Slips trips and falls injury claims

Can I claim compensation for a slip, trip or fall injury?

You can claim compensation for your personal injuries if they were caused by a slip, trip or fall accident that was the fault of another person or party, such as a business or local authority. Compensation claims are subject to time limits and other exemptions which we will explain if they apply to your claim.

Many slip, trip and fall accident claims are the result of liquid on floors and defects in pavements. It’s common for liquid to be accidentally spilled on the floor of a workplace, shop, supermarket, café or restaurant.

However, when these accidents cause injuries at a business or public location, then a compensation claim can be made, providing it can be proven that the business, Council or property owner was negligent or in breach of their legal duty.

For example, if you slipped and fell on liquid inside a shop or an office when the entrance should have been made safe, then (in most cases) this would constitute a breach of legal duty.

Common types of slip, trip and fall accidents

Tripping, slipping and falling injuries are often caused by:

• Wet floors, for example when a leak or spillage occurs and it has not been cleaned up nor warning signs put in place
• Uneven floors, for example when a step is cracked, chipped or has a hole which has not been repaired or made safe
• Loose flooring, for example when linoleum or carpet has become detached from the floor and has not been repaired or made safe
• Hazards, for example when electrical cables become loose or trail and they have not been made safe or secured
• Debris on floor, for example waste products which have fallen to the floor and have not been cleared up

Slips, trips and falls in the workplace

The most common types of accidents at work are slips, trips and falls. Whether you work in a warehouse, office, shop, factory or you drive a company delivery vehicle, there is always a potential risk of slipping, tripping or falling whilst you work.

If you are injured in an accident at work in England or Wales you are protected in two ways.

Firstly, it is illegal for an employer to terminate your employment if you claim for a work accident. Secondly, employers are required by law to have employer's liability insurance coverage to protect staff against work accidents, and to provide compensation when an employer is found to be at fault for an employee's injuries.

So, in a lot of workplace fall accident cases the compensation is claimed from the employer's liability insurance company and not the employer.

For more information see fall from height injury compensation.

Can I make a no win no fee slip, trip or fall claim?

When we have the details about your slip and fall accident we will provide you with free legal advice and review your claim for compensation free of charge. After a Personal Injury expert has assessed your case we will advise you about No Win No Fee and recommend the best way for you to proceed.

With a no win no fee agreement there is no financial risk to you, win or lose.

Rehabilitation, recovery and compensation after slip, trip and fall accidents

If we take on your claim we will take steps to enable your medical condition to be assessed by a medical expert. At Co-op Legal Services we ensure that you are fully supported throughout your claim, whatever your injuries or your circumstances.

In some cases interim payments of compensation can be applied for before the claim is settled. You will be advised about interim payments if they become available in your case.

Your personal injury solicitor will work to determine who is at fault for your injuries and collect evidence to support getting an admission of liability (fault) from the other side. After we review the evidence from your case and details from previous claims we calculate the amount of compensation you should receive, plus damages for items including lost earnings, out of pocket expenses, prescriptions and travel.

Your personal injury solicitor can negotiate with the other side or start litigation (the process of taking legal action) to secure a fair compensation settlement for you as soon as possible.

How serious does an injury need to be to make a slip, trip or fall claim?

Slip, trip and fall injuries can cause serious injuries. If you have been caused pain, loss or suffering as a result of a slip, trip or fall that was caused by the actions or negligence of someone else, you could be entitled to make a claim for compensation.

The value of the claim will include any financial loss you have incurred because of the injury, as well as the cost of your rehabilitation or medical treatment.

Who is responsible for slips, trips or falls?

Slip, trip and fall accidents are commonly caused by spills on floors, obstructions or defects in pavements. In a public place or a business premises, the property or business owner has an obligation to ensure their premises are safe.

If a spillage or hazard causes a slip, trip or fall accident and it can be proven that the business, Council or property owner was negligent or in breach of their legal duty, the injured person could be entitled to compensation.

Public liability and occupiers' liability claims for slips, trips and falls

Slip, trip or fall claims against local authorities are often called public liability claims and claims for accidents occurring on private property, such as shops and offices, are called occupier's liability claims.