The force of the explosion threw him several metres across the site, resulting in a fractured forearm and extensive soft tissue damage that required surgery. His recovery was later complicated by infection and further surgery, leaving him with permanent scarring, neurological symptoms and ongoing sensitivity.

Although his employer admitted liability for the accident, establishing responsibility was only one part of the claim. Our focus was also on building a detailed picture of the longer-term consequences of his injuries, including the effect on his confidence, working life and day-to-day activities.

What happened in the construction site accident?

As a piling operative, our client helped prepare foundations for construction projects by working with specialist ground engineering equipment. His role involved heavy machinery and specialist equipment as part of his everyday duties, including assisting with the clearing of concrete pumping lines at the end of the working day.

On the day of the accident, a blockage had developed within a rubber hose carrying concrete and compressed air. During attempts to release the blockage, the hose suddenly exploded with considerable force, throwing our client several metres across the construction site.

Despite wearing the required personal protective equipment (PPE), he sustained significant injuries and required urgent medical treatment. His employer subsequently admitted liability for the accident.

What injuries did our client suffer?

The explosion caused a fractured forearm and significant soft tissue damage. Surgery was required to stabilise the fracture through internal fixation using plates and screws, but his recovery did not progress as initially hoped. An infection developed following treatment, ultimately requiring a further operation to remove the metalwork.

As the claim progressed, independent medical experts were instructed to assess both his recovery and the likely long-term prognosis. Their evidence confirmed that, despite treatment, he had been left with:

• Permanent scarring to his forearm
• Ongoing sensitivity around the injury site
• Pins and needles and altered sensation
• Hypersensitivity that made wearing certain clothing uncomfortable
• Permanent cosmetic changes and contour irregularities to his arm

While the fracture healed, the effects of the accident did not end there. The residual symptoms continued to cause discomfort and represented permanent changes to both the appearance and sensation of his arm.

How can a serious injury at work affect someone's life?

The impact of a serious accident at work cannot always be understood by looking at the physical injury in isolation. For someone injured while carrying out their job, the circumstances of the accident can also influence how they feel about returning to the same environment and undertaking similar tasks in the future.

Following the explosion, our client experienced nightmares, flashbacks and anxiety, including a particular fear of carrying out the task that had caused his injuries. An independent clinical psychologist concluded that these symptoms did not meet the diagnostic criteria for a recognised psychiatric disorder. Nevertheless, the evidence demonstrated the very real emotional impact the experience had had on him.

This distinction was important.

A person does not necessarily need to have a diagnosed psychiatric condition for those consequences to be relevant to understanding the overall impact of an accident on their life and work. Concerns about re-injury, returning to particular duties or future employment can form part of the wider experience of recovering from a serious workplace accident.

For our client, ensuring those consequences were understood alongside his permanent physical symptoms was an important part of presenting the full impact of what had happened.

Janet Lee, accident at work claims specialist at Switalskis, said:

“This case shows how quickly a routine task at work can result in a serious injury. The effects can go far beyond the initial accident and treatment. Our client was left with permanent scarring, ongoing sensitivity and neurological symptoms, as well as understandable concerns about carrying out the same task again.

“When we support someone following a serious accident at work, it’s important that we understand how the injury has affected them as a person – their work, their confidence and their everyday life. That allows us to build a claim that reflects the full impact of what they have experienced, rather than focusing on the physical injury alone.”

How did our Serious Injury team support our client?

With liability admitted by his employer, our work concentrated on establishing the nature and extent of the injuries and their longer-term implications. This involved obtaining independent expert evidence to assess his physical recovery, permanent symptoms and the emotional effects of the accident.

Rather than treating each consequence separately, we considered how they interacted. Permanent scarring and changes to the contour of his arm affected its appearance, while neurological symptoms and hypersensitivity created ongoing practical difficulties. His experience of the explosion itself had also affected his confidence in carrying out the work associated with the accident.

Bringing this evidence together enabled us to present a comprehensive account of how the incident had affected him. This is particularly important in serious injury claims, where the significance of an injury cannot always be measured by the initial diagnosis or treatment alone. Its impact on someone’s ability to work and continue with their usual day-to-day activities can be equally important when considering the wider consequences of an injury

The claim concluded with a settlement that reflected the permanent physical symptoms and wider impact of the accident.

Can you make a claim following a construction site accident?

If you have been injured in a construction site accident that was caused by someone else's negligence or a failure to keep you reasonably safe, you may be able to make a personal injury claim.

Employers have a legal duty to take reasonable steps to ensure the health, safety and welfare of their employees while at work. Construction sites can involve significant risks, particularly where heavy machinery, pressurised equipment and hazardous working processes are involved.

Depending on the circumstances, a construction accident claim may consider the immediate injury as well as longer-term consequences such as ongoing symptoms, further treatment, financial losses and the effect on everyday life.

Our Serious Injury solicitors support people who have suffered serious injuries at work . We can help you understand whether you may have a claim, the evidence that could be needed and the next steps available to you.

Speak to our Serious Injury team about a serious injury at work or construction site accident claim

If you or someone you know has suffered a serious injury at work or in a construction site accident, our Serious Injury team can help you understand your options and the next steps available to you.