Fall from Height Claims

Making a fall from height claim

There are various risks involved when you’re working from a height.

In 2023/24, falls from height resulted in 50 workplace deaths according to the Health and Safety Executive. These types of accidents also accounted for 8% of non-fatal workplace injuries.

Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, your employer has a duty to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all employees, as far as is reasonably practicable.

The Work at Height Regulations 2005 also set out a series of rules and regulations that employers must stick to when working at a height is required. These regulations state that:

• All employees have the right to PPE
• All equipment has to be in good working order
• All surfaces must be dry and free from obstacles
• Employers must conduct an appropriate risk assessment
• Employees should be provided with the correct training

If your employer failed to do any of the above and you suffered an injury as a result, you could make a fall from height claim. Get in touch with our team to find out more.

What are common causes of accidents at height?

Some of the most common causes of falling from a height at work include:

• Bad weather causing slip hazards
• Unsteady or broken ladders
• Lack of safety railings or personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Little or no anti-slip protection
• Poorly constructed scaffolding

There are some industries where these types of accidents are more common – such as:

• Construction
• Retail or warehouse work
• Scaffolding
• Window cleaning
• Window installation

Injuries caused by falling from a height can be life-changing or even fatal. They range from broken bones and fractures, to brain damage and organ failure.

No matter how your accident happened, you could be entitled to compensation if your employer failed to keep you safe.

How much does it cost to make a fall from height claim?

We understand you might have concerns about the cost of making a claim. But you shouldn’t let this put you off.

For these types of claims, we work on a No Win No Fee basis. This means there will be nothing to pay upfront and no legal fees to cover if your case is unsuccessful.

If your claim is successful, a success fee will be applied. This could be up to 25% of the compensation you receive. The success fee will be taken from your final settlement, so you don’t need to worry about finding this money yourself.

Your accident at work solicitor will explain how their No Win No Fee policy works at the start of the claims process, so there won’t be any nasty surprises later on.

Fall from height claim FAQs

How much compensation can I claim for a fall from height?

The amount of compensation you can claim after a fall from height will depend on several factors. This will include the pain and suffering you’ve experienced, as well as any financial losses related to your accident.

These are some of the key points your solicitor will consider when valuing your claim:

• The severity of your injuries
• How long your recovery is expected to take
• Any care you’ve received, either from a professional or a family member
• Any mobility aids you’ve had to purchase
• Lost earnings if you’ve had to take time off work
• Medical expenses
• Travel costs to and from medical appointments
• Your future earning potential

For a rough idea of how much you could be entitled to, try our free compensation calculator. Or get in touch with our team for more information.

Is there a time limit on fall from height claims?

You’ll usually have three years from the date of your accident to make a fall from height claim. Although this may sound like a long time, it’s best to start the process as soon as you can.

Starting a claim early will give you the best chance of remembering everything that happened. This will apply to any witnesses who saw the accident, too.

It may also be easier for your solicitor to access key evidence such as CCTV footage or workplace accident records when you start the process sooner rather than later.

What evidence will I need to support my fall from height claim?

When making a fall from height claim, you’ll need to prove how the accident happened, who caused it and the extent of your pain and suffering. To do this, your solicitor will gather evidence including:

• Accident reports
  Your accident should be recorded in your workplace’s accident book. This will provide documented evidence of when, where and how the accident happened.
• CCTV footage
  Most workplaces will have CCTV cameras installed. If you’re able to, requesting footage from the day of your accident could provide key evidence to support your claim.
• Medical records
  Getting medical attention is important after any accident. But your medical records could also be useful for demonstrating the severity of your injuries.
• Photographs
  Try to take photos of the scene of your accident and the injuries you suffered. Photographic evidence can be especially useful in personal injury claims.
• Witness accounts
  Your solicitor will gather witness statements which could help to support your own recollection of events, as well as filling in any gaps in your memory.

We would also suggest keeping your own diary where you can write down what happened, the injuries you suffered and how your day-to-day life has been affected. This will all be helpful for your solicitor as they work to build your case.

What should I do if I’ve fallen from a height at work?

The most important thing to do after any accident at work is to seek medical attention. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you should go to your GP or hospital as soon as possible.

It can sometimes take a while for injuries to show after a fall from height. So even if you don’t think you’re badly injured, it’s always best to get checked out.

After getting the treatment you need, there are some other things you can do to strengthen your case. This includes:

• Making sure your accident is recorded in your company’s accident book
• Keeping a copy of your medical records after receiving treatment
• Recording the names and details of anyone who witnessed your accident
• Taking pictures of the scene and your injuries

Next, you can get in touch with our knowledgeable team. We’ll talk to you about what happened and let you know if you could have a case for compensation.

How can First4Lawyers help?

At First4Lawyers, we only work with the most reputable solicitors, meaning you’ll be supported by real experts.

Our advisors are dedicated to giving you the best service. They’ll provide you with all the information you need. So you can decide whether going forward with a claim is the right option for you.

We’re here to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve. But we’ll never pressure you into starting the claims process after speaking to us. This will be entirely up to you.

When you’re ready, you can contact us by calling the number at the top of the screen or by filling in our quick and easy online form.