Get the Compensation You Deserve
If you’ve been injured in a scaffolding accident, you may be entitled to compensation. Falls from height and unsafe scaffolding can cause serious, life-changing injuries. Employers have a legal duty to keep workers and the public safe on site. Claims 24 Hours helps you hold the responsible party accountable and pursue the compensation you deserve.
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What Is a Scaffolding Accident?
A scaffolding accident is any incident involving scaffolding that results in injury or harm. These accidents can happen on construction sites, building sites, warehouses, factories, or anywhere scaffolding has been erected.
Scaffolding accidents can involve:
- Workers erecting, dismantling, or working on scaffolding
- People walking or working near scaffolding structures
- Members of the public passing by a construction site
Common causes of scaffolding accidents include:
- Scaffolding collapse due to improper erection or overloading
- Falls from height caused by missing guardrails or unstable platforms
- Defective or faulty scaffolding equipment
- Lack of training or supervision
- Failure to carry out regular safety inspections
- Adverse weather conditions (e.g., high winds causing scaffolding to fall)
- Weak or insecure planks, bracing, or connections
- Electric shocks from scaffolding coming into contact with power lines
In the vast majority of cases, scaffolding accidents are preventable. If proper safety measures had been in place, the accident would not have happened.
Common Scaffolding Injuries
Scaffolding accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to catastrophic, life-changing harm.
The most common injuries include:
- Broken bones (legs, arms, ribs, pelvis)
- Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal injuries, including paralysis
- Internal injuries and organ damage
- Severe cuts, lacerations, and crush injuries
- Back and neck injuries
- Electric shocks and burns
- Soft tissue damage and severe bruising
In the worst cases, scaffolding accidents can be fatal. If you have lost a loved one in a scaffolding accident, you may be able to claim on their behalf.
Who Is Responsible for Scaffolding Safety?
Your employer has a legal duty to ensure the scaffolding on their site is safe. This duty applies whether you are an employee, a contractor, or self-employed.
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Work at Height Regulations 2005, your employer must:
- Ensure scaffolding is designed, erected, and dismantled by competent, trained workers
- Carry out regular inspections — at least once every 7 days, and after any adverse weather or alterations
- Provide proper training and supervision for all workers using or working near scaffolding
- Ensure scaffolding is safe and fit for purpose before allowing anyone to use it
- Conduct risk assessments and take action to eliminate or reduce identified risks
- Provide personal protective equipment (PPE) where necessary
- Display clear hazard warnings and signage around scaffolding sites
- Protect members of the public from scaffolding hazards
If your employer has failed to meet any of these standards, and you have been injured as a result, they can be held legally responsible.
Can I Claim Compensation for a Scaffolding Accident?
Yes — if you have been injured in a scaffolding accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, you are likely entitled to compensation.
To make a successful claim, you need to show that:
- Your employer (or another party) owed you a duty of care.
- They breached that duty — for example, by failing to erect scaffolding properly, not carrying out inspections, or not providing adequate training.
- You were injured as a direct result of that breach.
You do not need to prove that your employer acted deliberately or maliciously. It is enough to show that they failed to meet their legal obligations.
Can I Claim If I Was Self-Employed?
Yes. Health and safety laws apply to all workers, regardless of employment status. If you were self-employed and injured in a scaffolding accident, you can still claim compensation.
Can I Claim If I Was on a Zero-Hours Contract?
Yes. Your employment status does not affect your right to claim. If you were injured due to negligence, you can claim — whether you were on a zero-hours contract, agency worker, contractor, or full-time employee.
Can I Claim If I Was a Member of the Public?
Yes. If you were injured by scaffolding while walking past a construction site, you may be able to claim under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957. Businesses and site owners owe a duty of care to members of the public and must take reasonable steps to prevent harm.
How Much Compensation Could I Receive?
The amount of compensation you could receive depends on the severity of your injuries and how they have affected your life.
Compensation is made up of two parts:
General Damages
This covers the pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life caused by your injury.
Examples of typical compensation amounts include:
- Moderate back injury: £11,800 – £36,500
- Serious neck injury with restricted movement: £124,000+
- Fractured ankle requiring surgery: up to £47,000
- Head injury: £12,300 – £322,000+
- Severe spinal injury causing paralysis: £250,000+
These figures are based on the Judicial College Guidelines, which solicitors use to calculate compensation.
Special Damages
This covers the financial losses you have suffered as a result of your injury, including:
- Lost earnings (past and future)
- Travel costs to medical appointments
- Medical treatment, prescriptions, and physiotherapy
- Care and assistance at home
- Costs of home adaptations or mobility aids
- Loss of pension contributions
Your solicitor will work to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
What Should I Do After a Scaffolding Accident?
If you have been injured in a scaffolding accident, follow these steps:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Even if your injuries seem minor, get them checked and recorded. Medical evidence is essential for your claim.
- Report the accident to your employer. Make sure it is logged in the workplace accident book. If it is not, follow up in writing (an email is fine).
- Gather evidence if you can. Take photos of the scene, the scaffolding, and your injuries. Get the names and contact details of any witnesses.
- Keep records of everything. Note down what happened, when, and where. Keep receipts for any costs you have incurred (travel, prescriptions, etc.).
- Contact Claims 24 Hours. The sooner you get in touch, the stronger your claim will be. Call us on +44 20 7043 3779 for free, no-obligation advice.
Will My Employer Report the Accident?
Under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations 2013 (RIDDOR), employers are legally required to report certain types of workplace accidents to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).
This includes:
- Scaffolding collapses (classified as a “dangerous occurrence”)
- Serious injuries such as broken bones, crush injuries, amputations, or head injuries causing unconsciousness
Your employer must report these incidents within 10 days. If you are concerned that your employer has not reported the accident, you can contact the HSE yourself or mention this to your solicitor.
How Long Do I Have to Make a Claim?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of your scaffolding accident to start legal proceedings.
However, there are some exceptions:
- If you were under 18 when the accident happened, the time limit does not start until your 18th birthday.
- If you lack mental capacity to make a claim, there is no time limit while that incapacity continues.
- If the injured person has died, their family may have three years from the date of death to claim on their behalf.
Even if you think the three-year limit may have passed, it is still worth getting in touch with us. There may be circumstances that allow your claim to proceed.
Will I Have to Go to Court?
The vast majority of scaffolding accident claims are settled without ever going to court. In fact, only around 1 in 100 personal injury claims reach a courtroom.
Your solicitor will work to negotiate a fair settlement with the other side. If they make an offer, your solicitor will explain it to you and advise whether to accept or push for more.
If your case does go to court, your solicitor will prepare you fully and will be there to support you every step of the way.
Will Making a Claim Put My Job at Risk?
No. It is illegal for your employer to dismiss you, demote you, or treat you unfairly because you have made a personal injury claim.
Under the Employment Rights Act 1996, you are protected from unfair dismissal or discrimination as a result of claiming compensation. If your employer does treat you unfairly, you could bring an additional claim for unfair dismissal.
Also, remember that any compensation you receive will be paid by your employer’s liability insurance — not by your employer directly. So there is no direct financial impact on them.
What If My Employer No Longer Exists?
If your employer has gone out of business, you should still be able to claim. By law, all employers must have liability insurance in place, and this insurance often remains active even after the company has closed.
Our team at Claims 24 Hours has experience tracing old employers and insurers. We will handle this on your behalf.
Can I Get an Interim Payment?
If you have been seriously injured and are struggling financially, you may be able to receive an interim payment while your claim is ongoing.
Interim payments can help cover immediate costs such as:
- Lost wages
- Medical treatment
- Home adaptations
- Care and support
Your solicitor will discuss this option with you if it applies to your case.
What If the Accident Was Partly My Fault?
Even if you think you were partly to blame for the accident, you may still be able to claim compensation.
This is known as contributory negligence. If you are found to be partially at fault, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of blame attributed to you.
For example:
- If you are found to be 25% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 25%.
- If you are found to be 100% at fault, you will not be able to claim.
Your solicitor will work hard to prove that your employer was responsible, in order to secure the maximum compensation possible.
No Win No Fee Scaffolding Accident Claims
At Claims 24 Hours, we offer No Win No Fee representation for all scaffolding accident claims.
This means:
- You pay nothing upfront.
- You pay nothing while your claim is ongoing.
- You only pay if your claim is successful.
If your claim is successful, your solicitor will deduct a small percentage (the success fee) from your compensation. This is capped by law and will be clearly explained to you before you agree to anything.
If your claim is unsuccessful, you pay nothing at all. Any other costs (such as medical reports or expert fees) are covered by After the Event (ATE) insurance, which your solicitor will arrange.
There is absolutely no financial risk to you.
Why Choose Claims 24 Hours
Free, Honest Initial Advice
We believe you should understand your rights before making any decisions. That’s why we offer free initial advice with no obligation. We take time to listen to what happened, explain whether you may have a valid scaffolding accident claim, and outline your options clearly and honestly.
No Win, No Fee Protection
Our scaffolding accident claims are handled on a No Win, No Fee basis. This means there are no upfront costs and nothing to pay if your claim is unsuccessful. You can pursue compensation without financial pressure, knowing the risk is removed from your side.
Access to Specialist Injury Solicitors
Scaffolding accidents often result in serious or life-changing injuries. We work with experienced personal injury solicitors who specialise in workplace and construction accident claims. They understand the technical, medical, and legal complexities involved in scaffolding cases and know how to build strong claims.
Clear Communication at Every Stage
We keep the process simple and transparent. You are kept informed at every stage of your claim, with regular updates and clear explanations — no legal jargon, no confusion, and no unanswered questions.
Full Support From Start to Settlement
From your first call through to final settlement, we handle everything on your behalf. This includes gathering evidence, dealing with insurers, arranging medical assessments, and negotiating compensation, so you can focus on your recovery while we manage the claim.
Putting Your Interests First
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial impact a scaffolding accident can have. Our approach is always supportive, professional, and focused on securing the best possible outcome for you and your family.