Falls from height remain one of the most serious workplace hazards in the UK. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), falls from height are the leading cause of fatal injuries in the workplace and a major contributor to serious accidents every year.
If you’ve suffered an injury due to a fall from height at work and your employer was responsible, you could be entitled to make a compensation claim for both your physical injuries and any emotional distress from the accident. This article helps you understand your legal rights, your employer’s responsibilities, and how much compensation you could claim.
What Is Considered a Fall From Height?
A fall from height is any situation where someone falls from one level to a lower level; it doesn’t have to be from a great height to be serious. Common examples include:
- Falling off ladders, platforms, or scaffolding
- Slipping off a roof
- Falling down stairs
- Falling from vehicles or equipment
- Accidents caused by faulty harnesses or guardrails
Even a fall from just one or two metres can result in serious injuries such as broken bones, head trauma, spinal injuries, or even long-term disability.
Common Causes of Falls From Height at Work
You can only take legal action against your employer for an injury if the accident was caused, at least in part, by their negligence. Common causes include:
- Inadequate risk assessments
- Lack of or poorly maintained safety equipment
- Unsafe working practices
- Failure to provide appropriate training
- Wet, uneven, or unstable surfaces
- Inadequate edge protection or guardrails
Under the Work at Height Regulations 2005, employers have a legal duty to make sure that any work carried out at height is properly planned, supervised, and carried out safely. These examples aren’t completely exhaustive, so don’t be concerned if your specific accident isn’t listed. If you believe your fall from height at work was caused by something your employer did or failed to do, get in touch to find out if we can help you make a claim.
How Much Compensation Could I Claim?
The amount of compensation you could receive after a fall from height depends on several factors, including:
- The severity and type of your injuries
- The impact on your quality of life
- Loss of earnings (past and future)
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation costs
- Long-term care or home adjustments
- Psychological impact, including PTSD or anxiety
Compensation is generally divided into two categories:
1. General Damages
This covers pain, suffering, and loss of amenity (the impact on your day-to-day life). The Judicial College Guidelines are used to estimate these amounts. For example:
| Injury Type | Compensation Range |
| Minor head injury | £2,500 – £11,000 |
| Moderate brain injury | £43,000 – £219,000 |
| Broken leg | £8,000 – £39,000 |
| Serious spinal injuries | £24,000 – £160,000 |
| Minor back injuries | £2,500 – £12,500 |
These figures provide a rough idea of the general damages you can claim for a fall from height. To get a more accurate estimate of the compensation you may be entitled to, based on your specific situation, contact CEL Solicitors. We can provide an accurate calculation that considers all the details of your injury and its impact.
2. Special Damages
These compensate you for specific financial losses caused by the accident, including:
- Lost income
- Travel expenses for medical appointments
- Physiotherapy and private healthcare
- Prescription costs
- Home adaptations or mobility aids
What Evidence Do I Need to Support a Fall From Height Claim
If you plan to take legal action against your employer after a workplace accident, your claim will typically be handled by their insurance provider. In most cases, the insurer may initially deny any responsibility for the incident or your injuries. This means it’s up to you to provide evidence showing how the accident happened and who was at fault. Useful types of evidence can include:
- Accident reports: Alongside the official accident report completed by your employer, your solicitor may also refer to any investigation findings from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), if they looked into the incident, to help establish the cause of your fall.
- Photographs: If possible, take clear photos of the accident scene and anything that may have contributed to the fall. These images can serve as valuable evidence.
- Witness details: Gathering the names and contact information of anyone who witnessed the incident is important. Your solicitor may reach out to them for statements to support your account of what happened.
- CCTV footage: Many workplaces have security cameras. If your fall was captured on CCTV, you have the right to request a copy of the footage, which could be important to your case.
- Medical records: After a fall from height, it’s crucial to be examined by a medical professional. Your medical records can help demonstrate the extent of your injuries and the treatment you’ve received.
- Personal diary: Keeping a diary of your recovery, including details of your pain, symptoms, treatment, and the impact on your daily life, can provide additional context and support for your claim.
- Financial evidence: Document any financial losses related to the accident, such as loss of earnings, medical bills, travel costs, or expenses for ongoing care. These records can be used to calculate your claim more accurately.
Gathering and presenting this evidence can strengthen your claim by emphasising the full extent of the impact of the fall, the negligence that led to it, and the justification for compensation.
Start Your Fall From Height At Work Claim Today
We hope this guide on fall from height claims has given you clarity on your next steps. If you’re considering legal action against your employer, our team is here to support you.
Call our team on 0333 305 4982 for free legal advice. We’ll review your claim and explain your options during your initial consultation. If your accident claim is taken on by one of our solicitors, they’ll represent you on a No-Win, No-Fee basis, meaning you will only have to pay legal fees if you are compensated.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a fall at work compensation claim take?
The time varies, but most claims are resolved within 6 to 18 months. This depends on how complex the case is and whether your employer admits responsibility.
Can I still claim if the accident was partly my fault?
Yes, you can. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still be awarded compensation. However, the amount may be reduced based on your level of responsibility — this is known as “contributory negligence.”
What is the Time Limit for Fall from Height Claims?
In the UK, you typically have three years from the date of a fall from height to make a personal injury claim, as set out by the Limitation Act 1980. If the injured person lacks mental capacity, this time limit is paused until capacity is regained. In such cases, a relative or friend can apply to act on their behalf as a litigation friend. It’s always best to begin your claim as soon as possible, so you can focus on recovery.
What if no one witnessed my fall?
You can still pursue a claim. Even without witnesses, your case can be supported using medical records, accident reports, photos, and other evidence.
Is there a minimum injury severity for a claim?
No. You can claim for minor injuries too, though the compensation will be lower. It’s still worth seeking legal advice.
Can I claim for psychological trauma after a fall?
Absolutely. Emotional distress, such as anxiety, PTSD, or depression resulting from your accident, can be included in your compensation.
