Falls from Ladders Claims

Updated June 2026

A fall from a ladder at work can disrupt your health and income in an instant. When the accident happens because your employer failed to provide safe equipment, proper training, or a secure working environment, you have the right to pursue a personal injury claim and recover compensation for the harm you’ve suffered. Here we explain the claims process in clear, practical steps, helping you understand what to do next after a ladder‑related workplace accident.

Why You Can Claim After a Ladder Fall at Work

You can pursue a claim when your fall resulted from employer negligence. Employers have a legal duty to protect you under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. That duty includes providing safe equipment, proper training, and a safe working environment.

Negligence may include:

• Defective or poorly maintained ladders
• Lack of training on ladder use
• Unsafe systems of work, such as rushing or working at height alone
• Failure to provide the right equipment, such as scaffolding or podium steps
• Hazards in the surrounding area, including unstable ground
• Incorrect ladder positioning or lack of stabilisation
• Pressure to work unsafely to meet deadlines

According to the CPD Working at Heights Course, ladders are “involved in a significant proportion of the approximately 4,684 non-fatal falls from height reported by employers under RIDDOR in 2024/25 and feature regularly in the 35 fatal fall-from-height incidents recorded in the same period”.

Top Tip: Many workers blame themselves after a fall, but ladder accidents may often stem from preventable safety failures. Once people understand their employer’s responsibilities, they realise the accident wasn’t simply “bad luck.”

What You Should Do Immediately After a Ladder Fall at Work

Taking the right steps early strengthens your claim for compensation:

1. Get medical attention

Ladder falls can often cause hidden injuries such as fractures, spinal trauma, ligament damage. Medical records become essential evidence.

2. Report the accident

Tell your employer and ensure the incident is recorded in the accident book. This creates a formal record of what happened which is also good evidence.

3. Collect evidence

If you can, gather:

• Photos of the ladder, the work area, and any hazards
• Witness names and contact details
• Details of the ladder’s condition and setup
• Your own written account while the memory is fresh

Your solicitor will also be able to help you to obtain the relevant evidence.

4. Preserve the ladder

If the ladder was defective, it becomes key evidence. Ask for it to be stored securely and not repaired or replaced.

5. Record your symptoms

Keep a diary of pain levels, mobility issues, sleep disruption, and how the injury affects your daily life.

How the Personal Injury Claims Process Works

The claims process follows a straightforward path designed to establish who was at fault for the accident and secure fair compensation. Here’s how it typically unfolds.

Step 1: Initial Consultation

We partner with experienced solicitors who offer a free, initial consultation when they will assess whether you have a valid claim. They’ll ask about:

• How the fall happened
• What task you were performing
• What equipment you were given
• What training you received
• Your injuries and symptoms

This conversation helps you understand your rights and whether you may have a claim without pressure.

Step 2: Funding the Claim

A common concern is ‘What will it cost to make a claim?‘. Our partner lawyers offer No Win, No Fee agreements. This means:

• No upfront costs
• No financial risk to you
• You only pay a fee if the claim succeeds

This ensures access to justice regardless of your financial situation.

Step 3: Investigating Employer Liability

Your solicitor gathers evidence to prove negligence. This may include:

• Accident book entries
• Witness statements
• Photographs, CCTV and site inspections
• Ladder maintenance records
• Training logs
• Risk assessments
• Health and safety documentation

This stage builds the basis for your case.

Step 4: Independent Medical Assessment

Your solicitor will arrange for you attend a medical examination with an independent expert. They assess:

• Your injuries
• Your recovery prospects
• Any long‑term impact on your work
• Whether you’ll need future treatment or support

This report helps calculate the value of your claim.

Step 5: Submitting the Claim to the Employer’s Insurer

Your solicitor sends a formal claim to your employer’s insurance company. The insurer must respond within a set timeframe, either admitting or denying liability.

Step 6: Negotiation and Settlement

If liability is accepted, your solicitor negotiates compensation covering:

• Pain and suffering
• Loss of earnings
• Medical treatment
• Rehabilitation
• Travel expenses
• Care and support
• Future financial losses

Most claims settle at this stage.

Step 7: Court Proceedings (if necessary)

If the insurer disputes liability or undervalues your claim, your solicitor may issue court proceedings. However, this doesn’t mean you’ll end up in court as most cases still settle before a hearing.

What Workers May Often Say After An Accident at Work

People who fall from ladders at work often share similar experiences, here’s some examples:

• “I didn’t realise my employer had to maintain the ladder.” Many workers assume equipment is safe by default.
• “I felt pressured to get the job done quickly.” Time pressure often leads to unsafe practices.
• “I didn’t want to cause trouble by making a claim.” Claims are made against insurers, not individuals.
• “I worried about my job.” It’s unlawful for an employer to treat you unfairly for making a legitimate claim.

These concerns show what workers typically consider when deciding whether to seek help.

FAQs About Falls from Ladders Claims

How long do I have to make a claim?

You usually have three years from the date of the accident.

Can I claim if I was partly at fault?

Yes. Your compensation may be reduced, but you can still claim.

What if no one witnessed the fall?

You can still pursue a claim. Other evidence, such as photos of the ladder or CCTV of the accident, risk assessments and maintenance logs, can support your case.

Will my employer be angry?

Employers cannot legally punish you for making a claim. Claims are handled by insurers.

Do I need to keep working while the claim is ongoing?

No. Your health comes first. Your solicitor can advise on sick pay and loss of earnings.

How much compensation will I receive?

It depends on your injuries, recovery time, financial losses, and long‑term impact. Your solicitor will be able to estimate your specific claim.

Other Claims for Accidents At Work

Our experts have experience dealing with a wide variety of accident at work claims. The following list is not exhaustive and it is worth getting in touch if you believe you have any type of claim. However, the most common types of claims include:

• Lack of training
• Office accidents
• Chemical leaks
• Construction site accidents
• Commercial kitchen accidents
• Workplace slips, trips and falls
• Manual handling claims
• Eye injuries at work
• Back injuries at work
• Falls from height
• Chronic pain injuries
• Head injuries at work
• Electrical accidents in the workplace
• Factory accidents
• Accidents involving falling objects