Construction sites are inherently dangerous work environments, with each employee bearing 10 times the risk of injury of other workplaces. When construction injuries do occur, they are likely to be severe, preventing the employee from re-entering the trade after the injury has healed. Some workers may suffer permanent effects that prevent them from providing for their families—and others will suffer fatal injuries that could likely have been prevented.
Our Glasgow construction injury lawyers represent victims across the West of Scotland who are struggling after an accident on the job. If you have questions about your recovery, or are a surviving family member of a loved one killed in a construction accident, we can advise you on your next steps at no cost to you. Contact us today by calling 0800 009 6953 or complete our online enquiry form to set up a no-obligation chat with a lawyer.
Your Employer May Be Liable for the Ongoing Costs of a Construction Injury
While it’s impossible to remove all hazards from a construction site, employers and contractors have a duty to follow proper safety measures to minimise the risk of danger. Laws such as the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015 help protect workers in the construction industry, and a failure to follow these regulations could serve as evidence in your construction accident claim.
Our lawyers can advise you on a wide range of construction injury claims, including:
- Falls from heights. Falls from ladders or scaffolding are the leading cause of fatalities in the construction industry. The Work at Height Regulations 2005, specifically created to prevent injuries and deaths while working at height, apply equally to employees who are standing on a ladder or working hundreds of feet above the ground.
- Machinery accidents. Construction requires a great deal of heavy and complicated machinery, including saws, sanders, grinders, drills, and presses. Workers who are not given adequate personal protective equipment or training on heavy machinery can suffer compression, crush injuries, or even sudden amputation of a finger or limb. An employer can be responsible for accidents caused by poor maintenance or inspection of machinery, or if the employer failed to conduct a proper health and safety assessment. In addition, the manufacturer of the equipment could share liability if the machinery was defective in some way.
- Heavy lifting. Bending, lifting, and carrying heavy objects places a great deal of strain on the body, weakening the joints and soft tissues with each day on the job. Construction workers are likely to suffer severe repetitive strain injuries (RSI) that cause long-term damage to their backs, necks, shoulders, knees, and hands.
- Falling objects. Employees may be struck by all manner of falling objects on construction sites, including bricks, hand tools, and the collapse of the structure itself. An employer may be liable for injuries caused by improper stacking of materials, faulty safety netting, or failure to brace unstable walls or floors. Employers may also be liable for flying object injuries, such as materials that become airborne due to lack of machine guards or allowing dust or particles to fly into a worker’s eye.
- Electrical injuries. Contractors or site owners may attempt to cut corners by installing cheap wiring or allowing an unqualified worker to perform electrical maintenance or installation, increasing the odds of sudden electrocution. Electric shock injuries can cause severe burns and cardiac arrest. They also have the potential for lifelong nerve damage and scarring.
- Industrial illness. Even if a construction worker manages to avoid an accident on the job, he or she may suffer an illness due to repeated exposure to a harmful work environment. The vibrations from handheld power tools, excessive noise levels, or the handling of hazardous chemicals and substances can all cause irreversible damage that prevents a worker from earning a living.
Let Our Construction Accident Lawyers Handle the Claim While You Focus on Your Recovery
At Conway Accident Law, it is our goal to shoulder the burden of an injury case so that our clients have all the time they need to rest and heal. In our three decades of experience working exclusively for claimants, we have seen firsthand the effects these injuries can have on our clients. That is why we offer a free initial consultation and operate on a no-win, no-fee basis, helping to minimise both the financial and emotional stress you are under.
We want your claim to provide all that you need to put your accident behind you, whether that includes loss of earnings and pension, cost of past and future medical treatment, permanent disability, or increased bills. Throughout it all, we explain your options and address your most pressing concerns, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we protect your rights. Call us today or fill out our online enquiry form to set up your no-obligation conversation with a member of our legal team.