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Building Site Accident Claims

Building site accident claims are legal actions seeking compensation for injuries sustained on construction sites. We can provide legal representation, guidance, and support throughout the claims process.

Table of Contents

    Employer’s duty of care?

    Responsibility for building site accidents in Ireland typically depends on various factors, including the specific circumstances of the accident and the parties involved. However, here are some key points to consider:

    1. Employers

    Employers have a legal duty of care to ensure their employees’ health, safety, and welfare. They are responsible for providing a safe working environment, implementing proper safety measures, and training employees on safety procedures. If they fail to fulfill this duty, they may be held liable for building site accidents.

    2. Contractors and subcontractors

    Contractors and subcontractors working on a building site are also responsible for maintaining a safe working environment for their employees. They may be held accountable for accidents due to their negligence or failure to adhere to safety regulations.

    3. Site owners

    The building site owners may have specific responsibilities depending on their level of control and involvement in the construction project. They may be liable for accidents if they negligently create or maintain hazardous conditions on the site.

    4. Manufacturers and suppliers

    In cases where accidents are caused by defective machinery, equipment, or materials, the manufacturers or suppliers of these products may be held responsible under product liability laws.

    Determining liability for building site accidents often requires a detailed assessment of the circumstances and applicable laws. Therefore, it is advisable to consult with an experienced workplace injury solicitor in Ireland who can provide accurate and tailored advice based on your specific situation.

    Common building site accident claims

    The most common building site accident claims are

    • Ladder accident claim: Injuries resulting from accidents involving ladders on construction sites.
    • Manual handling injury claim: Claims related to injuries caused by improper manual lifting or carrying of objects.
    • Personal protective equipment (PPE) Claim: Claims for injuries due to inadequate or improper use of protective equipment.
    • Dangerous machinery claim: Accidents resulting from the use of malfunctioning or unsafe machinery.
    • Dangerous practices and procedures at work claim: Injuries caused by unsafe work practices or procedures on construction sites.
    • Being hit by falling objects: Accidents involving workers being struck by objects falling from heights.
    • Slip, trip, and fall in the workplace: Claims for injuries caused by slipping, tripping, or falling on construction sites.
    • Vehicle crashes and collisions: Accidents involving vehicles or collisions on construction sites.
    • Acoustic shock claim: Claims for hearing-related injuries caused by sudden loud noises or explosions.
    • Angle grinder accident claim: Injuries caused by accidents while using angle grinders on construction sites.
    • Broken handrail accident claim: Accidents resulting from the failure or breakage of handrails.
    • Conveyor belt accident claim: Injuries caused by accidents involving conveyor belts or material handling systems.
    • Chemical and gas inhalation claim: Claims for respiratory or health issues due to inhalation of hazardous chemicals or gases.
    • Cherry picker accident claim: Accidents involving cherry pickers or aerial work platforms.
    • Crane accident claim: Injuries resulting from accidents involving cranes on construction sites.
    • Defective product liability claim: Claims for injuries caused by defective or unsafe products used on construction sites.
    • Defective steel toe cap boots claim: Injuries caused by faulty or defective steel toe cap boots.
    • Forklift accident claim: Accidents involving forklifts resulting in injuries on construction sites.
    • Health and safety breach claim: Claims for injuries caused by violations of health and safety regulations on construction sites.
    • Inadequate lighting accident claim: Accidents caused by insufficient lighting leading to injuries.
    • Lift accident claim: Injuries resulting from accidents involving lifts or elevators on construction sites.
    • Overreaching work injury claim: Injuries caused by overreaching or straining while performing tasks on construction sites.
    • Pallet accident claim: Accidents involving pallets causing injuries on construction sites.
    • Repetitive strain injury claim: Claims for injuries caused by repetitive tasks or motions.
    • Scaffolding accident claim: Injuries resulting from accidents involving scaffolding structures.
    • Welding accident and illness claim: Injuries or illnesses caused by accidents or exposure to hazards while welding.
    • Wet floor accident claim: Accidents caused by slippery or wet surfaces leading to injuries.
    • Work footwear injury claim: Injuries caused by inadequate or unsuitable footwear on construction sites.
    • Falling from a height claims Injuries resulting from falls from elevated areas on construction sites.
    • Walking into objects claim: Accidents caused by workers colliding with objects or obstacles while walking.
    • Struck by flying debris claim: Where a worker is injured by objects propelled by machinery or tools.
    • Crane operator error claim: Accidents caused by mistakes or negligence of crane operators.
    • Electrical shock claim: Workers experiencing electric shocks due to faulty wiring or equipment.
    • Scaffold accident claim: Accidents resulting from unstable or improperly assembled scaffolding.
    • Roofing material accidents: Injuries caused by falling or mishandling of roofing materials.
    • Hazardous material spill claim: Workers affected by spills of toxic or hazardous substances.
    • Lifting equipment failure claim: Accidents caused by failure or malfunction of lifting equipment.
    • Struck by construction vehicles claim: Workers hit by construction vehicles or heavy machinery.
    • Falling object from height claim: Injuries caused by objects dropped or falling from elevated areas.
    • Structural support failure claim: Accidents resulting from the failure of structural support systems.

    What should I do after a building site accident?

    Here are some steps to consider

    1. Seek medical attention

    Your health and well-being should be the top priority. If you sustain an injury, immediately seek medical attention by calling an ambulance or visiting a hospital or doctor.

    2. Report the accident

    Inform your employer or supervisor about the accident immediately. Ensure the incident is documented correctly in the construction site’s accident book or incident reporting system.

    3. Follow medical advice

    Adhere to the treatment plan your healthcare provider prescribes. Attend follow-up appointments and rehabilitation sessions, and keep records of your medical progress.

    4. Consult with a building site accident solicitor

    It is advisable to seek legal advice from an experienced workplace injury solicitor. An experienced team can assess the details of your case, provide guidance on your legal rights, and help you understand the potential compensation options available to you.

    5. Gather and preserve documents for your Solicitor

    Collect evidence related to the accident. Take photos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any hazardous conditions that may have contributed to the incident. Collect the contact information of any witnesses present. Keep copies of any medical reports, treatment records, or receipts for expenses related to your injury. Also, keep any communication regarding the accident or your injuries, such as emails or letters.

    Remember, the steps after a building site accident may vary depending on the specific circumstances. Seeking professional legal advice from a workplace injury solicitor is crucial to ensure you understand your rights and options moving forward.

    The claim process

    1. Seek assistance from our solicitor

    Our team of experienced building site accident claim solicitors is available to guide clients through the process of making a forklift accident claim. Utilising a solicitor can simplify the paperwork and filing required for this process.

    2. Apply to the PIAB

    The next step is to make an application to the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB). If your forklift accident claim concerns anything other than medical negligence, some assaults, and some cases of entirely psychological injury, then your claim can be brought through PIAB. Examples of claims that PIAB covers include:

    3. Provide necessary information and documents

    Your solicitor will gather evidence, medical reports, and other expert reports, and submit them to PIAB for assessment.

    4. Obtain consent for the claim assessment

    Once the application is made, PIAB will notify the defendant(s) and they must indicate within 90 days if they consent to the assessment of the building site accident claim. If consent is given, PIAB will proceed with the assessment. If denied, PIAB will grant authorisation for court proceedings.

    5. Claim assessment

    The assessment process usually takes about 9 months. If both parties accept PIAB’s assessment, an order to pay will be issued and must be discharged by the defendant(s) within 10 days. If rejected, an authorisation for court proceedings will be granted.

    Statute of Limitations

    You have two years from the date of the accident within which to issue proceedings. If you are under 18, a separate set of rules apply, and we would recommend you contact our solicitors to discuss these. Learn more about the statute of limitation

    Our team

    Coleman Legal LLP Team

    Our dedicated team has a collective experience of over 30 years, and we are ready to advise and assist you with your building site accident claim. Our team can guide you through the PIAB application and advise on the best course of action to take, to ensure you are awarded the fairest compensation for your individual case.

    At Coleman Legal LLP, we understand our client’s circumstances. We understand that because you are reading this part of our website, you have likely been involved in an accident and perhaps have been injured. It’s at times like this that you need the support of an experienced firm that can assist you with the practical issues that now confront you as a result of the fault of another.

    For example, you may need to understand your Social Welfare entitlements should you be out of work.  Also, it’s important for you to know that your legal advisers will obtain all of the important Reports that may be required to ensure that you get the best outcome in your case.

    We provide a national service and can meet you locally to ensure that you have a voice and access to the best advice and resources that may be needed in your particular case. Our service is about you, the client and we speak plain English with no unnecessary legal jargon. Our teams have dealt with thousands of claims over many years and pride ourselves in our respectful and concerned approach to all of our clients.

    Coleman Legal LLP

    Solicitors
    84 Talbot Street, Dublin 1
    D01 YX60

    Contact details

    Free Phone: 1800-844-104
    Fax: (01) 5312727
    Email: [email protected]
    Web: www.colemanlegalpartners.ie
    Online Enquiry Form: Apply

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    Clodagh Magennis

    Clodagh Magennis

    Head of Client Services

    P: 1800-844-104
    E: [email protected]

    ”At Coleman Legal, excellence in customer care is paramount. We aim to meet both prospective and existing client’s needs in a professional, engaging, and friendly manner with a clear objective to give quality legal advice and reach a positive outcome.”

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