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Scaffolding Accident Claims Specialists
Find out how we can help you navigate the scaffolding accident claims process.
£85 million in compensation
Scaffolding Accident Claims Specialists
Find out how we can help you navigate the scaffolding accident claims process.
Yes, you can claim for a workplace scaffolding accident if your employer’s negligent actions directly caused the injuries you sustained. While scaffolding work has recognised risks from working at height or falling objects, that does not mean employees should expect to be injured because of an employer’s failure to create a safe working environment and follow industry best practices. When employers ignore safety standards, workers often face a gruelling recovery, disrupted routines, and financial insecurity. Thankfully, we can help you navigate the scaffolding accident claims process and seek the compensation you deserve.
Key Takeaways
- Construction sites must adhere to The Work at Height Regulations 2005 to ensure all tasks are properly planned and supervised.
- Employers and contractors must assess the risk of working at heights, such as with scaffolding, prior to the start of work.
- Guardrails, toeboards, and other barriers should be used to prevent people and objects from falling and injuring others.
- Statistics from the Labour Force Survey show an annual average of 3,790 self-reported construction injuries between 2022/23 and 2024/25.
- One of our No Win No Fee solicitors could help you make a scaffolding accident at work compensation claim.
We offer a free, no-obligation assessment with one of our advisors. If they believe that you have a valid case, they can help you be connected to one of our expert No Win No Fee solicitors. Get in contact today by:
- Phoning 0151 375 9916.
- Clicking to contact us.
Can I Claim For A Workplace Scaffolding Accident?
Yes, you could claim compensation for a workplace scaffolding accident if you were injured as a result of your employer’s failure to protect your health and safety at work. This may be due to their use of faulty equipment or to a lack of proper training for workers.
To claim compensation, you must show:
- There Was A Duty Of Care: Your employer has a legal duty of care towards you. This refers to the duty to protect your health, well-being, and safety, as set out in the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HASAWA). Under this, they must take reasonable steps to ensure your safety as a worker, such as by providing you with all relevant training and personal protective equipment (e.g., a hard hat and safety boots).
- There Was A Breach Of Duty: This means that the employer failed to take reasonable steps to keep you safe. For instance, they may not have had proper guardrails or toeboards in place to prevent a fall.
- You Were Injured: Finally, you must show that the breach caused you harm. For instance, the lack of a guardrail and toeboard that caused you to fall might have led to multiple physical and psychological injuries.
Can I Claim As An Injured Employee Scaffolder?
Yes, you can claim as an injured employee scaffolder, provided that the harm you suffered was caused by a negligent employer. The accident in which you were injured must have been caused by employer negligence. This is because, as highlighted above, employers have a duty of care to protect workers’ safety.
Can I Claim As A Self-Employed Worker?
So long as you were injured in a scaffolding accident at work through no fault of your own, you can still claim as a self-employed worker. You are protected by the same workplace safety legislation, particularly the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Section 4 of the Act applies the same protections to those not directly employed by, or working for, the employer who uses a premises as their place of work. You can read more in our guide to self-employed accidents at work claims.
Can I Claim As A Contractor Injured By A Scaffolding
Yes, you can claim as a contractor if you are injured by a scaffolding accident caused by an employer’s failure to protect your health and safety. Section 4 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 ensures the legislation applies to all working on a premises, whether they are full-time employees, self-employed, or contractors.
What If I Am A Member Of The Public Injured By The Scaffolding – Can I Claim?
If you are a member of the public injured by scaffolding, you can claim for any harm directly caused by the negligent actions of a third party (such as a construction company). The occupier in control of any public space has a legal obligation under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957 to take steps to keep visitors reasonably safe. Occupiers may be negligent if there are insufficient safety measures or improper construction techniques. If these failures result in injuries from falling debris, for example, there may be grounds to pursue a claim.
Find out if you could make a scaffolding accident claim by talking to a member of our team today.
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Examples Of Scaffolding Accident Claims
Examples of scaffolding accident claims can include being struck by a falling object, falling from a height, or injuries caused by the absence of personal protective equipment (PPE). Scaffolding and construction accidents could include:
- A passerby is struck by a falling object and sustains severe brain damage due to a construction company’s failure to conduct regular safety checks on scaffolding. They also develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to the incident.
- A worker suffers extensive spinal cord damage after falling from scaffolding because no guardrails were installed, despite an inspection highlighting the need for protective barriers.
- An employer ignores complaints about the lack of personal protective equipment (PPE). One of their workers later slips on a wet surface because they do not have non-slip shoes, leaving them with a back injury and a dislocated shoulder.
- Workers are knowingly issued worn harnesses, one of which fails and causes an employee to be permanently paralysed.
- Poor scaffolding maintenance allows debris to accumulate, causing a builder to trip and break their ankle.
- Inadequate training in safe scaffolding construction leads to improper assembly and structural collapse, causing a worker to fall and break multiple bones in their arms and legs.
Our team is on hand to help with your scaffolding injury claim. So, please feel free to contact us to share your situation in confidence.
How Much Scaffolding Injury Compensation Can I Get?
The amount of scaffolding injury compensation you can get will depend on the harm you suffered and whether this has led to any financial losses. Your injuries are covered by the head of claim general damages, which may be calculated with reference to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG). Solicitors sometimes use this resource for its comprehensive list of injuries, each with a corresponding compensation guideline.
You can find a selection of brackets taken from the JCG, starting from row 2 of the table below. The highest-value entry is not from the JCG, and none of the rows guarantee compensation for scaffolding accident claims.
| Injury | Notes | Damages |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple severe injuries and special damages for lost income, the cost of care, and private medical treatment. | Severe injuries with special damages. | Up to £1,000,000+ |
| Brain damage – Very severe | Damages based on insight, life expectancy, and physical limitations. | £344,150 to £493,000 |
| Paralysis – Paraplegia | Damages based on age, life expectancy, pain, and independence. | £267,340 to £346,890 |
| Back injuries – Severe (i) | Nerve root and spinal cord damage. | £111,150 to £196,450 |
| Neck injuries – Severe (i) | May be associated with incomplete levels of paraplegia. | Around £181,020 |
| Hip injuries – Severe (i) | Extensive pelvic bone fractures which may require a spinal fusion. | £95,680 to £159,770 |
| Severe leg injuries – Very serious (ii) | Resulting in permanent mobility problems. | £66,920 to £109,290 |
| Knee injuries – Severe (ii) | Bone fractures extending into the joint. | £63,610 to £85,100 |
| Ankle injuries – Moderate | Torn ligaments, fractures, and similar injuries causing less serious disabilities. | £16,770 to £32,450 |
| Ankle injuries – Modest | Less serious, minor fractures, sprains, etc. | Up to £16,770 |
Can Scaffolding Accident Claims Pay Out For Special Damages?
Yes, scaffolding accident claims can pay out for special damages, such as medical bills for private treatments, if your injuries cause you financial losses. This head of claim can also include:
- Lost income and future earnings if you have to take time off work or miss out on promotions and bonuses.
- Prescriptions, as well as physical and occupational therapy.
- Care costs, such as domestic assistance from family members and support from professional caregivers.
- Therapy or counselling if you suffered psychological damage.
- Home adaptations to accommodate temporary or permanent disabilities, such as grab rails and walk-in baths.
You must provide invoices, receipts, or bank statements to claim for these or other losses. Please contact us to learn more about how scaffolding accident compensation claims may be valued.
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What Is The Process For Claiming After A Scaffolding Accident?
The process for claiming after a scaffolding accident involves seeking medical care, collecting evidence of the incident, and obtaining legal advice from a solicitor. Below, we look at the steps you can take if you decide to make a scaffolding injury claim.
1. Seek Medical Treatment
Your first step should be to seek any medical treatment necessary to support your health. This may include being cared for in a:
- GP surgery.
- A&E department.
- Urgent care centre.
This will not only aid your recovery but also create an official medical record of your injuries. You can use this as evidence if you later pursue compensation.
2. Collect Evidence
Collect evidence of your accident and injuries, where safe to do so. This helps to support your account of events and can include:
- Photos of the hazard, cause of the accident, and of (visible) injuries.
- Witness contact details.
- CCTV covering the accident scene.
- The entry in the accident book.
3. Report The Accident
Reporting the accident creates an official record of the incident. This typically involves:
- Informing your employer to ensure they document it in the workplace accident book.
- Notifying the occupier of the public space, such as a construction company.
4. Keep An Injury Diary
Keep a diary to note the impact on your health and day-to-day life. This can include:
- Your symptoms, including pain levels.
- Your recovery.
- Medical appointments you attend.
- Out-of-pocket expenses.
5. Get Legal Advice
Legal advice can help you understand your options for claiming and build a strong case for compensation. Additionally, talking to one of our advisors can help determine:
- If you are eligible to make a claim.
- What factors might influence your award.
- Whether you could claim on a No Win No Fee basis with one of our personal injury solicitors.
6. File Your Claim Within The Time Limit
There are specific time limits for filing a personal injury claim, typically 3 years from the date of the scaffolding accident.
You can learn more about the evidence needed for personal injury claims and the limitation period in our dedicated guides, or by speaking to an advisor.
Make A Claim For Scaffolding Injury Compensation With Our Expert Solicitors
Our solicitors are experts in personal injury law and can help you make a claim for scaffolding accident compensation with individualised support that pays attention to your needs from start to finish. To date, with decades of combined experience, they have helped people claim over £80 million in compensation.
From expert legal representation to practical support, one of our solicitors could guide you through the claims process by:
- Organising your independent medical assessment to strengthen your claim’s position.
- Connect you to support and rehabilitation services.
- Help collect and present supporting evidence.
- Explain all aspects of the claims process with clarity.
- Secure access to a taxi account for travel costs.
- Apply for interim payments on your behalf.
Speak to an advisor to find out how one of our expert solicitors could support you.
No Win No Fee Scaffolding Accident Claims
Our solicitors can support throughout the scaffolding accident claims process on a No Win No Fee basis under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). This means they can work on your case without charging a fee at the following stages of the claims process:
- In advance.
- During the claim itself.
- If you do not secure compensation.
You will pay your solicitor a small fee if you successfully claim compensation for your scaffolding accident injuries. This success fee will be charged as a legally limited percentage of your compensation, meaning the bulk stays with you.
Contact Our Solicitors
You can reach out today to learn more by chatting with one of our advisors. They are available 24/7 and are here to listen, advise, and help you take your first steps towards starting the scaffolding accident claims process. Get started by:
- Calling 0151 375 9916.
- Clicking to contact us.
Learn More
Learn more about personal injury claims in these resources:
- View our head injury claims resource.
- See how to claim for a brain injury.
- Learn about spinal cord injury claims.
References:
- The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has FAQs about scaffolding.
- Information on safely putting up and taking down scaffolding.
- NHS first aid advice.
Thank you for reading our resource on scaffolding accident claims.
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