Injuries from Falls Through Fragile Surfaces

Claim Compensation for Accidents at Work

Injuries from falls through fragile surfaces are among the most severe workplace accidents. These types of accidents tend to occur in construction, maintenance, and industrial settings. These incidents can often result in catastrophic injuries, long-term disabilities, or even fatalities.

Fragile surfaces refer to materials which cannot bear significant weight and can potentially break when a person steps on them. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), falls from height remain one of the leading causes of workplace fatalities.

It is important to understand your legal rights when seeking compensation for injuries sustained on the job. If you want to find out more about filing a personal injury claim, contact Jefferies Claims today.

We work with highly experienced lawyers who will assess your case and who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis.

Examples of Fragile Surfaces

Common fragile surfaces include:

• Roof lights
• Asbestos cement sheets
• Corroded metal sheets
• Glass panels
• Plastic or composite roofing materials

The Dangers of Falls Through Fragile Surfaces

Falls through fragile surfaces may result in severe injuries or fatalities due to the height of the fall and the hard surfaces below. The type of injuries include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

A worker falling through a fragile surface may hit their head on the way down or upon impact. TBIs can range from concussions to severe brain damage.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Falls from height can cause fractures or dislocations in the spine. This type of injury may potentially result in paralysis or chronic pain.

Broken Bones

Fractures of the arms, legs, ribs, or pelvis are common. These may often require long recovery periods and multiple surgeries.

Internal Organ Damage

Falling onto hard surfaces can cause internal bleeding, punctured lungs, or organ rupture, which may be life-threatening.

Fatalities

Falls through fragile surfaces may be fatal due to the severity of the injuries sustained, especially if the fall is from height.

Preventing Falls Through Fragile Surfaces

Employers have a legal duty to ensure a safe working environment. Prevention measures include risk assessments and providing safe working platforms such as scaffolding. They are also required to have warning signs clearly marking fragile surfaces, as well as using safety harnesses and nets.

Regular maintenance and inspections of roofs and elevated structures are also required.

Filing an Accident at Work Claim

If you suffer an injury due to falling through a fragile surface, you may be entitled to claim compensation. You must be able to establish that your employer, or a third party, was negligent. Examples may include a failure to carry out a proper risk assessment, inadequate training or insufficient safety equipment.

To strengthen your claim, it is important to obtain your medical records of your injuries and treatment received. Additionally, photographs of the accident scene and witness statements add to the evidence. It is necessary to ensure you report the accident to your employer.

‘No Win, No Fee’ Claims

A lawyer who has experience in accidents in the workplace will be able to assess your case and advise if you have a valid claim. We work with expert lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis and at Jefferies Claims, we can guide you through making a claim.

To discuss your potential claim in confidence, contact our team at Jefferies Claims on 0333 358 3034. Alternatively, complete our online contact form to arrange an initial, no-obligation consultation with one of our friendly team.