Slips and trips might sound like minor mishaps, but they’re among the UK’s biggest causes of injury. Whether it’s a wet floor in a shop, an uneven pavement, or a cluttered workplace, these accidents can turn a normal day into a nightmare. The good news? Many of these incidents are preventable with a simple hazard spotting checklist. In this article, we’ll walk you through how to spot dangers, stay safe, and—crucially—what to do if you’re injured due to someone else’s negligence. Plus, we’ll show you how to claim compensation with help from National Claims.
Why Slips and Trips Matter
Let’s start with the facts. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), slips, trips, and falls account for over a third of all reported workplace injuries in the UK. Outside the workplace, they’re just as common—think of that time you nearly tripped over a wonky paving stone or slipped on a supermarket floor. These incidents aren’t just embarrassing; they can lead to broken bones, head injuries, or worse.
Moreover, they’re costly. The GOV.UK website highlights that slips and trips cost the UK economy millions each year in lost workdays and NHS treatment. But beyond the numbers, it’s about people—people like you who deserve a safe environment, whether at work, shopping, or just walking down the street.
Your Hazard Spotting Checklist
So, how do you spot the risks before they catch you off guard? Here’s a simple checklist to keep you one step ahead:
- Look for Wet Surfaces: Spilled drinks, rain-soaked entrances, or freshly mopped floors without warning signs are prime culprits. If there’s no “Caution: Wet Floor” sign, it’s a red flag.
- Check for Uneven Ground: Cracked pavements, loose tiles, or unexpected steps can trip you up. Councils and property owners are supposed to maintain these areas—more on that later.
- Spot Clutter: Cables, boxes, or scattered items in workplaces or shops are accidents waiting to happen. Good housekeeping can prevent these risks.
- Mind the Lighting: Poorly lit areas hide hazards. If you can’t see where you’re going, you’re at risk.
- Watch for Worn Surfaces: Frayed carpets, slippery stairs, or eroded pathways can send you tumbling.
Next time you’re out and about, take a moment to scan your surroundings. It could save you a trip to A&E—and if the worst happens, it’ll help your case.
Who’s Responsible?
Now, here’s where it gets interesting. If you slip or trip and hurt yourself, it’s not always “just bad luck”. Someone might be to blame. Under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957 (available on GOV.UK), property owners—shops, offices, or councils—have a legal duty to keep their spaces safe. If they fail, and you’re injured, you could claim compensation.
For example, a recent BBC News report (February 2025) highlighted a case where a woman won £10,000 after tripping on an uneven pavement neglected by her local council. Stories like these show that negligence has consequences—and you have rights.
What to Do After a Slip or Trip
Accidents happen, but what you do next matters. Here’s a straightforward plan:
- Get Medical Help: See a doctor, even if it seems minor. Injuries like sprains can worsen, and you’ll need records for a claim.
- Take Photos: Snap the hazard—wet floor, broken step, whatever caused it. Evidence is gold.
- Report It: Tell the shop manager, employer, or council straight away. Get it in writing if possible.
- Find Witnesses: Anyone who saw it happen can back up your story.
- Contact a Solicitor: This is where National Claims comes in. They’ll connect you with experienced solicitors who’ll fight for your payout, often on a “no win, no fee” basis.
Time’s ticking, though—you’ve got three years from the incident to start a claim, per GOV.UK guidance. Don’t delay!
How Much Compensation Can You Claim?
If you’re wondering what’s in it for you, compensation depends on your injury and its impact. Here’s a breakdown:
- General Damages: This covers your pain and suffering:
- Minor injuries (e.g., bruises, short-term pain): £1,000–£5,000.
- Moderate harm (e.g., a broken ankle): £5,000–£20,000.
- Severe cases (e.g., long-term disability): £20,000–£100,000+.
- Special Damages: This pays for financial losses:
- Lost wages if you’re off work.
- Medical costs (e.g., physio or prescriptions).
- Travel expenses for appointments.
Take a supermarket slip as an example. If you fracture your wrist and miss a month of work, you might claim £10,000 for the injury plus £2,000 in lost earnings. Serious cases—like a head injury needing surgery—could reach six figures. The HSE notes that compensation reflects how much your life’s been disrupted, so every case is unique.
Want a clearer idea? National Claims offers free consultations with solicitors who’ll estimate your payout based on the details. No guesswork, just expert advice.
Why Use National Claims?
Let’s be honest—legal stuff can feel overwhelming. That’s why National Claims is a game-changer. They’ll pair you with a solicitor who knows slips and trips claims inside out. Their “no win, no fee” deal means you pay nothing unless you win, removing the risk. Plus, they handle the paperwork, negotiations, and stress, so you can focus on recovering.
A happy client recently told The Sun (January 2025): “After slipping in a shop, National Claims got me £8,000 I wouldn’t have known how to claim. They made it easy.” That’s the kind of support you can expect.
Prevention Is Better Than Compensation
Of course, avoiding slips and trips altogether is the goal. Businesses and councils can use the same checklist—clear spills, fix pavements, light up dark corners. The HSE offers free guides for employers, showing how small changes cut risks. If they’d listen, we’d all be safer.
But when prevention fails, you’re not stuck. Claiming compensation doesn’t just help you—it pushes those responsible to up their game. Every successful case is a nudge toward a safer UK.
Real-Life Impact
Consider Jane from Leeds. She slipped on an unmarked wet floor in a café last year, breaking her arm. With National Claims, she claimed £15,000—covering her injury, three months off work, and physio. “It wasn’t just the money,” she said. “It was knowing I wasn’t powerless.” Her case, reported by Yorkshire Post (December 2024), forced the café to retrain staff and add warning signs.
Stories like Jane’s prove it: you can turn a bad day into a win—for yourself and others.
Take Action Today
In short, slips and trips are more than clumsy moments—they’re a chance to demand better. Use our checklist to stay safe, but if negligence trips you up, don’t suffer in silence. Compensation can ease the pain, and National Claims will help you get it. They’ll connect you with top solicitors who’ll fight for every penny you’re owed, with no upfront costs.
Contact National Claims today, and we will put you in touch with an expert solicitor who can guide you through the claims process.
📞 Call us now free 0800 029 3849 or 📩 Submit an online enquiry to speak to our team. Your safety and well-being matter, and we’re here to help.
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Excellent
This firm is excellent, they sorted out my car pay out and injury claim very fast, they always communicate with you all the time.
My accident case was dealt with confidence and with great result of the outcome, especially James kept me informed all the time.
I was very impressed at the way my inquiry was treated. I was listened to attentively and everything I needed to know was explained to me.
