Building sites are among the most hazardous work environments in the UK. Injuries sustained on site can range from minor cuts and sprains to life-changing accidents involving head trauma, broken bones, or spinal damage. If you have been injured while working on or near a construction site in Tower Hamlets, you may be entitled to compensation through a building site injury claim.
A building site injury claim is a type of personal injury case brought forward when someone is harmed due to unsafe working conditions, poor site management, or negligence by an employer, contractor, or third party. These claims are often covered under employers’ liability or public liability insurance and can typically be pursued on a no win, no fee basis.
Can I file a claim for a building site injury in Tower Hamlets?
Yes. If you were injured on a construction site in Tower Hamlets and someone else’s negligence contributed to your accident, you may be eligible to claim compensation.
You may be able to make a claim if:
- You are a site worker or subcontractor injured by faulty equipment or poor safety practices
- You are a visitor or passer-by injured due to inadequate site security
- Your employer failed to provide proper training, supervision, or protective gear
Injured individuals often feel hesitant to bring a claim, especially if it involves their employer. However, claims are made against insurers, not individuals, and your employer is legally prohibited from firing you simply for exercising your legal rights.
Where do construction accidents happen in Tower Hamlets?
Tower Hamlets is one of the most active construction zones in London, with ongoing developments in Whitechapel, Canary Wharf, Bow, and Bethnal Green. These areas are home to large-scale projects such as high-rise residential buildings, office towers, and public infrastructure works, all of which carry a high risk of construction accidents due to heavy machinery, scaffolding, and elevated work areas.
Common hotspots for construction accidents in Tower Hamlets include:
- The Royal London Hospital area
- Mile End Park and surrounding streets
- Poplar High Street construction corridors
- Sites near the eastern edge of Stratford
These building sites are often located in high-footfall areas with narrow streets and heavy pedestrian traffic. As a result, construction companies working in Tower Hamlets must comply with strict safety regulations to protect both workers and members of the public.
What are the most common building site injuries?
Construction work involves high-risk tasks such as working at height, lifting heavy loads, and operating powerful equipment. Ignoring safety measures can lead to serious injuries.
Common building site accidents include:
- Falls from height – Scaffolding, ladders, or rooftops with inadequate edge protection
- Falling objects – Tools, materials, or debris falling from above
- Crush injuries – Being struck or trapped by machinery, vehicles, or collapsing structures
- Slip and trip accidents – Poor lighting, trailing cables, or uneven ground
- Electrocution – Faulty wiring or exposed cables
- Exposure to harmful substances – Dust, chemicals, or asbestos without proper protective equipment
These injuries can result in fractured bones, head trauma, burns, long-term disability, or psychological distress. Marley Solicitors regularly supports clients who have suffered a wide range of physical and emotional harm after construction site accidents in Tower Hamlets.
What steps should I take after a building site accident?
If you sustain injuries on a building site, implementing the following actions can bolster your claim:
- Seek medical attention – Visit the Royal London Hospital or your GP to ensure your injuries are properly assessed and documented.
- Report the incident – Notify your site manager or employer and make sure the accident is logged in the workplace accident book.
- Gather evidence – If safe, take photos of the site conditions, your injuries, and any faulty equipment. Collect witness contact details.
- Keep records – Save receipts for medical expenses, travel, or lost wages.
- Speak to a solicitor – Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss whether you have a valid claim.
These steps will help your solicitor build a strong case and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf.
How much compensation could I receive?
Compensation amounts vary depending on the severity of the injury, financial losses, and long-term effects on your life. A claim typically includes:
- General damages – For pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life
- Special damages – For financial losses such as:
- Loss of income
- Travel to medical appointments
- Medication or rehabilitation
- Adaptations to your home or vehicle
Estimated payouts for common building site injuries include:
- Moderate hand injury: £5,000–£12,000
- Broken leg with favorable recovery: £10,000–£17,000
- Serious back injury with chronic pain: £25,000–£70,000
- Loss of limb or permanent disability: £100,000+
Your solicitor will arrange for a medical expert to assess your injuries and provide a report, which helps calculate a fair and accurate settlement.
Who is responsible for construction site safety?
Several parties may be held legally responsible for construction site accidents, including:
- Your employer – If they failed to train you, provide PPE, or maintain safe working conditions
- The principal contractor or site manager – If they allowed hazards to go unaddressed
- Subcontractors – If they created unsafe conditions for others on site
- Local authorities or property developers – In public works or council-led construction
Every building site must follow the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2015 and the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. These laws are designed to prevent injuries and ensure that all risks are properly controlled.
Why choose Marley Solicitors for your building site claim?
Marley Solicitors has successfully represented clients injured on construction sites throughout East London, including Tower Hamlets. We understand the pressures of working in construction and the difficulties that follow a serious injury.
Our personal injury team provides:
- Clear, jargon-free legal advice
- A dedicated case handler for personalised support
- Free initial consultations
- No win, no fee agreements, so you pay nothing unless we win
We’ve helped clients recover compensation after:
- Falling from unsafe scaffolding
- Being struck by falling bricks or tools
- Suffering injuries due to faulty electrical equipment
- Developing long-term mobility problems from lifting accidents
Whatever the circumstances of your injury, we will fight to secure the compensation and justice you deserve.
Can self-employed workers or subcontractors claim?
Yes. Even if you are self-employed or working under a subcontractor agreement, you may still have the right to claim compensation. The duty of care on a construction site applies to everyone, not just full-time employees. The main contractor or site operator must ensure that the entire working environment is safe.
You do not need to be on the payroll to be eligible for a claim. If someone else’s actions (or inaction) caused your injury, you may have a valid case.
Do I have to go to court?
Most personal injury claims settle out of court. Our team will negotiate with the other party’s insurance company and aim to reach a fair settlement without court proceedings.
However, if the other side denies liability or offers an unreasonably low amount, we may advise taking the case to court. Even in this case, many clients do not need to attend, especially if medical evidence is strong and the case is clear-cut.
Will my claim be on a no win, no fee basis?
In most cases, yes. We offer no win, no fee agreements to give you access to justice without risking upfront legal costs. This means:
- You don’t pay us unless your claim is successful
- We recover most of our fees from the other side
- You may pay a success fee, capped by law and agreed in advance
Before starting your claim, we will clearly explain the funding process, so there are no surprises later.
FAQs
Can I claim if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes. Even if you contributed to your injury (e.g. by failing to follow safety instructions), you may still be entitled to partial compensation. This is called contributory negligence and the amount you receive may be adjusted to reflect shared responsibility.
Is there a time limit for building site injury claims in Tower Hamlets?
Yes. You normally have three years from the date of the injury to bring a claim. If you were under 18 at the time, the time limit starts with your 18th birthday. In cases involving delayed symptoms or exposure (such as asbestos-related illness), the three-year period may begin from the date of diagnosis or knowledge.
Speak to a solicitor today
If you have suffered a construction site injury in Tower Hamlets, don’t delay. Marley Solicitors is here to help you understand your rights, recover lost earnings, and get the medical support you need.
We provide free consultations without any obligation, and we handle most claims on a no win, no fee basis. Whether faulty equipment, unsafe scaffolding, or poor management caused your injury, we can assist you in constructing a compelling case.
Contact Marley Solicitors today and let us support your recovery.
