Generally, the amount of compensation awarded in fall from height claims is determined by the severity of the injury, its daily impact, and any financial losses. Falls from a height can be life-altering, leaving those affected with physical and mental trauma. If you believe that your fall injuries were sustained because of your employer’s negligent actions, a solicitor from our panel can help you claim the compensation you deserve.
Our panel of solicitors aim to provide as supportive a space as possible for clients. They can handle every aspect of the claims process, from gathering supporting evidence to serving as the primary point of contact for all case-related communications. If you are looking for legal representation that genuinely cares about your needs, our panel may be the right match for you.
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If you have any further questions after reading this guide, or would like to start your claim as soon as possible, contact our advisors today. They offer a free consultation service, 24/7 and in complete confidence.
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Here at HowMuchCompensation.co.uk our expert advisors are on hand 24 hours a day 7 days a week to assess your compensation claim. Should you require free advice we can connect you to a specialist solicitor.
Jump To A Section
- How Much Compensation For Fall From Height Claims?
- Calculating Fall From Height Compensation Amounts
- What Other Damages Can I Claim For After Falling From A Height?
- Is My Employer Responsible If I Fall From A Height?
- What Injuries Can Fall From Height Claims Cover?
- Can I Claim For A Loved One’s Fatal Fall From A Height?
- What Do I Need To Bring A Fall From Height Compensation Claim?
- How Our Panel Of Solicitors Can Help Your Compensation Claim
- Learn More
How Much Compensation For Fall From Height Claims?
How much compensation for fall from height claims may be awarded is based on the severity and day-to-day impact of your injuries, and how they affect you financially. Solicitors may consult the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG) to inform their valuation of general damages, the head of claim covering any pain and suffering arising from injuries. They might do so because this document publishes suggested compensation brackets for various kinds of injuries.
The table below lists multiple entries from the JCG. These are just guidelines and should not be taken as a guarantee of the amount of compensation that might be awarded. Please also note that the first figure is not taken from the document.
| Type of Injury/Severity | Notes | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Very Severe Injuries + Financial Losses | Financial losses may cover wages, care costs, and rehabilitation expenses. | £1 million+ |
| Head/Brain - Very Severe | Some ability to follow basic commands but little to no environmental response. | £344,150 - £493,000 |
| Paralysis - Paraplegia | Bracket considers presence of pain and extent of independence. | £267,340 - £346,890 |
| Back - Severe (i) | Spinal cord and nerve root damage resulting in severe pain and incomplete paralysis. | £111,150 - £196,450 |
| Back - Moderate (ii) | Bracket can include ligament and muscle disturbance, causing backache. | £15,260 - £33,880 |
| Neck - Severe (i) | Often covers neck injuries where there is incomplete paraplegia or permanent spastic quadriparesis. | Approx. £181,020 |
| Neck - Moderate (ii) | There will be seriously limited movement, recurring or permanent pain, and potential need for additional future surgery. | £16,770 - £30,500 |
| Arm - Severe | Covers extremely serious injuries that fall short of amputation, such as serious brachial plexus damage. | £117,360 - £159,770 |
| Arm - Less Severe | Significant disabilities, but substantial recovery is expected (or will have happened). | £23,430 - £47,810 |
| Leg - Severe (ii) Very Serious | Includes injuries where there are permanent mobility issues and a lifelong need for mobility aids or crutches. | £66,920 - £109,290 |
Get in touch with an advisor today for a more tailored discussion of personal injury compensation.
Calculating Fall From Height Compensation Amounts
When calculating fall from height compensation amounts, your solicitor may consider whether there is permanent disability and how your injuries have affected your quality of life. For instance, you may have reduced mobility or no longer be able to engage in the hobbies you enjoyed before the fall.
To discuss what may be considered when calculating general damages for fall from height claims, call one of our advisors.
We are here to help you
Here at HowMuchCompensation.co.uk our expert advisors are on hand 24 hours a day 7 days a week to assess your compensation claim. Should you require free advice we can connect you to a specialist solicitor.
What Other Damages Can I Claim For After Falling From A Height?
The other damages you can claim for after falling from a height concern the financial losses you incurred as a result of your injuries. These are covered by a head of claim called special damages. You can find some examples below.
Loss Of Wages
Depending on the nature of your fall, you may have been unable to attend work for a significant period. Falls from height claims can compensate individuals for lost income and reduced future earning capacity.
Rehabilitation And Recovery
Falls from height can lead to lasting injuries, including brain damage and paralysis. This can lead to a lifelong need for physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Special damages can account for these expenses, as well as the cost of psychological support and private medical treatment.
Travel Expenses
This includes bus or train tickets you purchased to attend medical appointments related to your injury. Additionally, you may have had to pay out of pocket for petrol or parking fees if you used private transport. Ensure you keep receipts for these tickets as proof of your costs.
Care Costs
You can claim for the cost of hiring carers or cleaners to help you with day-to-day activities following your injury. Moreover, special damages can factor in any gratuitous support you received from loved ones.
Special damages can only be claimed for with supportive evidence, such as invoices, bank statements, and payslips. You can learn more about this part of the fall from height claims process by getting in touch today.
Is My Employer Responsible If I Fall From A Height?
Your employer may be responsible if you fall from a height and sustain an injury due to their failure to protect your health and safety in the workplace. This is known as negligence, which you can establish by proving:
- You were owed a duty of care: This refers to the legal obligations third parties have towards the safety of others. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 outlines this duty of care for employers, requiring them to take reasonable steps to protect workers’ health, safety, and wellbeing. Additionally, the Work at Height Regulations 2005 require employers to follow specific safety measures.
- This duty of care was breached: A breach occurs when an employer fails to comply with health and safety legislation, such as neglecting to maintain harnesses or supply personal protective equipment (PPE).
- An injury was sustained as a result: You can claim for any physical or psychological injuries you sustained from your employer’s breach of duty.
What If I Was Partially At Fault For My Injuries?
You may still be able to claim if you were partially at fault for the injuries you sustained in a fall from height, but any compensation awarded may be adjusted to reflect your share of responsibility. This is known as contributory negligence. For example, say your fall happened due to poorly maintained scaffolding at work, but you did not follow specific safety instructions.
Under these circumstances, the level of fault apportioned to you will be reflected in the overall compensation awarded. So, if you are assigned 40% of the blame, this means that you would receive 60% of the settlement.
Can I Claim If I Am Self-Employed Or A Contractor?
Yes, you can claim if you are self-employed or a contractor and were injured by a third party’s negligent actions. This is because Section 3 of the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 requires employers to ensure the reasonable safety of non-employees using their premises as a place of work.
Still unsure whether your circumstances meet the eligibility criteria? Our advisors are happy to answer any questions.
What Injuries Can Fall From Heights Claims Cover?
Fractures, dislocations, and head trauma are some common injuries that fall from heights claims can cover. Such claims may also extend to:
- Soft tissue damage, such as sprains and/or torn ligaments
- Cuts and lacerations
- Brain damage
- Neck and/or spinal injuries, ranging from slipped discs to paralysis
- Psychological harm, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
You can share your experience confidentially by contacting our advisory team today.
Can I Claim For A Loved One’s Fatal Fall From A Height?
Yes, you can claim for a loved one’s fatal fall from a height, but only the deceased’s estate can pursue compensation in the first 6 months following their passing. This is for the pain and suffering your loved one experienced prior to their death, and is in accordance with the Law Reform (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1934.
Additionally, the estate may claim on behalf of certain relatives. However, if no such claim gets made once the 6-month window ends, then family members who qualify as dependants can seek compensation for the impact of losing their loved one. This is made possible by the Fatal Accidents Act 1976.
You can find further information in our guide to claiming for a fatal accident. We understand this is a challenging time, and our advisors are here to provide the most supportive environment as you explore your options for seeking compensation.
What Do I Need To Bring A Fall From Height Compensation Claim?
To bring a fall from height compensation claim, you need to strengthen your case with supportive evidence and begin the legal process within the appropriate time limit. We discuss both aspects of the claims process in more detail below.
Do I Need Evidence To Prove Fault For My Fall?
Yes, you will need evidence to prove fault for your fall and injury, such as copies of your medical records, accident book entry, and CCTV footage. Our panel of solicitors routinely help clients gather evidence for their claims, and you can find out more about this by reading our guide on how to prove negligence.
What Is The Time Limit For Starting Accident At Work Claims?
The time limit for starting accident at work claims is generally 3 years from the incident occurring. There are some exceptions to this, which are explained in detail in our limitation period guide.
Can I Claim Fall From Height Compensation On A No Win No Fee Basis?
Yes, you can claim fall from height compensation on a No Win No Fee basis with our panel of expert solicitors. They offer their comprehensive support through a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). This arrangement ensures clients do not pay:
- An upfront service fee to their solicitor.
- Any solicitor service fees during the course of the claim.
- A service fee if the claim fails.
If the outcome of your claim is successful, your solicitor will deduct a small percentage of your fall from height compensation. This is commonly referred to as a success fee, and is kept small due to the percentage being legally capped.
If you have any questions about CFAs, feel free to reach out to our advisors today.
How Our Panel Of Solicitors Can Help Your Compensation Claim
At the heart of the work carried out by our panel of knowledgeable solicitors here at How Much Compensation is a commitment to achieving the best possible outcome for clients. That’s why they are always on hand to provide their clients with the dedicated, individualised support they deserve. That can include help with:
- Organising paperwork and ensuring documents are filed on time.
- Gathering evidence to support your account and strengthen your claim.
- Connecting you with rehabilitation specialists to assist your recovery following your fall from a height.
- Communicating with all involved parties.
- Negotiating a settlement that reflects how you’ve been impacted by the fall.
Contact Us For Free Advice
Both our advisors and panel of solicitors understand that a fall from a height can be a deeply traumatic experience. So, they are ready to serve as listening ears and guiding hands throughout the claims process. Contact our advisors today for free advice:
- You can call us on 0800 408 7826
- Use our live chat function
- Make an enquiry by completing our online contact form
Learn More
Some more of our guides:
- How to claim compensation for broken ribs
- Find out what compensation can be claimed for a fatal accident
- Explore the process of claiming for a scaffolding accident
Here are some useful websites:
- Information from the NHS about head injuries
- NHS overview on how to get copies of your medical records
- Government guidance on bereavement support
Thank you for reading our guide, and please reach out today for further advice on the fall from height claims process.
