many people can feel uncomfortable with the idea of making a claim against an employer, and often it is the thought of the added cost to the business (and the implications for their boss) that concerns them. It is important to remember that businesses in the UK are required to have liability insurance, which will cover the cost of any claim you make against your employer.
How much compensation could I receive for a scaffolding injury claim?
Every personal injury claim is different, and the amount of compensation you receive for a scaffolding injury can vary depending upon several factors. The key consideration will be the severity of your injuries but other issues, such as treatment costs, rehabilitation requirements and any financial losses, will also be taken into account.
At Slater and Gordon, we take most scaffolding accident claims on a No Win No Fee basis and seek interim payments to help you avoid financial hardship if your injuries prevent you from working. Speak to our team today to establish your full legal position.
How long do I have to make a scaffolding claim?
As with most personal injury claims, you have three years from the date of your scaffolding accident to make a claim for compensation.
There are some exceptions to this; for instance, if you are claiming on behalf of someone with diminished mental capacity, or in the tragic circumstances where there is a death. It is therefore strongly advised that you speak to a specialist scaffolding accident lawyer as soon as you are able to establish your full legal position.
Can I make a scaffolding injury claim as a member of the public?
Yes, you can. Scaffolding can be erected almost anywhere, and it is very likely that most members of the public will encounter it at some point. In the main, it is perfectly safe to move past scaffolding, however if mistakes have been made in its construction, or by the workers using the scaffolding, you could be eligible to claim for your injuries.
For example, you could have been injured by objects falling or being thrown from scaffolding, being cut by sharp edges left exposed on the scaffolding poles or being caught in collapsing scaffolding.
Really helpful and always on the other side of the phone if needed. Quick and easy service. Client testimonial (accident at work case)
Following an accident at work, which has left me wheelchair bound and in need of an above knee amputation in the future, I am delighted that my solicitor, Tracey Benson, at Slater and Gordon has steered my case through to a successful conclusion. I am now in possession of my dignity and self-belief again. 5* Trustpilot Review (for Tracey Benson)
I used Slater and Gordon for an accident at work claim. They were very professional and quick. When you needed to get in touch with them there was never a problem. Definitely would use them again. Client testimonial (for Tom Mulcock)