Slip, Trip & Fall Claims
Slips, trips and falls can lead to serious injuries. If you have been ben injured in this way and believe that it was caused by someone else’s negligence, you could claim compensation.
What is Slip, Trip and Fall?
You have the right to feel comfortable in public spaces such as shops and bars, as well as while walking on pavements and footpaths. Businesses and local councils are required by law to follow health and safety regulations designed to keep you and other members of the public safe.
This includes, for example, conducting extensive risk assessments, properly labelling damp floors, and repairing cracked or potholed pavements within a reasonable timescale. If they failed to take the necessary precautions and you were hurt as a result, you may be able to file a personal injury claim to assist the physical, emotional, and financial impact your accident had on you and others around you.
Am I eligible to make a claim?
You may be eligible to file a claim if your injury was caused by circumstances beyond your control.
Slip accidents happen most often when the surface is still damp or slick, whereas trip and fall accidents happen most often when work equipment or cables are left lying around. Most slip and trip incidents might have been prevented if those responsible had taken necessary precautions.
Common slip, trip and fall hazards include:
- Wet, slippery floors in public places like supermarkets and airports
- Uneven flooring in public places including banks, offices and shops
- Cracked, wobbly or uneven pavements
- Unexpected obstacles that cause a tripping hazard
- Poor lighting that makes it hard to see kerbs and other obstacles
How much compensation can I claim for a slip, trip or fall?
Each accident has a unique physical and financial impact, the average payment for a slip, trip or fall in the UK is mainly influenced by the severity of your injuries.
It will take into account the circumstances of your accident, the severity of your damage, and the consequential effects on your everyday life.
Compensation for a successful claim will be split into two types: general damages and special damages. General damages compensate you for your bodily and mental suffering as a result of your injuries. Special damages pay you for any financial losses incurred as a direct result of your accident, such as medical treatment, lost wages, and personal property damage.
How long do I have to make a claim?
In most slip, trip, and fall cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim. Although that may appear to be a lengthy period, it is always best to begin your claim as soon as possible.
This will make it easier to obtain any evidence you may require to support your claim. Some companies, for example, record over old CCTV footage. If you do not act soon, the video evidence of your accident may be erased.
You don’t have to worry about a deadline to finish your claim once it’s started. The process of filing a claim is not time-limited.
Can I claim against my local council?
Your local council is responsible, under the Highways Act of 1980, for ensuring that any pavements or pathways are well maintained and safe for use. They should do the same for public roads, parks, and other public spaces.
Your local council’s responsibilities include:
-
Surface gritting
Gritting roads and pavements to make them less slippery. -
Potholes and cracks
Repairing potholes or cracks on the road, particularly if they have the potential to cause a serious accident for vehicles, motorcycles, or other road users. -
Public playgrounds
Keeping public playgrounds in good condition by repairing faulty equipment or flooring that could injure children or parents overseeing them. -
Report to retailer and manufacturer
Report the defective product accident to the retailer and manufacturer as soon as possible. If the problem occured within 30 days of purchase contact the retailer and tell them you would like to reject the item and get a full refund. If 30 days have passed, you are still entitled to get the item repaired or replaced. If you are within the guarantee period, contact the manufacturer and ask for a refund. -
Lighting
Making certain that paths have adequate lighting. -
Waste obstruction
Making certain that rubbish does not obstruct walkways. -
Signage
Making certain that proper signage is present near roadworks.
Can I claim against a privately owned business?
Every day, most people go to stores, restaurants, pubs, and supermarkets. The people in charge of maintaining those areas are also in charge of taking measures to keep you and other customers safe. They should use “due diligence methods” to keep you safe as much as they reasonably can.
If they do not, accidents may occur as a result of:
- Flooring that is uneven such as carpets if indoors, or damaged car parks outdoors.
- Wet flooring with insufficient signage.
- Inadequate lighting.
- Walkway obstructions, such as loose wires and objects.
Business owners and managers should make sure that any spills are cleaned up as soon as possible, and that wet floors are clearly marked in the meanwhile. To avoid accidents, they should also keep walkways and aisles clean of obstructions and trip hazards.
Find out if you have a claim
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What do I do next?
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To find out if you have a claim call us on Freephone 0800 029 3849 or fill out the claim form.
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Our expert panel of solicitors can typically confirm almost immediately whether your claims application is likely to be successful and also give you an indication of how much you could potentially claim for.
