Falls from Height at Work Claims

Falls from height are a risk in a wide range of industries and sectors, and are in fact the leading cause of death in the construction industry, despite the fact that many of these hazardous tumbles could be prevented with simple health and safety measures.

There are many scenarios which can result in a fall from height including:

• Working on a scaffold
• Working on a ladder
• Stacking shelves in a retail setting
• Lift shaft/stairwell falls
• Falls from roofs
• Falls from large vehicles such as forklift trucks

Employer Responsibility

A fall from height injury can be devastating - broken bones, head injuries and even death are a risk. Working at height in any capacity carries significant risk and all employers and site managers are therefore obliged to be fully aware of the laws and regulations surrounding roof work, window repairs, building maintenance and many other areas of work.

The Health and Safety Executive has produced a downloadable leaflet called "Height Safe", which highlights the major risks of working at height.

The leaflet states that work at height should always be carried out on a suitable platform with edge protection. It also advises workers that where this is not possible, a ladder may have to be used but that ladders should not be used for any lengthy period of time as a workplace.

How Much Compensation Could You Claim?

Falls from height are some of the most common claims we deal with. Falls can occur in factories, offices, on construction sites, in schools and supermarkets.

If you’ve fallen from height it’s likely you’ve suffered broken bones or fractures, head injuries and injuries to your arms and legs.

For significant leg injuries which result in long-term treatment and permanent mobility problems payouts can vary from £30,800 to more than £66,000, depending on the specifics of an accident. If you were unfortunately paralysed by the accident, causing tetraplegia or paraplegia, compensation amounts could go as high as £300,000, but it is really dependant on your individual case.

Brain damage is also a major risk from a fall from height. If you have a good chance of recovery you could claim anywhere between £12,000 and £33,000, and those with more severe damage could lead to a payout of anywhere up to £300,000 dependant on the situation.

Facial injuries are also common, with payouts for multiple fractures ranging from £11,000 to £18,000, with jaw fractures from £5,000 to £35,000.

Other average amounts for common injuries suffered after falling from height include:

• Damage to teeth - £800 to £30,000, depending on severity
• Neck injuries (loss of function, fractures to discs) - £50,600 to £103,000

Every case is different and needs to be carefully considered by an experienced expert – these estimates are only very rough, but you can get a more accurate figure by talking to our solicitors.

How We Can Help You

With proper equipment, risk assessment and full training, working at height can be made as safe as is reasonably possible. However, many employers still fail to adhere to regulations and advice regarding best working practice.

If you have suffered a personal injury as a result of a fall from height and you believe someone else was to blame for the accident YouClaim could help you commence a no win, no fee fall from height at work compensation claim.

The personal injury solicitors who work in association with YouClaim are all governed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and are experts in their relevant fields.

Call us today on 0800 10 757 95, have an e-chat, or fill in an online claim form and we will call you back at a time to suit you.