Every June, Hard Hat Awareness Week reminds us that one oversight on site can change everything. A dropped tool, a faulty helmet, a slip from scaffolding; any one of these accidents could lead to a serious head injury. And when prevention fails, you need to know your rights.
If you or someone you care about has suffered a head injury working in construction, the law is on your side. Whether it’s a mild concussion or a traumatic brain injury (TBI), you could be entitled to claim compensation.
In this guide, we’ll explain how a construction head injury claim solicitor, UK based like our team at Express Solicitors, can help you take legal action. We’ll also look at how to prove employer negligence, what compensation you could receive and how our no-win, no-fee support works.
Why you need a specialist brain injury solicitor
Head injuries are complex, especially if they involve the brain. You need more than just a general personal injury solicitor. A specialist brain injury solicitor knows how to link medical findings with strong legal arguments, making sure nothing is missed.
Mild traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are often underestimated. Insurers might argue they’re minor or temporary, even when symptoms last for months. That’s why medical experts like neurologists and neuropsychologists are essential. They can provide detailed assessments that prove the long-term impact of your injury.
At Express Solicitors, we’ve helped construction workers and their families secure life-changing settlements after workplace head injuries. We understand how these injuries affect your work, your health and your future and we’ll fight to make sure that’s reflected in your claim.
Establishing employer negligence
To make a successful construction head injury claim, you’ll need to show that your employer was negligent and failed in their legal responsibilities.
Whether you were struck by falling debris or were injured because of poor site management, proving negligence means showing that your injury could have been prevented with the right precautions.
Duty of care
Under the Health & Safety at Work Act (1974), employers must protect your health and safety while you’re working. This includes providing and maintaining the correct protective equipment and creating a site environment that’s safe to operate in. If they fail in this duty, they could be held liable.
Common breaches that cause head injuries
Many construction head injuries happen because employers cut corners or fail to follow safety rules. Some of the most common issues include:
- Helmets that are expired, cracked or unfit for use
- Risk assessments that don’t account for specific on-site hazards
- Lack of proper supervision or failure to act on known dangers
Documenting negligence through evidence
Evidence is key in proving your employer was at fault. Three documents that will help to show that risks were known and ignored include:
- Helmet inspection logs
- RIDDOR reports
- RAMS (Risk Assessments and Method Statements)
Types of compensation you can claim
Head injury compensation in construction settings often reflects both the physical trauma and the working conditions involved. That’s why compensation is designed to cover both the financial and emotional toll of your injury.
When you make a claim, your compensation will usually be divided into two parts: general damages and special damages.
General damages
General damages cover the physical and emotional impact of your injury, especially where symptoms affect your daily life. Here’s a rough guide to what you might receive from a concession at work or other head injury settlement:
- Mild concussion: £5,000 – £15,000
- Moderate TBI: £75,000+
- Severe permanent brain injury: £150,000+
These amounts depend on how serious the injury is and how long the effects last. For a good idea of your general damages, use our compensation calculator.
Special damages
Special damages cover any costs you’ve had to pay because of your injury. This might include:
- Medical bills or private treatment
- Lost earnings or reduced future income
- Ongoing rehab or therapy sessions
- Help at home, such as carers or support workers
Evidence you’ll need for a successful claim
To build a strong case, you’ll need to show exactly how the injury happened, how it’s affected you and why your employer was at fault. That means collecting the right evidence from the very start. The more thorough your evidence, the stronger your position – especially when insurers try to minimise your symptoms or shift the blame. Try to get together as much of the following as possible.
Medical records & expert assessments
Clear clinical evidence is essential. If you choose Express Solicitors to make your claim, we will help you gather:
- GP and hospital records
- CT or MRI scans
- Reports from neurologists or neuropsychologists
These show the nature of your injury and how it’s impacted your brain function and overall health.
On-site documentation
The workplace itself often holds the key evidence. This can include:
- RIDDOR reports
- Helmet inspection logs
- RAMS (Risk Assessments and Method Statements)
These help show whether risks were properly managed or ignored.
Witness statements & photographic evidence
First-hand accounts and photos can help validate your version of events. Useful examples include:
- Names and statements from people who saw the incident
- Photos of the scene, faulty equipment or hazards
- Time-stamped images of damaged PPE
Together, these pieces of evidence can show exactly what went wrong and who’s really responsible.
No-win, no-fee process & typical timelines
We understand that making a legal claim can feel daunting, especially if you’re recovering from a head injury. That’s why we offer no-win, no-fee support. That means there’s nothing to pay upfront and if your case doesn’t succeed, you won’t owe us a penny.
Every claim is unique, but most head injury cases take around 12 to 18 months to resolve. That timeline includes collecting evidence, speaking to medical experts and negotiating with insurers. And rest assured, we’ll keep you informed and in control throughout.
How to start your claim
Starting a construction head injury claim with Express Solicitors is as simple as these three steps.
- Step 1: Get in touch with our specialist team. Contact us online or by phone.
- Step 2: Share details of the incident, including when, where and how it happened, plus any symptoms.
- Step 3: Our experts will coordinate the legal and medical support needed to build your case.
The sooner you act, the easier it is to secure vital evidence and protect your rights. Talk to a head injury solicitor today and find out how we can help.
Why choose Express Solicitors
Head injuries can change your life, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Express Solicitors, we specialise in construction-related brain injury claims and know exactly how to prove employer negligence and secure the compensation you deserve.
With our no-win, no-fee support and decades of experience, you’ll have expert guidance from start to finish. Start your claim today.