Uneven pavement injury claims

Recent research carried out by the AA referred to the “shocking state of Britain’s pavements”, with respondents citing unmaintained surfaces, overgrown paths and damaged drain covers among the hazards encountered.

When can you make a pavement injury claim?

We could help you claim compensation if you have been injured on a pavement where:

• Stones or slabs are uneven, causing tripping hazards
• Drain covers are raised or damaged
• Tree or plant roots are growing up through the pavement
• There are potholes

Under the Highways Act 1980 it is the local authority or council’s responsibility to maintain pavements and footpaths, to make sure they are safe for pedestrians to use.

Am I eligible to make a pavement trip claim?

The criteria for claiming for your injuries after a pavement fall are:

• The hazard or defect in the pavement must either be at least 1 inch high or a minimum depth of 1 inch.
• You must have suffered an injury and required medical attention. General cuts and grazes are not considered serious enough to warrant a claim.

How can First4Lawyers help?

Our personal injury solicitors have many years’ experience in negotiating and dealing with public organisations to get you the best outcome.

Councils will often deny any liability, meaning some persistence is necessary.

We also offer No Win No Fee agreements, so you don’t need to take any upfront risk when making a claim.

Only pay a fee if you receive compensation

Where we offer No Win No Fee services typically customers pay 25%* of the amount recovered by our solicitors, although this will be subject to your individual circumstances and the actual fee may be less than this. Success fees are common practice and they were introduced when the law changed in April 2013.

First4Lawyers are an award-winning claims management company with a track record of delivering service that our clients love.

*Excluding Road Traffic Accident related claims where the accident happened on or after 31^st May 2021. Here customers will typically pay 30% + VAT due to changes introduced through the Civil Liability Act 2018.

Our solicitors will guide you through the process to make it as straightforward and stress-free as possible.

How much compensation will I receive for an uneven pavement injury claim?

That very much depends on your injury and how severe it is.

Our compensation calculator gives an idea of the amounts you could be awarded, but a chat with our legal advisors will give you advice tailored to your individual circumstances.

Is there a time limit for making a claim?

There is usually a three-year period from the date of the accident.

I think I have a claim, what do I do next?

Get in touch with us for a free consultation. We’ll ask you about your situation and advise you of your options. To do so, just request a callback at the top of the screen or fill out our online form.

It’s a good idea to have details of the accident, such as any photos of the object that caused the accident. Witnesses are also extremely useful in helping us to prove the case. We will, of course, also need dates, location and details of your injury.

You will need to seek medical attention for treatment and to make sure the injuries are noted in your medical records.