Lyons Leadership

It is unfortunate but there a lot of compensation claims made for work accidents. In the region of 2.2 million people are employed in Britain’s major industry, the construction business. And, even though the United Kingdom has quite a low rate of accidents compared to the rest of the European Union, accidents at work still happen far too frequently. These incidents have resulted in over 2800 fatalities over the last twenty five years along with many more people suffering from serious injury and industrial diseases.

What is a construction industry accident? Generally speaking it is one which takes place on a building site. The most common form of work accidents in the building industry are those involving scaffolding with people or items falling from a height, and accidents involving power tools, lifting equipment and any number of incidents involving faulty equipment.

Building sites are not only a potential danger to those working on them. Even someone walking past a site can fall victim to personal injury. Different laws cover building workers and innocent passers by, but either way, both are entitled to make compensation claims for personal injury.

The employer has obligation to ensure health and safety regulations are observed. He should make sure the site is covered by adequate insurance, and ensure his workers have had the proper training and receive correct supervision when machinery is in use. So if you are the victim of a construction site injury, just what should you do?

The initial step, following the administration of first aid or other medical treatment, is to inform your line manager or supervisor. Precise details of the accident should be entered in the accident book and this information will be used to form the basis of your compensation claim.

To prove that the employer is responsible for the accident at work, you should gather and keep a written record of as much evidence as possible. You should also gather the names of any witnesses to the work accident and enquire if this has happened before with this company. You should then enlist the services of a solicitor in specialises in work accident compensation. He will advise on the amount of what you should claim and your chances of success.

The money awarded for the compensation claim is not only for the injuries incurred from the work accidents but also for any loss of current and future earnings due to incapacity, any trauma caused and any damage to your personal property at the time of the accident. Claims of this kind more often than not add up to quite substantial amounts of money. Your solicitor is likely to provide a no win no fee service, avoiding further financial strain being put on you at this already costly time.

Do not be reluctant to pursue a personal injury claim against your employer for fear of repercussions. If you are certain your employer was remiss in his health and safety procedures and that led to your accident in the work place, then push on with your personal injury claim. By taking this stand you may eliminate the chances of a similar accident at work happening again. You owe that to your work colleagues.