Falling Object Injury Claims: Workplace Injury Solicitors

Have you been injured at work by a falling or moving object?

A Falling Object Claim is a way for those injured in this type of accident to obtain compensation. You’re entitled to compensation if you have been injured by a falling object at work - or in a public place for that matter. Where it can be proven that your employer, or a third party, has been responsible in some way, you are likely to have a valid claim.

There are many working environments where employees are particularly exposed to the potential dangers of falling objects, such as building sites or warehouses. This is why there are strict rules surrounding employees wearing protective clothing and head-gear, as well as regulations governing both the adequate training of staff and an employer's responsibility to ensure the provision of such protective items.

Falling objects often cause head injuries, so the chances of serious injury can be considerable. Concussion, severe lacerations, even brain injury, and lasting psychological trauma are all possible outcomes depending on the size, weight, and shape of the falling object and therefore the severity of the injury.

If you or a loved one has sustained an injury because of being struck by a falling object in a working environment, then you should speak to the Work Accident Solicitors at SDS as soon as you are able to.

We will quickly assess the strength and compensation potential of your injury claim and answer any immediate pages you may have.

As one of Manchester's leading Falling Object Claim law firms, you can trust SDS to leave no stone unturned in investigating your case. Where it can be shown that there has been a failure to comply with legal statutory duties to minimise and prevent the risk of injury, we have the legal acumen and tenacity to ensure your claim succeeds.

 

Falling object workplace injury statistics

The severity of the injuries suffered by someone who is struck by a falling or moving object can vary widely from minor to fatal in the worst case and RIDDOR (Reporting of Injuries, diseases, and dangerous occurrences regulations) statistics from 2016 indicate that 10% of ALL workplace injuries recorded, resulted from being struck by a falling or moving object,

10% of ALL fatal injuries suffered in the workplace that year were again as a result of falling or moving objects, equating to roughly 14 deaths. This is an alarming statistic to absorb i.e. that 14 families were left without a loved one in one year alone, as a result of what is, in many cases, an avoidable accident that occurred at work.

 

What are commonly suffered injuries from falling objects?

Common injuries resulting from a falling object accident on the workplace include:

• Bruises, fractures, strains and other minor injuries
• Head Injuries
• Spinal Injuries
• Chemical Burns
• Wrongful Death

Workers can be at risk of falling loads, tools, materials and other large and small items. If you have been involved in a falling object accident, our expert team of workplace injury solicitors can help you with your claim.

 

Specialists in Work Accidents involving falling objects

If you or a loved one has been injured at work by a falling object and you feel the accident was the result of negligence on the part of the employer or the result of work colleague's carelessness, then it is highly likely that you are entitled to financial compensation.

Here at Sheldon Davidson Solicitors, we are experts in the field of workplace injuries and our lawyers are highly experienced in managing and winning such cases. If you are still undecided as to whether you can or should claim then pick up the phone for a free, initial consultation today.

You will find that our approach is, in the first place, compassionate and considerate of the trauma you or your loved one has suffered. We will listen carefully to your story and give you honest advice as to whether we believe there is a case to be answered and whether there is a high likelihood of success. So, on this basis, there is nothing to lose by having that initial conversation. Rather absolute clarity to gain.

 

What is my employer's duty of care for falling object accidents?

In the eyes of the law, every employer has a duty of care to ensure all employees are adequately protected from danger and injury. There are different regulations that must be adhered to and in case they are not, an employer can be deemed negligent and therefore liable in the case of any claims for damages. These regulations include:

• Health and Safety at work Act 1974
• Working at Heights Regulations 2005
• Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations 1992

Similarly, under UK Law there are steps that should be taken to preserve the Health & Safety of employees when working in any environment where there is a risk of falling objects. These steps include:

• Ensuring adequate training has been provided to all (at risk) staff
• Carrying out proper risk assessments and employing risk management practices to safeguard against any potential safety risk
• Setting up exclusion zones / no-go areas
• Provision and supervision of the correct PPE such as hard hats
• Measures are taken to prevent objects falling such as ties, or mesh guards
• Safe storage of goods placed at a height.

 

Evidence to support a falling workplace object injury claim

When making any claim for damages the burden of proof is on the claiming party i.e. you, the client and your legal team to prove that the negligent party i.e. your employer was in fact negligent and failed to safeguard your safety, or that of your loved one, as is required by law. Obviously, the more evidence that can be provided to support this claim, the stronger the case will be. This evidence could include:

• Photographs of the accident site and the site where the objects fell from
• Photographs of the injuries sustained
• Witness testimonies as to what actually happened and ‘normal’ standards of practice around Health & Safety, object storage, staff training, etc
• Accident book records (every employer is required to maintain detailed records of any workplace accident)
• Medical reports of immediate treatment received and any aftercare/outpatient treatment

The Falling Object Injury Solicitors in our team can help you collect evidence, and document any wrongdoing or breach of duty of care by an employer or third party. Contact us today to find out if you have a valid falling object compensation claim.

 

Do I have a time limit to make a Falling Object Claim?

If you have been injured by a falling object at work, making a claim for compensation may not be your first thought. Ensuring a healthy recovery should be a priority. However, if you are considering a compensation claim for your accident some time after the actual event, you might be wondering what are the time limits for personal injury claims in the UK.

The general time limit for compensation claims in the UK is 3 years from the date of the accident. This means that legal proceedings must be started before this deadline, and seeking legal counsel is not enough.

There are, however, a number of exceptions to this rule, such as accidents involving minors or those lacking mental capacity under the Mental Health Act 1983. The time limit for injury claims is also considered to begin from the date of knowledge, meaning the date on which you have been made aware of the full extent and ramifications of your injuries.

If you’re unsure about how your Falling Object Claims could be affected by the time limit, contact Sheldon Davidson Solicitors today, and we’ll assess your case with you.

 

Get justice and claim the compensation you deserve for your injury

Sheldon Davidson Solicitors are a leading team of work accident claim lawyers in Manchester. Our expert knowledge, long-standing relationships and compassionate approach sets us apart from other injury lawyers and garners heavy praise from satisfied clients.

If you choose Sheldon Davidson to represent you, you will gain an ally who will stand in your corner and fight for the compensation you deserve to get your life back on track.

 

Why choose us?

Established in Manchester in 1997, we are a leading specialist personal injury, accident and medical negligence law firm acting for claimants who are victims of non-fault incidents.

Our team of Accident at Work Solicitors in Manchester, act regularly for clients across Greater Manchester including Ashton, Bury, Bolton, Radcliffe, Prestwich, Middleton, Failsworth, Rochdale, Oldham and Whitefield.

Our Injury at Work Lawyers, with years of experience in falling object accident claims, can support your needs wherever you live in Wales, England & Northern Ireland.

We specialise in no win no fee personal injury claims, which means if you don't win, you won't have to pay.

Call us for free now using the number at the top of the page or complete the online contact form and a member of our team will get back to you.

Sheldon Davidson Solicitors are a Lexcel accredited law firm. The Lexcel standard is only awarded by the Law Society to firms who meet the highest standards of practice management and customer service. With Sheldon Davidson's Personal Injury Solicitors in Manchester you can be confident that your claim is in safe hands.