Slip, Trip and Fall Claims

What counts as a slip, trip or fall claim?

You could make a slip, trip or fall claim if your accident was caused by someone else’s negligence. For example:

• You slipped on a wet floor with no warning sign
• You tripped on uneven paving that hasn’t been maintained
• You fell on a staircase due to a broken handrail or uneven steps
• Poor lighting in a public area caused you to lose your footing
• Objects left in a walkway tripped you up – such as cables or boxes

At First4Lawyers, we help people bring slip, trip and fall injury claims on a No Win No Fee basis. This means you can pursue compensation without paying upfront legal costs.

To find out if you could have a claim, get in touch with our team for a free initial consultation.

Making a slip or trip claim – what you need to prove

1. A duty of care existed
You’ll need to establish who was responsible for keeping the area where you fell safe. This could be:

• An employer
• Local council
• Supermarket chain
• Restaurant
• Gym
• Local shop
• School

2. The duty of care was breached
Next, you’ll need to show that the organisation responsible failed in their duty of care. This could apply if they failed to clean up or mark a spillage, didn’t fix potential hazards, or ignored reported risks.

3. This breach directly led to your injury
Your solicitor will gather evidence to demonstrate how negligence directly caused your injury. This will include medical records, witness statements and expert reports.

This can seem overwhelming, but your solicitor will be there at every stage to guide you through the process. They’ll make sure all the necessary evidence is presented, so that your case has the best chance of success.

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

This will depend on where your accident happened and who was responsible for maintaining the area:

• In the workplace
  Slips, trips and falls are the leading cause of non-fatal injuries at work. If your employer failed in their duty of care and you were injured, your claim would be brought against their insurer.
• In a public area
  If your accident happened in a supermarket, restaurant or other similar establishment, the company may be liable for your injuries. Similarly, if you tripped or fell on a public pavement, the local council could be held responsible.
• On private property
  Landlords have a responsibility to keep communal areas safe. If you were injured because of loose flooring, broken steps or poor maintenance, you may have grounds for a claim against the property owner.

It may be that you’re unsure of who your claim should be made against. Don’t worry, our solicitors are here to identify who is at fault and build a case on your behalf.

How can First4Lawyers help?

We work with experienced slip, trip 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 to 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, trip and fall compensation amounts as 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 it’s likely to impact 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.

Instructing a solicitor early could help to strengthen your claim. It may be easier for your solicitor to gather evidence such as medical records and CCTV, and the details of the accident are likely to be fresher in your mind.

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. 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 a 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 medical attention.

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, 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 No Win No Fee slip or fall claim online with our quick and easy claims form.