Construction Injury Claims and Building Site Accidents

Last Updated 24th February 2026. Have you been injured in a construction site accident or suffered harm after an accident on a building site?

You may be able to make a construction injury claim if you were injured on a building site due to unsafe working conditions, faulty equipment, lack of training, or employer negligence. Compensation can cover pain and suffering, lost earnings, and long-term rehabilitation costs.

These accidents can happen in many situations, whether you’re working on site, visiting premises, or even attending another company’s location.

Our specialist personal injury solicitors can help if you’ve suffered an injury. We offer free advice and can advise you on your legal rights and options. You can book a free consultation by clicking below.

To learn more about how building site accident claims work, what evidence can help, and what level of construction accident compensation you could receive, please keep scrolling.

Can I Make A Construction Injury Claim?

Yes, you can make a construction injury claim if you could demonstrate that your site manager or contractor failed to comply with health and safety law. As per the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers in construction must take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of their employees. Moreover, there are further regulations that will apply:

• The Personal Protective Equipment at Work (Amendments) Regulations 2022 requires that protective wear must be provided free of charge and fit for use.
• The Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 state that risk assessments must be conducted, as well as ensuring that all workers are aware of both the risks present and management strategies.

Therefore, the eligibility requirements can be summarised as follows:

• You were owed a duty of care by your employer
• Your employer breached this duty of care, such as by failing to perform risk assessments and checking safety railings.
• You suffered physical and/ or psychological injuries due to the breach.

To discuss your eligibility with one of our advisors, please get in touch with our

Meet Our Construction Injury Claims Team

Patrick Mallon

Head of Accident At Work Claims

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Laura Wrigley

Accident At Work Lawyer

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Fatal Construction Accident Claims

If your loved one has sadly suffered a fatal construction accident, you could make a fatal accident claim on their behalf. In the first 6 months of their passing, the estate of the deceased is the only party able to claim, as per the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1934. It can also claim for qualifying relatives.

If no claim is brought on their behalf within 6 months of the death, eligible dependants are able to claim under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976. This claim would be for the impact of the death of the deceased. Dependants can include:

• Children or other descendants of the deceased, including stepchildren
• Parents or other ascendants of the deceased
• The wife or husband, or former wife or husband, of the deceased
• The current or former civil partner of the deceased
• A person living with the deceased in the same household immediately before their death, or 2 years prior to their death, as husband and wife or civil partners

If you wish to discuss the process of starting fatal construction accident claims, please get in touch with our friendly team.

Common Construction Site Accidents That Lead To Claims

Construction accidents are not uncommon and can occur in various ways. However, not all of them are negligent. These examples highlight ways in which someone else could be liable for an accident on a construction site.

• Site workers are required to work with caustic acid to clean concrete structures but are not given protective eye goggles. The acid spills from a container onto a worker standing below, causing them to lose vision in both eyes and suffer chemical burn injuries to their face.
• An employer does not give adequate training to their employees on manual handling. One worker suffers a moderate back injury from lifting materials that were too heavy for them.
• The site manager does not provide safety guards for employees working from height. One person suffers a broken arm and a serious brain injury when they fall and hit their head.
• An employer provided a worker with faulty equipment, leading to them requiring a finger amputation due to a serious injury.
• Falls from a height, especially when using the likes of scaffolding or when working with cranes.
• Struck by falling objects, especially heavy goods, which can cause serious injuries, like crushes
• Accidents caused by machinery and equipment, such as forklift trucks and excavators.
• Electric shocks and electrocutions
• Exposure to hazardous substances, like chemicals and asbestos

Many different injuries could result from a workplace accident. If you suffered injuries in an accident caused by a third party’s inability to keep the site safe, you might be able to claim compensation. Just call today to learn more.

How Much Compensation For Construction Injury Claims?

Compensation is often divided into two categories: general and special damages. General damages cover the compensation you may receive for your physical or psychological injuries.

When calculating damages for your injury, there will be consideration given to the impact it’s had on your quality of life. Additionally, whether your injuries have had a long-term impact will also be observed.

As each injury is unique, it’s difficult to provide an average compensation settlement figure. However, we have created a compensation table below, which gives examples of how different injuries may be valued.

The figures in the table come from the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG), a document often used to help value claims. However, other evidence is often used alongside the JCG, so it’s advisable to use the figures only as a guide. Please also note that the figure provided in the top row was not taken from the JCG. 

What Are Special Damages?

In addition to seeking compensation for your injuries, you are entitled to seek reimbursement of any financial losses incurred due to the accident under special damages. These cover both past and future losses the injury causes, such as:

• Care costs
• Travel expenses
• Medical expenses
• Loss of earnings
• Loss of pension contributions

However, not every claim will include these, so they will be calculated separately before being added to your settlement figure.

If you’d like to calculate your claim yourself, our compensation calculator can be a handy guide. Alternatively, you can call our advisors for a free estimate.

How To Start A Construction Injury Claim

To start a construction injury claim, you will need to obtain evidence that can strengthen your case and secure your legal position. Please see the following steps that can be taken to support  building site accident claims:

• Seek medical treatment. Construction accidents often involve falls, crush incidents, and slips, with injuries ranging from head trauma to fractures. No matter what injury you sustained, you should get whatever medical care you need. This will also help create an official medical record of the injuries you suffered.
• Gather evidence when appropriate. When the time is right, collect evidence that can prove your employer’s responsibility for the injuries you suffered. This could include CCTV footage, your workplace accident logbook, and photographs of structurally unsound scaffolding or defective machinery. It may also be possible to seek documents relating to training, PPE provision, and site risk assessments.
• Ensure the construction accident is reported. You should inform your site manager or supervisor as soon as possible. To create an official record, you will want to make sure that it is recorded in the accident book.
• Keep track of the impact. Document daily pain levels, how your injury affects your ability to do manual labour or any other construction-related activity, and any financial losses you suffered due to your injuries.
• Seek legal advice. A specialist accident at work solicitor will be able to use their expertise to help show how your employer failed to comply with regulations applicable to the construction sector. They can also provide hands-on support throughout the claims process.

How Long Do I Have To Make A Construction Site Injury Claim?

Under the Limitation Act 1980, you typically have three years after a construction site accident to bring forward a claim. There are circumstances where this limitation period can be suspended:

• The time limit for minors is paused until their 18th birthday. They would have until their 21st birthday to take action unless a litigation friend starts a claim on their behalf.
• The time limit is indefinitely held if the claimant lacks the mental capacity to bring a claim. Suppose they ever regain the mental capacity required to start a claim. In that case, the three-year limitation period begins from the date of recovery, unless a litigation friend has made a claim on their behalf.

If you are unsure what time limit applies to your case, contact us at any time. Our advisors can clarify the limitation period on any construction accident claims.

What Evidence Is Needed For A Construction Injury Claim?

Evidence is important not only in proving that an accident happened but also in establishing liability and laying bare the extent of your injuries. Some proof you could collect includes:

• CCTV footage.
• Photographs of the accident scene.
• The site’s accident book.
• Witness contact information.
• Medical records detailing your injuries and treatment.
• Payslips, invoices and other documents that prove financial loss. This is vital if you wish to claim special damages compensation.

As well as being able to help you gather evidence, a solicitor can help arrange an examination by an independent healthcare professional to provide further medical evidence.

To learn more about how you can instruct a solicitor to handle key elements of your claim for an accident on a building site, call our team today.

How Our No Win No Fee Accident At Work Solicitors Can Help

If you have strong grounds to claim construction accident compensation, you could speak with our advisors about getting support from a solicitor. Our advisors may connect you with one of our No Win No Fee solicitors.

Our solicitors could offer to support your construction site accident claim under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). Under such an agreement, you won’t have to pay any upfront or ongoing service fees to your solicitor. Furthermore, you won’t need to pay your solicitor for the work they have provided on your case if your claim proves unsuccessful.

If you succeed with your claim, your personal injury solicitor will take a success fee. This is a capped percentage taken from any compensation.

To learn more about construction accident claims, contact our advisors for free today. Please get in touch using any of the following contact details:

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Below, you can find answers to some frequently asked questions on construction accident compensation claims:

Can Self-Employed Workers Or Subcontractors Make A Construction Accident Claim?

Yes. Even if you are self-employed or working as a subcontractor, you may still be able to make a construction accident claim. Whoever controls the site, whether that is a main contractor, site manager, or client, has a duty of care to ensure safe working conditions. If their negligence led to your injury, you could still claim compensation in the same way an employee can.

Can I Claim Compensation If My Injury Was Caused By Another Subcontractor Or Third Party On Site?

Yes. If your accident was caused by the negligence of another subcontractor, tradesperson, or third party, you may be able to bring a claim against them or their employer. Liability does not always rest with your own employer, and anyone who fails to follow health and safety rules and causes harm can potentially be held responsible.

What Happens If A Visitor Or Member Of The Public Is Injured On A Building Site?

If you were visiting a building site and suffered an accident, you may still be able to claim under the occupiers’ liability law. Site managers and owners must take reasonable steps to keep visitors safe. This includes putting up warning signs, restricting access to hazardous areas, and maintaining safe walkways. If these duties were not met, you could be entitled to compensation.

Can I Claim For Psychological Injuries, Like PTSD Or Anxiety, After A Construction Accident?

Yes. Construction injury claims can cover both physical and psychological harm. Conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety or depression may be included if medical evidence shows they were caused by the accident.

What Are Interim Payments And How Can They Help After A Construction Injury?

Interim payments are early payments of compensation made before a claim is settled. They can help cover urgent costs such as medical treatment, rehabilitation, or loss of income. These payments are deducted from the final settlement once your claim concludes.

How Do Reduced Earning Capacity And Long-Term Disability Affect My Construction Accident Compensation?

If your injury limits your ability to work, compensation can include future loss of earnings. This may cover reduced hours, lower pay in a different role, or the need to leave the workforce earlier than planned. Medical evidence and employment records are used to calculate these losses.

What Happens If My Employer Goes Out Of Business After A Construction Accident?

If your employer has ceased trading, you may still be able to make a claim. Claims can sometimes be pursued against the employer’s insurers if they had liability insurance in place. In some cases, the claim may go through other schemes that deal with insolvent businesses.

Does Sick Pay Or Statutory Sick Pay Affect My Loss Of Earnings In A Construction Injury Claim?

Yes. Any sick pay you received will usually be deducted from your loss of earnings claim. However, if your normal wages were higher than the sick pay received, you can claim for the shortfall. This ensures you are not compensated twice but still recover what you lost.

When Does The 3-Year Time Limit For Construction Accident Claims Start, And Can It Be Extended?

The time limit usually starts on the date of the accident. In some cases, it can be extended, such as when a person under 18 is injured or if the injured person lacks mental capacity. Once the person turns 18 or regains capacity, the three-year time limit begins.

Can A Building Owner Or Site Manager Be Held Liable For Construction Site Accidents?

Yes. If a site owner or manager failed to ensure the premises were reasonably safe and this led to your injury, they may be deemed grossly negligent. This applies whether you are a worker, visitor, or member of the public who was owed a duty of care.

Can I Still Make A Claim If I Contributed To My Construction Site Accident?

Yes, you may still be able to claim even if you were partly responsible for your construction site accident. This is known as a contributory negligence claim, where compensation is reduced to reflect your share of responsibility.

For example, you might have used tools you knew were defective. While this shows some fault on your part, your employer could still be liable for failing to repair or replace unsafe equipment.

Compensation is divided as a percentage of fault, always totalling 100. For instance:

• If you are found 20% liable, you could still receive 80% of the compensation.
• If liability is shared equally, your compensation is reduced by half.
• If you are found 75% liable, you could still recover 25% of the total.

If you’d like tailored guidance on contributory negligence and how it could affect your construction accident claim, our advisors are available 24/7 for free legal advice.

Learn More

• For more information on your rights after an accident at work, see our guide.
• Read our guide on the process of making a personal injury claim against your employer.
• See the Health and Safety Executive for more workplace accident statistics.
• Visit the NHS website if you require any medical advice.
• The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) provides guidance on accident prevention in the workplace.

Thank you for reading our guide on how to seek compensation after a construction site accident. We hope you found it informative.