Falling Object Claims
Check if you can claim compensation
If you were hurt by a falling object that was not your fault, at work or in a public place, you may be able to claim compensation. We will explain your options clearly and help you understand the next steps.
Regulated solicitors
Years' experience
No Win No Fee
Can you claim if you were hit by a falling object?
You may be able to make a falling object claim if you were injured in the last three years and someone else was responsible. This applies whether the accident happened at work, where an employer must keep you safe, or in a public place such as a shop, where the occupier has a duty to protect visitors.
You would usually be claiming against an employer’s or an organisation’s insurance, not against an individual, and you cannot be sacked for making a genuine claim against your employer. If you are not sure, our team can check for you.
Why falling object accidents lead to a claim
Being struck by a moving or falling object is one of the most common causes of serious workplace injury in the UK, and it happens in public places too. Objects can fall from shelving, scaffolding, a vehicle being loaded, or badly stacked stock, often without any warning.
These accidents are usually preventable. Where an employer or an organisation failed to store, secure or handle items safely, the person injured may be able to claim. Our solicitors will explain where you stand and handle the claim for you.
is usually the time limit to start a falling object claim, from the date of the accident, or from when you knew your injury was linked to it. Different rules apply for children. If you are unsure, we can check for you.
Common causes of falling object claims
You may be eligible to claim if the accident was caused by an employer’s or an organisation’s negligence.
Construction and scaffolding
Tools, materials or debris dropped from height, or an object falling from scaffolding, where the work was not made safe below.
Warehouses and workplaces
Poorly stacked pallets, overloaded shelving, or unsafe loading, where an employer did not manage the risk of falling stock.
Shops and public places
Stock falling from supermarket shelves, or objects falling from a poorly maintained building, where the occupier failed to keep visitors safe.
However your accident happened, if someone else was at fault you may have a claim. Tell us what happened and we will let you know where you stand.
How much compensation for a falling object injury?
A falling object can cause serious harm, including head and brain injuries, neck and spinal injuries, and fractures. A claim is usually made up of two parts: compensation for the injury itself, and compensation for the financial impact.
Every claim is assessed individually. Your solicitor will explain what your claim may be worth once an independent medical report sets out how the injury has affected you.
- Pain, suffering and the effect on your daily life
- Lost earnings, now and in the future
- Treatment, rehabilitation and travel costs
- Care, support and home adaptations if needed
Head injuries from a falling object are common, and their effects can appear a little later. For serious injuries, an interim payment can sometimes be arranged before the claim ends, to help with immediate costs. Your solicitor will explain whether that is possible in your case.
Evidence that supports your claim
Clear evidence helps show how the accident happened and how the injury has affected you. You do not need to gather everything before you get in touch.
We can help.
Object never identified? You may still be able to claim. What matters is showing that whoever was responsible for the area or the load failed to keep it safe. We can help work that out.
No Win No Fee falling object claims
You can start a falling object claim without paying anything upfront. If your claim is unsuccessful, you will not pay a fee for our work, subject to the terms of your agreement.
If your claim succeeds, an agreed success fee is deducted from your compensation. Your solicitor will explain this clearly before you commit to anything.
You will see the full terms in writing before your claim begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before starting your claim.
Can I claim if an object fell on me at work?
Yes, if your employer failed in its duty to keep you reasonably safe, for example by allowing items to be stacked, stored or handled unsafely, and that led to your injury. You are claiming against the employer’s insurance, and you cannot be dismissed for making a genuine claim.
Can I claim if an object fell on me in a shop or public place?
Often, yes. Shops and other public places have a duty to keep visitors reasonably safe, including how stock is stacked and displayed. If an object fell because that duty was not met, you may have a claim. See our public liability page for more.
Who is responsible for a falling object accident?
It depends on where it happened and who was in charge of the area or the load. It may be an employer, a shop or building occupier, or a contractor on a site. You are usually claiming against an organisation and its insurer, and we will identify the right party for you.
Can I still claim if I wasn't wearing a hard hat?
You may still be able to claim. If not wearing a hard hat made your injury worse, compensation can be reduced to reflect that, but it does not automatically prevent a claim, especially if the employer did not provide or require the right equipment. Our team can explain how this might apply.
What if the head injury symptoms appeared later?
That is common with head injuries, and it does not stop you claiming. Symptoms such as headaches, dizziness or memory problems can develop in the days after being struck. It helps to get medical advice, as the notes then link the symptoms to the accident.
How long do I have to make a claim?
In most cases you have three years from the date of the accident, or from when you realised your injury was linked to it. For children, the three years usually starts on their 18th birthday. If you are unsure, contact us and we will check whether you are still in time.
Check if you can make a claim
Tell us what happened and we will review your details and get back to you. We will explain your options in plain English, with no obligation to go ahead.
- Free, no-obligation review
- No Win No Fee available
- SRA-regulated solicitors
Check if you can make a claim
Takes less than 60 seconds
We'll review your details and contact you within 24 hours
Other claims we handle
Find out where you stand
Most falling object claims must be started within three years. Tell us what happened and we will explain your options clearly, with no obligation to go ahead.
Related Blogs
