Slip, trip and fall claims
People slip and trip every day and often without injury other than injured pride, but sadly, slipping and tripping can cause sprains, broken bones and occasionally very serious life changing injuries.
Many assume that slipping and tripping is just an unfortunate event and that nothing can be done about it. In fact, most accidents of this kind are preventable, they have happened because someone was at fault.
Common examples include:-
- Spillages of liquids in shops, supermarkets and workplaces.
- Careless discarded rubbish or building materials.
- Wires or cables left trailing
- Poorly maintained car parks, footpaths and highways.
- Defective manhole covers and grates.
If the accident occurred because the area concerned was poorly maintained or not kept reasonably clean, you may be entitled to claim compensation from those responsible for the safety and maintenance of the area.
The most common types of slips, trips and falls
If a member of the public is injured as a result of a slip, trip or fall accident in a public area and reasonable care was not taken to keep the area safe, then a claim can be made against the organisation or authority responsible for management of the area
Pavements
Poorly maintained pavements cause many trips, slips and falls.
Wear and tear, often from vehicle mounting the pavement causes cracks in paving slaps. Water gets underneath and causes erosion. The result is an unsafe pavement with uneven and cracked slabs.
Manhole and drain covers may be broken or missing and there are also hazards from street furniture such as waste bins and lamp posts.
The council has a legal duty to maintain the pavement and ensure that it is not dangerous for pedestrians. They should carry out regular inspections and quickly repair defects reported to them.
If you have suffered personal injury in a fall, slip or trip accident on a pavement or any part of the highway that was dangerous you may be able to claim compensation from the local council.
Slips, trips and falls inside premises
Claims for slips, trips and falls can arise after accidents indoors as well as outside.
Slips are very common in supermarkets and shopping centres, health clubs, airports, restaurants and hotels.
In these cases, the owners or occupiers should ensure that the public are reasonably safe when visiting such premises.
A supermarket must ensure that a spillage on the floor is cleaned up promptly and warn shoppers after a spillage.
When doing cleaning, wet floor signs should be put out so that the public are warned to take extra care.
In times of heavy rain, a large shop would be expected to put down matts by the entrance to the shop to ensure that excess water is not carried on feet well inside the building.
Toilets in restaurants should be regularly inspected and most supermarkets now have a cleaner on hand for most of the time regularly patrolling and dealing with any problems.
These are just some common examples of what should be done by any company or organisation who are in control of a building.
A company that regularly inspects their premises are likely to have many fewer claims than those who do not.
Ice and Snow
During the winter, another common accident outdoors is due to slipping on ice.
If you slip on the highway, you are unlikely to be able to claim against the council because although the council have a duty to grit the roads, they cannot possibly remove all the ice and snow that may form or settle on the surface of the road.
There is a higher duty when it comes to car parks and entrances to public buildings such as schools because these areas are considered to be private land.
There is a greater duty on the owner or occupier of this land, which may be the council, to ensure that the premises are reasonably safe.
Factors to be taken in to account include what could reasonably have been done to remove the snow and ice, and what procedures were adopted for tackling this problem in icy conditions.
What to do after a slip, trip or fall accident in public
If you have been injured as a result of a slip, trip or fall in a public place, it is vital that you take pictures of the hazard or defect that caused your injury.
Take measurements of the defect.
You should also report it to whoever is in charge. For example, if it was in a shop or restaurant ask to speak to the manager and insist that they make a record of the incident and give you a copy.
If it was in a car park, look to see if there is a parking attendant nearby.
Look around about you to see if there were CCTV cameras.
Take details of any witnesses.
You should then contact us, and we will advise you on how to make the claim.
How much will my slip, trip or fall claim be worth
Every case is different and how much you will receive for your slip, trip or fall injury will depend on how serious your injuries were and how long it may take for you to recover. You will be able to claim, not only for pain and suffering, but also for any loss of earnings, medical treatment, and any other expenses that you reasonably incurred.
Time limits to make a slip trip or fall claim
There is a time limit of 3 years. The time limit is longer for children and anyone who lacks mental capacity.
However, we strongly advise not to wait to make a claim because evidence to prove the claim is much harder to get if you leave it too long. For example, memories of witnesses may fade over time. The sooner the claim is made the better.
How long does the compensation claim process take
This depends on various factors.
If liability is dispute and/or serious injuries were suffered, it will usually take much longer.
Simple cases can be resolved in months, but the most serious cases can unfortunately, take years to resolve.
Our aim is to resolve your case is quickly as possible and to obtain whenever possible, interim payments and support for medical treatment.
Claim compensation
The types of claims we handle include those arising from poorly maintained paving, poorly lit areas, and accidents in shops, shopping centres and other areas.
Companies and organisations have a duty of care to people who visit their premises. They must take all reasonable measures to assess and reduce or remove risks to the health and safety of visitors. Councils also have a responsibility to make sure that all roads, pavements and bridle paths are well-maintained and clear of defects to avoid accidents.
No Win No Fee Injury Claims
If you’ve suffered and injury as a result of a slip, trip or fall then get in touch with our experienced team of personal injury solicitors. Your first contact won’t cost you anything and could get you on the road to recovery, securing compensation for the future.
We successfully conclude thousands of cases each year, securing compensation for our clients from £1,000 to over £1,000,000.
Why choose Levenes?
We work diligently for our clients to help them put their lives back together and at the same time obtain the maximum compensation. With us on your side, you can expect:
- Over 100 years of combined experience – We have proven results; we are lawyers who fight for you with a record of success.
- Strong litigators – We are not afraid to take your case to court if we have to. We stand up for the rights of the injured and not for the rights of the big corporations.
- Empathy – We pride ourselves on our compassion and understanding and we are easy to talk to. We always put your interest first and we treat you as our family.
- A personal approach – Your case will be handled directly by one our partners with support from our team of lawyers.
- A tailor-made approach – Every client is treated individually and not as a number, to achieve the best possible result that you deserve.
- Clear communication – We talk to you in a down to earth way. We avoid legal jargon unless it cannot be avoided, and if so, we explain things clearly and simply.
- Maximum compensation – We have the courage to fight for what you are entitled to.
- Full attention – We have the resources to focus on every detail of the case and consider every angle. We do not spread ourselves too thinly – you deserve our full attention.
Claim in confidence today 0800 048 2355 or leave your details below to find out within an hour if we can help.
