Fall from height claims refer to personal injury claims arising from accidents where an individual falls from an elevated position, such as a roof, ladder, or scaffolding. These types of accidents can result in significant traumatic injuries, such as broken bones, head injuries, spinal injuries, and even death. Many of these types of claims are brought by employees who have suffered a fall from height at work, particularly those who work on construction sites.
When a person is injured in a fall from height accident, they may be able to claim compensation if the accident was caused by negligence or an unsafe working environment. For example, if a construction worker falls from a scaffold that was improperly erected, they may have a case against their employer or the company responsible for erecting the scaffolding.
The serious injuries a person can sustain from falling from height can drastically change their life. Significant adjustments may be needed to their homes and lifestyle, and many victims will need ongoing medical treatment. Our team of lawyers at Major Trauma Group are passionate about the benefits of specialist rehabilitation treatment and work collaboratively with insurers to advocate for our client’s long-term health and recovery following an accident.
At Major Trauma Group, we are experienced in assisting clients with a range of injury compensation claims, including fall from height claims. We can offer expert legal advice on a no win no fee basis and can advocate on your behalf for the highest standard of medical care and any rehabilitation that you may need to move on with your life after your injuries. Please get in touch with us today to find out more.
Common fall from height accidents
Many fall from height claims derive from employees who have suffered an accident at work, and sadly, falls from height present one of the leading causes of traumatic injury, or death, in the workplace. Job types that can put people at risk of a fall from height include construction workers, window cleaners, builders, roofers, and scaffolders to name but a few. Some examples of accidents include:
- Falls from ladders: Falls from ladders are common causes of fall from height accidents at work and can occur when a ladder is not properly secured or is placed on an unstable surface.
- Roofing accidents: Falls from roofs can happen when a worker is not properly secured while working on the roof, or when the roof is wet, slippery, or damaged.
- Falls from scaffolding: Falls from scaffolding are quite common and occur when the scaffolding is not properly assembled or maintained, or when a worker falls through an unguarded hole or gap in the scaffold.
- Unsafe elevated platforms: Falls from elevated platforms can occur when a worker falls from a raised work platform, from smaller heights such as standing on a chair, to more extreme heights such as a falling from a cherry picker or scissor lift.
Employer’s Duties
Employers have a duty of care to their employees and must ensure a safe working environment to reduce injuries in the workplace. There are additional health and safety regulations in environments that present much more risk of injury, such as on construction sites or working from a height. The Work at Height Regulations (2005) are guidelines employers must follow to negate the risk of serious accidents when employees are working at height. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) also provides employers with additional information on the regulations if more guidance is necessary.
The regulations outline that employers should avoid employees working from a height wherever possible. There are many jobs and tasks that cannot be avoided that require someone to work from a height, but there are perhaps other jobs in which simpler, safer solutions can be found without the need to work from a height.
With the many jobs that require some form of working from height, an employer should ensure the correct personal protective equipment is used, and that there is appropriate supervision over the job being carried out.
Other measures that an employer should take include:
- Risk assessments: Employers should carry out the appropriate risk assessments and planning prior to any work from a height being done to ensure that it is safe to do so, and that the correct equipment is available to do the job safely.
- Training: Working from a height will require proper training, and employers must ensure that the person working from a height understands the correct and safe way to carry out tasks to minimise risks of accidents.
- Equipment checks: All equipment to be used in a task that requires a person to work from height must be safe and secure. Equipment could include ladders, safety harnesses, and personal protective equipment. All equipment must be regularly inspected to ensure it is in full working order with no damage.
- Emergency procedures: All employers must have protocols in place in the event of an accident. This will not only include appropriate first aid training but also relevant rescue plans with appropriate rescue equipment.
Should you make a fall from height claim?
If you have suffered a fall from a height and are wondering whether to make a personal injury claim, you can be assured that the Major Trauma Group are committed to obtaining the best outcomes for our clients, from compensation to medical treatment and rehabilitation. Starting the claims process can be a daunting task, especially after suffering a traumatic event and injury, but our lawyers will be with you every step of the way to guide you.
Most will assume that making a fall from height claim is simply a solution to access some financial compensation; however, our member firms can effectively advocate for our clients to receive high-quality medical care and rehabilitation to treat their physical and psychological injuries.
If you have been injured as a result of a fall from a height, then your injuries are likely to need prolonged treatment, and the compensation you obtain from your claim can provide you with the financial security you need to allow you to take the time to recover.
Claiming with Major Trauma Group can also reduce pressure on the NHS, as our lawyers can advocate for specialist private treatment for your injuries. This not only benefits your health with expert medical care and no waiting lists, but it also means the NHS can allocate resources elsewhere. Our lawyers can also work with Insurers to help secure coverage for rehabilitation costs. This coverage can enable you to receive expert rehabilitation treatment that increases your likelihood of a complete recovery from your traumatic injuries.
Who can make a claim?
A fall from height claim can be made by anyone who has suffered a traumatic injury due to a fall that was caused by someone else’s negligence or mistake. Accident victims have three years from the date of the incident to make a claim, though there are some exceptions to this rule such as if the person injured was under the age of 18 or is at a reduced mental capacity.
How can Major Trauma Group assist you?
The panel of expert lawyers at Major Trauma Group are experienced in assisting on a range of personal injury cases, including fall from height claims. Our member firms offer their services on a no win no fee basis, meaning claimants do not need to worry about the legal costs that come with making a claim.
Our expertise in this area of the law means we can effectively advocate for our client’s best interests, working to secure appropriate financial compensation and expert rehabilitation treatment.
If you have any queries surrounding any of our services, including fall from height claims, then please do not hesitate to get in touch with us today.
