Construction sites are some of the most hazardous workplaces in Northern Ireland. With the constant use of heavy machinery, working at heights, and potential exposure to hazardous substances, it’s no surprise that serious accidents can and do happen. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury on a construction site, Lacey Solicitors are here to help you claim the compensation you deserve.
How Common are Construction Injuries?
According to the Health and Safety Executive of Northern Ireland (HSENI), there have been 46 construction site fatalities in the last decade alone. Despite rigorous health and safety regulations, construction workers still face unacceptable levels of risk due to:
- Inadequate risk assessments
- Poor site maintenance
- Lack of training or PPE
- Exposure to hazardous materials
- Working at heights without proper fall prevention measures
At Lacey Solicitors, our expert personal injury team in Belfast have decades of experience in helping construction workers bring successful compensation claims against employers or third parties who have failed in their duty of care.
What is the Most Common Injury Suffered by Construction Workers?
Construction workers such as labourers, electricians, roofers, bricklayers, and plasterers are regularly exposed to injury risks. Common types of construction site injuries include:
- Falls from height (scaffolding, roofs, ladders)
- Slips, trips, and falls as outlined in our previous article.
- Crush injuries from heavy machinery
- Electrocution or burns from faulty wiring or equipment
- Head and brain injuries from falling objects
- Repetitive strain injuries (RSI) or vibration white finger
- Respiratory illnesses like asbestosis and silicosis
- Hearing loss from prolonged exposure to loud machinery
If you’ve experienced any of the above while working on a construction site, you may be entitled to compensation. Lacey Solicitors can guide you through every step of the claims process. Read about Gerard from Belfast and his construction accident in Galway where he fell from a scaffolding.
Vicarious Liability: When Employers Are Responsible for Colleague Negligence
You may be wondering: What if my colleague caused the accident? Under the principle of vicarious liability, your employer can still be held responsible.
What Is Vicarious Liability?
This legal concept holds an employer accountable for the negligent actions of their employees, as long as those actions occurred within the scope of employment. For example:
- A colleague failed to follow proper safety procedures, causing your injury.
- A subcontractor made a critical error on site.
- You weren’t trained adequately for a high-risk task.
You don’t sue your colleague — instead, Lacey Solicitors would pursue your employer’s insurance provider to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Types of Claims We Handle
At Lacey Solicitors, we’ve helped clients across Northern Ireland claim for a range of construction accident injuries, including:
- Broken or fractured bones
- Amputation
- Eye and hearing damage
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- PTSD and psychological trauma
- Occupational illnesses (e.g. asbestosis, COPD, dermatitis)
- Fatal construction accidents
Your health, your livelihood, and your future matter. We help you seek justice and recover your financial losses following a construction injury.
Causes of Construction Site Accidents
Many construction site accidents can be traced back to a few recurring issues. These include the failure to carry out proper risk assessments, inadequate safety measures when working at heights, and the use of faulty or poorly maintained equipment. Accidents also commonly occur due to improper training or lack of supervision, as well as the absence of appropriate or functioning personal protective equipment (PPE). Exposure to hazardous substances such as asbestos or brick dust, poor traffic management involving construction vehicles, and unsafe manual handling practices further contribute to the risk. When these failures result in injury, they may form the basis for a personal injury compensation claim.
Making a Construction Injury Claim in Northern Ireland
To make a successful claim, you must prove:
- A duty of care existed
- That duty was breached
- The breach caused your injury
Our legal team at Lacey Solicitors has extensive experience building robust cases and negotiating with employers and insurers to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Bring a Claim for Compensation After a Serious Construction Accident
Don’t let your employer’s negligence go unanswered. If you or a loved one has been injured on a construction site, you deserve expert legal representation and full compensation for your losses.
Contact Lacey Solicitors Belfast today to start your construction site injury claim. Call us or fill out our online enquiry form — we’re ready to help you every step of the way.
