Steps to Take Immediately After a Construction Injury

If you’ve suffered a construction injury, knowing what to do in the immediate aftermath can make all the difference.

Whether the injury seems minor or severe, taking the right steps can help protect your health, your livelihood, and your legal rights.

In this guide, we outline the essential actions you should take straight away following a construction injury, to ensure you’re in the best position to recover both physically and financially.

Reach out to us today on 0800 0747 644 or complete a Free Online Enquiry to tell us more about your situation.

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1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Your health and safety should always come first. If the injury is serious, call 999 or ask a colleague to do so. Even if the injury doesn’t seem urgent, it’s important to get checked by a medical professional as soon as possible. Some injuries—like head trauma or internal damage—may not show symptoms right away.

Make sure any diagnosis or treatment is documented by your GP or local A&E. These records could be crucial if you decide to make a claim for compensation.

2. Report the Incident

As soon as you’re able, report the accident to your supervisor, site manager, or employer. All workplaces, especially construction sites, are legally required to keep an accident book. Ensure your injury is logged clearly and accurately, and ask for a copy for your own records.

If you’re self-employed or working as a subcontractor, you should still notify the main contractor or site controller.

3. Collect Evidence

If it’s safe to do so, gather as much evidence from the scene as possible. This might include:

• Photographs of the area where the accident occurred
• Pictures of the equipment or machinery involved
• Images of your injuries
• Details of any hazards, such as wet surfaces, exposed wiring, or poor safety signage

Also, take down the names and contact details of any witnesses who saw the incident.

4. Avoid Signing Anything Without Legal Advice

After a construction injury, you may be asked to sign an incident report, insurance form, or even a waiver. Be cautious—do not sign anything until you’ve had legal advice. Some documents may limit your ability to claim compensation later or may contain language that shifts blame onto you.

5. Contact a Specialist Personal Injury Solicitor

The sooner you speak to a legal expert, the better. A solicitor who specialises in construction injury claims will help you understand your rights, assess the strength of your case, and guide you through the claims process.

At Grieves Solicitors, we offer a free initial consultation and operate on a No Win, No Fee basis. That means you won’t pay a penny unless your claim is successful.

6. Keep a Record of Everything

Start a journal or folder to document:

• How your injury affects your day-to-day life
• All medical appointments and treatments
• Time taken off work
• Any travel expenses, medication costs, or loss of income

Keeping thorough records can significantly strengthen your compensation claim.

7. Know Your Time Limits

In most cases, you have three years from the date of your construction injury to make a claim. There are exceptions, particularly if the injured person is under 18 or lacks mental capacity.

Still, it’s always best to act sooner rather than later. The more recent the event, the easier it is to gather evidence and build a strong case.

Taking Action Fast

A construction injury can have serious consequences—physically, emotionally, and financially. Taking the right steps straight away can make a real difference to your recovery and your ability to claim compensation.

If you or a loved one has been injured on a construction site, Grieves Solicitors are here to help. With decades of experience in personal injury law and a client-first approach, we’re ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Our caring and supportive team are here to listen and advise on 0800 0747 644. Or you can complete a Free Online Enquiry to set up a free consultation or tell us more about your story.

Here at Grieves Solicitors, Personal Injury Specialists, we offer a no win, no fee solution to funding your claim (a conditional fee agreement) which means that you do not have to worry about legal costs and expenses.  You can read about our no win, no fee agreement here.