Slip, Trip and Fall Claims

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

Slips, trips and falls are often thought of as minor accidents. But in the worst cases, they can result in serious injuries such as broken bones or even head injuries.

If you’ve been injured after suffering a slip, trip or fall, you could be entitled to compensation and support.

Whether your accident was caused by uneven paving, poor lighting or an unmarked wet floor, our solicitors could help you bring a No Win No Fee claim.

We offer a free no obligation consultation where we’ll discuss your situation with you and let you know if you could have a strong case. To find out more, get in touch with our friendly and knowledgeable team.

What should I do if I suffer a slip, trip or fall in a public place?

Unfortunately, slips, trips and falls can happen in almost any public space – from gyms to supermarkets, restaurants to museums. In these cases, a claim would usually be made against the organisation’s insurer.

If you suffer an injury after tripping on an uneven pavement or falling on broken steps, your claim would likely be made against the local council that is responsible for maintaining these areas.

It isn’t always immediately clear who a slip, trip or fall claim should be made against. But part of a personal injury solicitor’s role is to identify who should be held accountable for your injury. So you don’t need to worry if you’re not completely sure.

Who will I claim against for a slip, trip or fall at work?

In the UK, slips, trips and falls are the leading cause of accidents at work. In 2022/23, they accounted for 32% of non-fatal workplace injuries. Meanwhile, falls from height made up 8% of work-related accidents.

If you’ve been injured due to a slip, trip or fall at work, your employer could be held responsible for your pain and suffering. This will apply if they didn’t take reasonable measures to protect you under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.

How can First4Lawyers help?

We work with experienced slip and fall lawyers who are here to help you through the claims process. They’ll strive to get you the compensation and justice you deserve, as well as helping you to access support for your recovery.

At First4Lawyers, we know that the lasting effects of your injury won’t disappear when the claims process is over. Our solicitors will prioritise your wellbeing at every stage and put you in touch with experts who can help with your rehabilitation – even after your case is finalised.

For these types of claims, we work on a No Win No Fee basis. This means there will be no fees for you to pay upfront and no legal fees to cover if your case is unsuccessful.

Slip, trip and fall claims FAQs

What is the average payout for a slip, trip or fall?

There are no default slip and fall compensation amounts. The level of compensation you receive will depend on your unique situation.

If your claim is successful, your settlement will firstly take into account the circumstances of your accident, the severity of your injury and how much of an impact it’s expected to have on your life. These are known as general damages.

General damages are calculated using the Judicial College Guidelines. Your solicitor will use these guidelines to work out how much compensation you could be entitled to for your pain and suffering:

Your compensation will also consider any financial losses related to your injuries. This could be lost earnings if you’ve had to take time off work to recover, or the cost of further medical treatment. These are known as special damages.

How long do I have to make a slip, trip or fall claim?

In the majority of slip, trip and fall cases, you’ll have three years from the date of your accident to start a claim. While this might sound like a long time, it’s always a good idea to start your claim as soon as possible.

This could make the process of accessing evidence more straightforward, further strengthening your case. Many organisations will delete CCTV footage after 30 days, so speaking to a legal expert early will increase your chances of securing footage of your accident.

If you’re making a claim on behalf of someone who is lacking mental capacity, there won’t be a time limit applied to your case. And if you’re taking legal action for a child, you’ll have until their 18th birthday to start a claim. After this, they’ll have until they’re 21 to make a claim.

Can I make a slip, trip or fall claim for someone else?

If your loved one has suffered a serious injury as a result of a slip, trip or fall, they may not be able to bring a claim for themselves.

Sadly, it’s not uncommon for people to suffer brain or head trauma as a result of these types of accidents. And in these instances, it may be possible for someone else to bring a claim on their behalf as a litigation friend.

This will also apply if you’re looking to act on behalf of a child who has been involved in a slip, trip or fall accident.

In the worst cases, slips, trips and falls can be fatal. If this has happened to your loved one, you may be able to make a claim on their behalf. While this won’t take away the pain of losing someone close to you, it could help to lift some of the financial pressure you might be facing.

I think I have claim – what should I do next?

It may sound obvious but the most important thing to do after suffering a slip, trip or fall injury is to seek the opinion of a medical professional. It’s not uncommon for injuries to appear after the initial shock wears off, so we’d always suggest seeing a doctor if you haven’t already.

After this, you could think about making a claim for compensation. Our advisors are here to answer any questions you may have on the process of making a claim, so you can feel confident going forward.

If we’re able to help you, we’ll ask if you’d like to be matched with an experienced slip and fall accident lawyer. This decision will be completely up to you, and we’ll never pressure you either way.

To find out more, get in touch with us on the number at the top of the screen, request a callback or start your claim online with our quick and easy claims form.