Slips, trips and falls at work compensation claims
Whether you have slipped, tripped or fallen at work, if someone else was to blame, you may be able to claim compensation. Slater and Gordon is a leading injury compensation firm, offering a No Win No Fee service to the vast majority of our clients.
Can I make a compensation claim for a fall at work?
A fall at work can be frightening, painful and deeply unsettling. Many people tell us they feel embarrassed, worried about their job, or uncertain about whether they are ‘allowed’ to pursue a claim.
Employers are required by law to take reasonable steps to keep you safe at work and prevent foreseeable harm. When these duties are not met, and you’re injured as a result, you may be entitled to make a fall at work injury compensation claim.
At Slater and Gordon, we understand how stressful this situation can be. If you’ve slipped, tripped or fallen at work, our role is to offer clear guidance, practical support and reassurance about your options, while handling the legal process on your behalf.
Why choose Slater and Gordon’s slip and fall at work lawyers?
Making a claim for a fall at work is about more than compensation. It is about accountability, reassurance, and being able to move forward after an upsetting experience. Slater and Gordon is a recognised and trusted legal firm with decades of experience in workplace injury claims.
Many of our team also hold esteemed positions within the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), such as Vice President, Senior Litigator and Brain Injury Specialist.
We’re also accredited by the Law Society's Lexcel program, which underscores our commitment to the highest standards of professionalism.
Our solicitors work closely with medical professionals to assess injuries and determine the necessary future care and rehabilitation, which enhances our ability to negotiate fair compensation on your behalf.
We’re partnered with various charities that assist those who have experienced serious injuries, so we can guide you toward ongoing support for you and your family. This includes, but is not limited to, After Matters, Headway, and the Spinal Injuries Association.
Can I claim compensation if I've had an accident at work?
If you’ve been involved in an accident at work that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation. Watch our video of Karolis who tragically lost his foot following an accident at work in a sawmill.
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What's the difference between a slip, a trip and a fall?
While it might seem like splitting hairs over language, the law is very specific about the difference between a slip, a trip and a fall, as the degree of negligence that caused an injury depends very much on how it occurred. It's important to understand the definitions of slips, trips and falls:
Slips at work: these occur when there is too little grip between footwear and the surface you are walking on, due to water, oil, dust or another 'slippery' material on the floor
Trips at work: these occur when a worker's foot is brought to an abrupt halt by contact with an object in its path, such as trailing cables, loose carpets, or unexpected objects in walkways
Falls at work: there are two types of falls at work: those that occur on the same level, such as by falling into a pothole or other depression in the surface; and falls from heights, such as from rooftops, ladders, gantries and scaffolding
Falling objects: injuries caused by falling objects are different to those that occur when people fall, but they will also generally lead to compensation claims
While these definitions are important, the most important factor that affects whether you can claim for a fall at work is whether someone has been negligent, or your employer has failed in their duty of care towards you.
To find out if your injury entitles you to fall at work compensation, talk to one of our specialist slipped at work solicitors today.
What injuries can be caused by a slip, trip or fall at work?
A slip, trip or fall at work can lead to a wide range of injuries, from relatively minor injuries to life‑changing harm. The severity of your injury often depends on factors such as the height of the fall, the surface you landed on, and whether you were carrying equipment or working in a hazardous environment.
Some of the injuries we see in slips and falls at work claims include:
Soft tissue injuries: these are quite common and include sprains and strains to the back, neck, shoulders, wrists or ankles.
Fractures and broken bones: most commonly resulting in breaks in the arms, legs, hips, or ribs, these injuries may require surgery, lengthy rehabilitation, and time out of work
Head or brain injuries: striking your head in a slip, trip or fall can be incredibly serious. Even a mild head injury can lead to symptoms like headaches, dizziness, memory problems, and difficulty concentrating.
This list isn’t exhaustive. No matter what injuries you have suffered, if you have been injured in a workplace accident, you may be entitled to fall at work compensation that reflects the full impact of what has happened, including pain, suffering, loss of earnings and the practical effect on your life.
How do I make a fall or slip at work compensation claim?
When you've suffered a slip, trip or fall at work, you need specialists you can talk to and trust. Our dedicated fall at work lawyers provide a sympathetic, professional, and honest approach, working closely with our clients to secure the compensation and support they deserve.
To start your fall or slip at work claim, call us on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online to discuss the details of your case with one of our specialist lawyers.
We’ll assess your case and, if we think you have a claim, we’ll explain the process and your funding options clearly (most of our slip and trip at work claims are pursued on a No Win No Fee basis).
To support your claim, we’ll gather evidence, including health and safety documents and your medical records (with your permission), and we’ll arrange a medical examination with an independent expert who specialises in providing medical evidence to the court.
Once we’ve collected all the initial information we need, we’ll submit a Letter of Claim to the responsible party. Your solicitor will keep you up to date with your claims progress and will handle all negotiations, working hard to secure the best possible result.
We will arrange for you to have a medical examination with an independent expert who specialises in providing medical evidence to the court.
As part of your claim, we’ll advocate for you have access to the best quality treatment and rehabilitation such as physiotherapy, where appropriate, to maximise your chances of a full recovery and future independence.
In most cases, negotiations will lead to a successful conclusion of a claim. However, there are occasions when a settlement cannot be reached, and the matter must go to court so a judge can rule on the case.
What evidence will I need to support my fall at work claim?
Evidence plays a key role in any slip, trip or fall at work claim, as it helps us establish what happened, including the cause of the accident and how you sustained your injuries.
The exact evidence required will depend on the circumstances of your accidents, though it will typically include:
Medical records: these are crucial, as they link your injuries directly to the accident and document your treatment and recovery.
Photographic evidence: this should include photos of the scene of the accident, including the cause of the accident where possible, and any visible injuries.
Video evidence: this could include CCTV footage, if available. This can be critical, as it can show what happened in real time.
Further workplace evidence: for example, accident book entries, maintenance logs, cleaning records and risk assessments. Witness statements from colleagues who saw the accident or were aware of the hazard can also be very helpful.
Records of financial losses: it’s important to be able to evidence any financial loss caused by your injuries to ensure any compensation awarded reflects the full impact of what has happened. This could include lost wages, medical and care costs, travel costs, and more.
You don’t need to gather all the evidence yourself. Our experienced slipped at work solicitors will know what is needed and can obtain evidence on your behalf, ensuring nothing important is overlooked.
How much fall at work compensation could I receive?
Every fall at work claim is different and the amount of compensation you could be entitled to will vary depending on several factors. This includes how severe your injuries are, the level to which they impact your daily life and ability to work, and your expected recovery.
Compensation will be awarded in two separate categories: general damages (which covers the injury itself, as well as the pain and suffering caused and any loss to your quality of life) and special damages (which covers the financial impact, including lost wages and any other financial expenses you’ve incurred or are likely to incur in the future).
We take most slip, trip and fall injury cases on a No Win No Fee basis, and will often seek interim payments to help you avoid financial hardship if you're prevented from working by your injuries.
Talk to our experienced slipped at work solicitors
We’re No Win No Fee specialists, meaning there’s no financial risk when making a claim for an accident at work.
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Our teams of legal experts specialise in representing those who’ve suffered injuries at work.
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How long have I got to make a slip, trip or fall claim?
In the UK, you have three years from the date of your accident to start a claim for fall at work compensation.
There are some exceptions to this rule, including where the injured person was under the age of 18 or has diminished mental capacity, if you were working abroad when the accident took place, or in the tragic event that the accident resulted in a death.
It's therefore important to speak to a specialist slip and fall at work lawyer about your compensation claim as soon as you're able, as they will be able to advise you on any time limits relevant to your case.
To learn more or to start your fall at work claim, speak to one of our specialist experts on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online.
What is employers' liability insurance?
Employers’ liability insurance is an insurance policy that covers the cost of any compensation and the employer’s legal fees if an employee suffers an injury or illness due to the employer’s negligence. It is a legal requirement in the UK for every employer to have a policy in place.
Your fall at work claim will be made against your employer’s insurance policy, and it will be the insurer who handles the majority of your claim, not your employer themselves.
Who is responsible for my slip, trip or fall injury?
While there are many causes for slip, trips and falls at work claims, the ultimate responsibility usually lies with your employer. Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, they have a duty of care to ensure that your workplace is safe, from the floor coverings all the way up to any rooftop gantries.
If you've been injured and believe that your slip, trip or fall was caused by an unsafe workplace, we strongly advise you to speak to our specialist fall at work lawyers to learn if you might be entitled to receive compensation.
Can I still make a slip, trip or fall at work claim if I’m under 18 years old?
Yes, you can, though a responsible adult (usually a parent or legal guardian) will need to act on your behalf as a ‘litigation friend’ until you turn 18. This is because you are legally recognised as a minor before the age of 18, which means you can’t conduct legal proceedings yourself. However, you still have the right to claim fall at work compensation if you’ve been injured due to your employer’s negligence.
Any compensation awarded is normally held safely by the Court until you turn 18, although funds can sometimes be released earlier if they are needed for your benefit such as for your care or rehabilitation.
If you were injured at work while under 18, it is always worth speaking to an experienced fall at work solicitor (with a parent or legal guardian) who can explain your rights and ensure your welfare is fully protected.
How much does it cost to make a slip, trip or fall at work claim?
The vast majority of the fall or slip at work claims we pursue are funded through a No Win No Fee agreement, also known as a Conditional Fee agreement.
Under a No Win No Fee agreement, you don’t need to pay anything upfront to start your claim, and you won’t owe us a penny in legal fees if your case is unsuccessful. If your claim succeeds, a small success fee will be taken from your compensation award which is capped as a fixed percentage.
To learn more about pursuing a claim for a fall at work on a No Win No Fee basis, speak to our team today on [[callbacknumber] or get in touch online.
Can I be fired for making a work fall claim?
No, you can’t. It’s understandable that many people can worry about their job security after an accident, but UK law offers important protection. Under the Employment Rights Act 1996, your employer cannot treat you unfairly or dismiss you simply because you made a fall at work compensation claim.
In practice, most employers understand that claims are handled through their insurance and that making a claim isn’t a personal attack. If you are worried about how your employer may react, our experienced fall at work solicitors can explain your rights and provide reassurance at each stage.
Will I still be able to make a claim if I was at fault?
This will depend on the circumstances of your accident. If you were partially at fault for your accident, you may still be entitled to compensation for a fall at work. If it can be shown you were solely responsible for the accident, you’re unlikely to be eligible to make a claim.
Workplace safety law recognises that accidents are often caused by a combination of factors. For example, you could have been distracted, but your employer may also have failed to clean up a spill, repair a damaged floor, or provide adequate health and safety training. In these situations, the law allows for compensation to be awarded to you, though often with a reduction to reflect your share of the responsibility.
If you’re unsure of whether you could be eligible to make a claim for a fall at work, our leading legal experts can assess the circumstances of your case and help you establish your full legal position. Speak to us today on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online.
What is contributory negligence in a work fall claim?
Contributory negligence is a legal concept that recognises shared responsibility for an accident. In the context of a fall at work claim, it means that while your employer may have been partly responsible for unsafe conditions, your actions may also have contributed.
For example, if you ignored clear safety signage or failed to follow training, a court may decide to reduce your compensation by a percentage to reflect that contribution. This doesn’t mean that you can’t make a claim or that your claim will be unsuccessful; it simply reduces the final amount awarded.
Whatever the circumstances of your accident, our experienced slip at work solicitors will argue your case robustly, ensuring any reduction for contributory negligence is reasonable and evidence‑based.
Can I make a claim for slip and fall at work compensation on behalf of a loved one?
Yes. In some situations, you may be able to bring a claim on behalf of a loved one who has been injured in a workplace fall. This applies when the injured person lacks mental capacity to manage their claim, or if they are under 18.
If a fall at work has sadly resulted in a fatal injury, close family members may also be able to pursue a dependency or fatal accident claim under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976. These claims can provide compensation for financial losses and recognise the emotional impact of the loss.
We understand that pursuing a claim on behalf of a loved one can feel daunting. Our slip and fall at work solicitors approach these cases with sensitivity, care and respect, guiding families through each step with tailored, practical advice.
How long will my slip at work claim take?
The length of a fall at work compensation claim can vary as it will depend on the circumstances of your accident and injuries. Some straightforward claims, where liability is quickly accepted and injuries are relatively minor, may resolve in a matter of months. More complex cases, particularly those involving serious injuries or disputed responsibility, can take much longer.
It is important not to rush the process if your medical condition hasn’t stabilised. Settling too early may mean your compensation doesn’t fully reflect your long‑term needs. Throughout the claim, your dedicated slip and fall at work lawyer will keep you updated and explain what is happening in plain language, so you are never left in the dark.
Will I need to go to court as part of my slip at work claim?
It’s very unlikely. Most fall at work claims are settled without the need for a court hearing and are handled through negotiations between your lawyer and your employer’s insurers once the evidence has been gathered and examined.
In rare cases, usually where liability (fault) is disputed or an agreement can’t be reached on a fair settlement, court proceedings may become necessary. Even then, your lawyer will continue to negotiate with the other side, which often results in a settlement before a final court hearing.
If it becomes necessary for you to attend court, we will work closely with you to prepare you fully, making sure you know what to expect and what will happen next. We’ll support you throughout the process, continuing to represent you and fight for the best possible outcome.
Can I change my lawyers if I’m not happy with the service I’m receiving?
Yes, you can. You have a legal right to choose your legal representative when pursuing a compensation claim, and you aren’t required to stay with a solicitor if you’re unhappy with the service they are providing.
It may be that you feel communication has been poor, your concerns have not been listened to, or you lack confidence in the handling of your case. If so, another law firm can take over and continue the claim on your behalf. Any costs already incurred are usually dealt with between the firms, so changing solicitors shouldn’t disadvantage you.
At Slater and Gordon, we are often asked to step in where clients feel let down elsewhere. Our focus is on rebuilding trust, explaining the process clearly, and ensuring you feel supported from the outset.
To learn more about how our experienced fall at work lawyers can support you, speak to our team today on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online.
Really helpful and always on the other side of the phone if needed. Quick and easy service. Ashley
Everything is moving along quickly and smoothly. Good professional service I'm glad I chose Slater and Gordon. Kenny Jackson