Slips, trips and falls can all lead to serious injuries. If you have been hurt in this way and believe that it was caused by someone else's negligence, talk to Slater and Gordon: one of the UK's leading injury compensation firms.
While some people imagine that slipping on a wet floor or tripping over a loose paving stone are not serious accidents, the truth is that slips, trips and falls can lead to life changing injuries.
Many people assume that no one is to blame for these accidents and simply manage with their injury alone. Yet we know that many accidents like these are caused by the negligence or carelessness of others. Successful claims can be brought when a slip, trip or fall has been caused by negligence, this including accidents which occur in public areas such as streets and parks, privately owned land, properties and businesses such as supermarkets and restaurants, or even rented accommodation where your accident has been caused by a hazard that your landlord should have fixed.
If your accident was caused by someone else's negligence, you may be able to claim slip and fall compensation for your injuries.
Speak to one of our expert slip and fall lawyers today to find out if you have a claim.
What can cause slips, trips, and falls?
Slip, trip and fall claims often arise in places where visitors are expected to walk safely, but the ground is left in a hazardous condition due to someone else’s negligence. This can 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 such as unmarked/ insufficiently marked steps/changes in floor level
Inadequate lighting that makes it hard to see stairs, kerbs and other obstacles
Inadequate or missing safety features such as banisters
If you were hurt as a result of a slip, trip or fall and you believe that it was caused by someone else’s negligence, speak to one of our slip and fall accident lawyers about making a No Win No Fee injury compensation claim.
What are the most common injuries caused by slip and fall accidents?
While often considered to be a minor accident, a slip, trip and fall has the potential to cause significant injuries. The severity of injuries can range from minor sprains, bruises and cuts, to fractures and head injuries.
Some of the injuries we have seen resulting from a slip, trip and fall accidents include:
Minor musculoskeletal injuries, such as sprains to the ankles, knees or wrists
Damage to the skin, such as bruises, cuts and lacerations
Fractures and dislocations
Facial injuries, such as fractures, dental damage and cuts
Back and spinal injuries
Head and neck injuries, including concussions, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
Psychological injuries such as the development or worsening of anxiety, depression and PTSD
If you’ve been injured after a slip, trip or fall accident, it is important to get assessed by a medical professional.
How serious does a slip, trip, or fall need to be for me to make a claim?
To make a claim for a slip, trip, or fall, you must be able to prove that:
Someone owed you a duty of care
The duty of care was breached as a result of negligence
The negligence caused your slip, trip, or fall accident
You were injured in the accident
Slip, trip, or fall accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from bruising and sprains to head or brain injuries. No matter how you were injured in the accident, you may be eligible to make a claim. Some of the injuries we have seen due to a slip, trip, or fall accident include:
Bruising, cuts, or sprains
Bone fractures and dislocations
Injuries to your back or spine, including slipped discs, nerve damage, or damage to your spinal cord
Head and brain injuries, such as concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
If you believe you could be eligible for slip and fall compensation, it is crucial you get legal advice from a specialist slip and fall lawyer who will be able to assess your claim and take you through the next steps.
The party responsible for your accident will depend upon where your accident occurred. For example, if you trip on a faulty pavement, the local council will usually be responsible, whereas if you are in a public building, the occupier of the premises will generally be liable. That's why most councils, landowners, public building owners and businesses carry public liability insurance.
This is an essential insurance policy, which ensures that money is available to pay for financial compensation and any necessary rehabilitation or medical expenses that arise from slips, trips or falls caused by the policyholders negligence.
How do I claim compensation for a slip and fall?
To make a successful slip and fall claim, you will need to be able to prove that you were owed a duty of care by the Defendant (i.e. the party you are claiming against) and that your accident and injuries were caused by their negligence.
Starting a legal claim can be daunting, but our slip, trip and fall lawyers are here to support you each step of the way, taking the hard work and stress out of the process so that you can concentrate on your recovery.
Call us on 0330 041 5869 or contact us online today for a no-obligation chat about your case with one of our industry-leading slip, trip and fall lawyers
We will assess your claim and help you collect all the necessary evidence, working with medical experts and witnesses to support your case
As part of your claim, we will need to access your medical records and arrange an examination with an independent medical expert who specialises in providing reports in personal injury claims
Our experts will advocate for you to have access to the best quality treatment, rehabilitation and support to maximise the chances of you achieving a full recovery and future independence. This includes support from our in-house rehabilitation coordinator and relationship manager
We’ll work hard to secure the best possible compensation for you. This is usually through out-of-court negotiations. Very few claims go to court, but if your claim does, your solicitor will be there to support and advise you throughout the proceedings
Why choose Slater and Gordon’s slip, trip and fall lawyers?
Suffering an injury after a slip, trip or fall can be overwhelming and often leaves people feeling vulnerable and unsure of what to do next. If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, you need an expert that you can talk to and trust. Slater and Gordon are one of the UK’s top consumer law firms, and we’ve helped thousands of people claim the injury compensation that they deserve.
We pride ourselves on taking a holistic approach to every case that goes far beyond legal support. We work with every client to secure crucial treatment and rehabilitation support, including compensation for any future care and rehabilitation needs they have.
Many of our personal injury solicitors hold positions within Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), including as Senior Litigators and Brain Injury Specialists.
We’re accredited by The Law Society's Lexcel program, recognising that we adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and ensure our clients benefit from our expertise.
Why choose Slater and Gordon as your slip and fall law firm?
No Win No Fee
We’re no win no fee specialists, meaning there’s no financial risk when making a claim for an accident at work or in a public place.
Talk to the experts
We have teams of legal experts who specialise in representing those who’ve suffered injuries as a result of accidents at work and in public places.
Tailored advice
As specialists in accidents at work and public places, we'll ensure your case is dealt with swiftly, whilst ensuring you receive the maximum compensation.
Your local law firm
We’re a reputable National law firm with expert lawyers in local areas across England, Scotland and Wales.
Speak to one of our personal injury solicitors today
Slips and trips are different types of accidents. A fall refers to the result of a slip or trip.
Slip: a loss of traction between your foot and the surface you are walking on, causing you to lose your balance - often caused by things like water, grease or dust covering the surface beneath your feet.
Trip: occurs when your foot hits an obstacle or a sudden and unexpected change in ground level, which affects your balance. Common causes are clutter, cables trailing across the ground, uneven floors, or poorly marked steps.
How much will my slip, trip or fall claim be worth?
There is no hard and fast rule for how much compensation you might receive for a slip, trip or fall injury. This all depends on the extent of your injuries and how long it is expected that a full recovery will take. However, in addition to damages for pain and suffering, your slip and fall accident lawyer may also be able to help you claim for any loss of earnings, any medical treatment, or rehabilitation that may be required.
Is there a time limit for making a slip, trip, or fall compensation claim?
In the UK, the time limit for making a slip and fall claim is three years. This means that you have three years from the date of the accident to start the court claim for compensation.
There are exceptions to the three-year time limit. For instance:
If you are claiming on behalf of someone who lacks the mental capacity to do so for themselves, there is no time limit for starting the claim.
If the injured person is a child, they have until their 21st birthday to start the court claim for compensation
If you were in an accident abroad, the time limits could vary depending on which country you were in at the time.
We strongly recommend that you start your claim as soon as possible, to avoid losing access to any important evidence.
How long does a slip, trip or fall compensation claim take?
This will often depend on how serious your injuries are as well as whether a negligent party's insurers accept liability. However, we always aim to pursue justice for our clients as efficiently as possible, and our slip and fall lawyers will also seek to claim interim payments where your injury might cause you financial hardship, or where you need to begin rehabilitation as soon as possible.
Can I still claim for a slip and fall if I was partly to blame?
Yes, you can still make a slip and fall claim if you were partially responsible for the accident, although the amount of compensation you are awarded will be reduced to reflect your role in the accident.
This is known as contributory negligence or split liability. We will negotiate with the Defendant to agree the extent to which your actions contributed to the accident/your injuries. This contribution is then reflected in a percentage deduction from any compensation you receive.
For example, if it was determined that you were 20% responsible for the accident that caused your injuries, the total compensation awarded to you would be reduced by 20%.
Can I make a claim on behalf of someone else?
If a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident and is not able to claim injury compensation themselves, it may be possible for you to do so on their behalf. Cases where this may be possible include:
Claiming on behalf of a child (under 18 years old)
Claiming on behalf of someone with diminished mental capacity whether their loss of capacity was caused by their injuries
Claiming after a fatal accident
If you wish to discuss the possibility of claiming on behalf of someone else, our expert slip, trip and fall lawyers will be happy to discuss this with you in more detail. Contact us today on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online.
Will I need a medical exam as part of my claim?
Yes, you will likely be required to undergo an independent medical examination with an independent medical expert. In cases where serious injuries have occurred, you may need to be examined by more than one expert.
This is an essential part of collecting the evidence we will need to support your case. The report produced by the expert will document the severity of your injuries, the impact they have on your daily life now and in the future, and any care or treatment needs you may have.
What evidence will I need to provide as part of a slip and fall claim?
To make a successful claim, we will need to prove that the accident that caused your injuries occurred because of someone else’s negligence. To do this, we’ll need to gather any relevant evidence from the scene of the accident and speak to any witnesses.
You should take photos of the location the incident took place, making sure that you capture the direct cause of your accident, such as an uneven paving stone for example.
You should also try to get the contact details of any witnesses, as well as photographs of your injuries, and details of any medical treatment you received. If you are in a public building, you should also try to find out who owns it.
Do I need a lawyer for a slip, trip and fall claim?
While it is not strictly necessary to hire a lawyer to make a slip and fall claim, it is strongly recommended that you do so.
A slip and fall lawyer will provide specialised and tailored legal advice in your claim from the outset, setting out the options available to you, any risks and how much compensation you could expect to receive as a result of your injuries.
A lawyer will be able to handle the legal complexities of your case, including any issues regarding liability and compensation negotiations on your behalf, meaning you are far more likely to resolve your claim successfully with the best possible outcome.
How much does a slip and fall lawyer cost?
At Slater and Gordon, we firmly believe that no one should be prevented from accessing the legal support and compensation they deserve because of the cost of legal services. That is why all the slip, trip and fall claims we pursue are done so on a No Win No Fee basis, which means you will not need to pay anything upfront to access our expert legal support.
Under a No Win No Fee agreement, there are no financial risks to you when making a claim (providing you meet your responsibilities under the agreement). A small success fee will be taken from the total compensation awarded after your claim has been settled. There may also be a deduction for the cost of the After the Event Insurance policy, taken out to protect you against any cost risks.
In the unlikely event that your claim is unsuccessful, you won’t need to pay for any of the legal services provided.
To learn more about making a No Win No Fee slip, trip and fall claim, speak to a member of our team on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online.
Will I have to go to court?
It is very unlikely that you will need to go to court as part of your claim, but it is possible.
Almost all slip, trip and fall claims are settled outside of court through negotiations with the Defendant. Where disputes on liability and/or the amount of compensation owed are raised, solicitors on both sides will follow the Pre-Action Protocols to attempt to resolve the issue/s without going to court.
However, if this is unsuccessful, a court hearing may be necessary. If this is the case, your solicitor will talk you through what will happen next and will continue to support and advise you throughout proceedings.
I was hurt at work, can I still claim?
A large number of slip, trip and fall claims arise at work. UK employers are legally obligated to have employer's liability insurance in place for these claims. If you have been injured whilst at work our accident at work specialists can help you.
Really helpful and always on the other side of the phone if needed. Quick and easy service. Ashley
Excellent communication, in constant contact with the latest info regarding your case. David
Everything is moving along quickly and smoothly. Good professional service I'm glad I chose Slater and Gordon. Kenny Jackson