Fall at Work Claim: No Win, No Fee

Unfortunately, accidents at work happen, and among them, falls stand as a prevalent and often underestimated hazard. From slips on wet floors to falls from heights, these incidents not only pose immediate risks to physical well-being but also have lasting implications in terms of financial stability and long-term recovery.

Employees should feel safe and comfortable while at work, and employers have a responsibility to provide a safe workplace and to minimise the risk of accidents occurring. 

If you have sustained an injury due to a fall as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to make a fall at work claim. Beacon Law has a team of experienced personal injury solicitors who can assist you in making your injury claim for compensation and provide you with specialist legal advice. Please get in touch today to find out more. 

Common accidents that lead to fall injury claims

Fall injury claims can arise from various types of accidents in the workplace. Some of the most common accidents that lead to fall injury claims include:

• Slips, Trips, and Falls: Trips and fall claims are the most common types of accidents in workplaces. They can occur due to wet or slippery floors, uneven surfaces, cluttered walkways, inadequate lighting, or failure to use warning signs.
• Falls from Heights: Working at heights, such as on ladders, scaffolding, roofs, or elevated platforms, poses significant risks. Fall accidents from these elevated positions can result from inadequate fall protection systems, improper use of safety equipment, or lack of proper training.
• Falls on Stairs: Accidents on stairs can occur due to factors such as uneven steps, broken handrails, poor lighting, or obstacles on the stairs. Falls on stairs can result in serious injuries, especially if the individual falls from a height.
• Falls from Machinery or Equipment: Workers using machinery or equipment may fall if they lose their balance, slip, or are struck by moving parts. Lack of guarding on machinery, improper maintenance, or failure to follow safety protocols can contribute to these accidents.
• Falls into Holes or Excavations: Working around uncovered holes, trenches, or excavations poses a risk of falls. Inadequate barriers, failure to use proper protective measures, or failure to identify and mark hazards can lead to falls into these openings.
• Falls from Vehicles: Falls from vehicles, such as trucks, forklifts, or other mobile equipment, can occur during entry or exit, while performing maintenance, or due to vehicle instability. Lack of proper precautions, such as using handholds and step stools, can contribute to these accidents.
• Falls on Construction Sites: Construction sites present numerous fall hazards, including scaffolding collapses, falls from roofs or elevated surfaces, falls into uncovered openings, and falls from ladders or scaffolds. Failure to implement proper safety measures and provide adequate training can lead to these accidents.
• Falls due to Slippery Conditions: An employee can be injured in a slip accident caused by spills, leaks, or weather-related factors. Failure to promptly clean up spills, provide non-slip flooring, or address weather-related hazards can contribute to these accidents. If you have slipped at work and have been injured as a result, then you may be able to make a claim.
• Falls due to Poor Housekeeping: Cluttered or poorly maintained work areas increase the risk of trips and falls. Failure to maintain a clean and organised workplace, including proper storage of materials and equipment, can contribute to these accidents.
• Falls from Collapsing Structures: Falls can occur when structures, such as walls, floors, or ceilings, collapse unexpectedly. Poor construction practices, lack of proper inspections, or structural defects can contribute to these accidents.

These are just a few examples of the common accidents that can lead to fall injury claims in the workplace. Implementing proper safety measures, providing adequate training, and maintaining a hazard-free work environment are essential for preventing such accidents and ensuring the safety and well-being of workers.

What should you do if you have been injured at work?

If you have suffered an accident at work, the first thing you must do is seek medical attention for your injuries. Even if your injuries at first seem minor, you must be checked over and have everything documented in your medical records. Your medical records will serve as substantial evidence for your claim.

Keep detailed records of the accident, including photographs of the scene, your injuries, and any relevant documents such as accident reports or medical records. Witness statements are also extremely helpful to substantiate your claim for compensation. 

Our team of personal injury solicitors are experts in workplace injury compensation claims and can provide specialist advice on your case plus guidance on your rights and options for seeking compensation. Please get in touch with our team today. 

What are your employer’s responsibilities?

Employers have a legal obligation to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of their employees under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

Employers must provide a workplace that is free from recognised hazards that could cause severe harm or death to employees. This includes maintaining machinery and equipment, ensuring work areas are clean and organised, and providing necessary safety equipment.

Regular risk assessments should be conducted to identify potential hazards in the workplace, and appropriate measures must be taken to mitigate these risks. Employees must be provided with adequate training and education to understand workplace hazards and work safely. This includes training on equipment usage, handling hazardous materials, and emergency procedures.

Employers are required to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) to employees and ensure it is adequately maintained and replaced as needed. Compliance with health and safety regulations, such as those set by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), is mandatory. This includes adhering to regulations regarding workplace safety, equipment standards, and employee health.

Record-keeping is essential, and employers must maintain accurate records of workplace injuries and illnesses. This includes keeping injury and illness logs, reporting serious incidents to the appropriate authorities, and documenting safety training and inspections.

Failure to fulfil these responsibilities can result in serious consequences for employers, including fines, legal action, and damage to their reputation. Therefore, it is essential for employers to prioritise workplace safety and take proactive measures to prevent accidents and injuries.

How much compensation could you receive?

The compensation you could claim for your fall injury will vary depending on a number of factors, including the pain and suffering caused by the accident. We will base the valuation of your general damages based on the average payout for a slip and fall in the UK, as well as guidelines set out by the Judicial College.

You will also be able to make a claim for special damages, which include additional financial losses sustained as a result of your injuries. These can include:

• Loss of earnings if you required time off due to the accident or if you have been required to change or leave your employment as a result.
• Travel costs – for travel to and from medical appointments.
• Parking costs at medical appointments.
• Care and Assistance compensation for any paid or additional unpaid care required as a result of the accident; this can include care provided by a family member.
• Private medical treatment costs.
• Costs of making any required adjustments to your home as the result of your injuries.

You should ensure that you keep all receipts and invoices for your additional losses, as these will be required to prove your losses.

How long do you have to make a claim?

In the UK, the time limit for making a claim for compensation depends on the type of claim and the circumstances surrounding the incident:

• Personal Injury Claims: For most personal injury claims, including those related to workplace accidents, road traffic accidents, or slips and falls, the general time limit is three years from the date of the incident or from when the injury became apparent. This time limit is set by the Limitation Act 1980. If the person injured lacks mental capacity, then the time limit may not apply at all or may begin if they regain mental capacity. 
• Medical Negligence Claims: In cases of medical negligence, the three-year time limit typically starts from the date of the negligent act or when the patient becomes aware that they have suffered harm as a result of the negligence.
• Claims on behalf of Children: If the claimant is under the age of 18 at the time of the incident, the three-year time limit starts from their 18th birthday. However, a parent or legal guardian can make a claim on behalf of a child at any time before they turn 18.
• Fatal Accident Claims: In cases where a person has died as a result of negligence, the family or dependents usually have three years from the date of death to make a claim.

Our team of solicitors can advise you on the time limits for making a fall at work claim depending on your individual circumstances. Please get in touch with our team to start your claim today. 

Why choose Beacon Law?

Beacon Law are a law firm of specialist personal injury solicitors and we offer our services on a no win, no fee basis. We have helped many of our clients obtain the compensation they deserve for their injuries sustained as a result of negligence, including fall at work claims. 

We have years of experience in assisting those who have experienced all types of injuries. We deal with personal injury claims on a daily basis and have vast experience in accident at work claims. If you are wondering how to claim for a fall at work, get in touch today.

You can request an initial consultation by completing the online help form, and an experienced solicitor will contact you to discuss your case. Alternatively, you can call us on 0330 1332 857, and we will be happy to assist you with your query.

Beacon Law are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. To find out about our no win, no fee funding options, have a look at the funding section on our website.