Can I make a claim for a fall from height at work?
Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, employers are legally required to plan, supervise and carry out all work at height in a safe manner.
They must also comply with the wider Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, which places a duty of care on all employers to protect their employees.
If your employer failed to take reasonable steps to protect you and you were injured as a result, you could have grounds for a claim against them.
What causes falls from height at work?
Falls from height are the leading cause of fatal workplace injuries in Great Britain. 35 workers lost their lives falling from a height in 2024/25, making up more than a quarter of workplace deaths in that year.
Some of the most common reasons for falls from height at work include:
- Faulty, unsuitable or poorly maintained ladders
- Scaffolding that has been installed incorrectly
- Unprotected edges, drops or roof openings
- Lack of appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Insufficient training for working at height
- No risk assessment carried out before work began
- Defective or inappropriate equipment being used
If you’ve been injured and you believe your employer could be at fault, get in touch with our team. They’ll assess your case and let you know if you could be owed compensation.
What steps should I take after a fall from height?
Taking the right steps after your accident can make a real difference to the strength of any claim you go on to make.
1. Seek medical attention straight away
Even if you don’t think your injuries are serious, it’s always best to get checked over. Medical records could also be used as evidence if you decide to take legal action.
2. Report the accident to your employer
Make sure the details of the incident are recorded in your workplace’s accident book.
3. Take photographs
If you can, take photos of where your fall happened, the equipment involved and any visible injuries you have.
4. Note down witness details
It’s not unusual to forget certain details about your accident. Witness statements can be extremely useful for filling in the gaps in your own memory.
5. Keep a record of your expenses
You may have had to pay for additional treatment, medication or travel to hospital appointments. Try to keep hold of any receipts or travel tickets you have.
6. Contact a solicitor
Speaking to a solicitor will help you to know where you stand. Our team is here to help you whenever you feel ready.
How much compensation could I receive?
It isn’t possible to give an exact figure without knowing the details of your case. But if your claim is successful, your compensation will likely be made up of two parts:
General damages – for the pain, suffering and damage to your quality of life caused by your injuries.
Special damages – for any financial losses you’ve suffered, which might include:
- Loss of earnings (past and future)
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation costs
- Travel expenses (for medical appointments)
- Any additional care
- Adaptions to your home or vehicle
Your solicitor will do all they can to ensure you receive a settlement that reflects both your physical and financial losses, as well as the emotional impact of your injuries.
How long do I have to claim?
In most cases, you’ll have three years from the date of your accident to start a fall from height claim.
For those who lack the mental capacity to bring a claim themselves – for example, as the result of a serious head injury – the time limit is suspended until capacity is regained.
We’d always recommend seeking legal support as soon as possible. Acting promptly makes it easier to gather evidence, and you may also find it easier to recall what happened.
Will making a claim affect my job?
We understand that this is a concern for many people, and it’s completely understandable. But there are laws in place to protect you.
If an employer were to dismiss you or treat you unfairly for making a claim, they could face additional legal action under the Employment Rights Act 1996.
It may also be reassuring to know that your employer is legally required to hold employers’ liability insurance. This means that any compensation will be paid by the insurer, not directly out of your employer’s pocket.
How will First4InjuryClaims help me?
We know that dealing with a serious injury is already difficult enough. Our job is to take as much of the stress out of the claims process as we can, so you can focus on your recovery.
If you decide to make a claim with us, our knowledgeable team will:
- Carry out a free initial assessment of your case
- Explain our No Win No Fee policy clearly, without jargon
- Investigate the circumstances of your accident and gather evidence
- Handle negotiations with your employer’s insurer
- Work to secure the maximum compensation you’re entitled to
If you’ve been injured in a fall from height at work and think you may have a claim, contact us for free today.