YOU MAY HAVE A CLAIM FOR COMPENSATIONSlips and Falls ClaimsIf you have been involved in a slip or fall that was not your fault and left you injured, you may be able to claim compensation. Your case will be reviewed by our panel of legal firms who will be able to tell you how much you could be owed. Start claim Home E Personal Injury E Slips and FallsOverview of slips and fall claimsSlips and falls claims are a type of personal injury claim that individuals may pursue when they suffer an injury due to a slip, trip or fall caused by the negligence of a property owner or occupier.These claims can arise from a variety of situations, such as slipping on a wet floor in a supermarket, tripping on broken paving slabs or falling down a poorly lit staircase in a rental property. As a result of a slip, trip or fall, the injured person may be able to claim compensation if the party is responsible for the accident.In this section› Slips and Falls Claims› Overview of slips and falls claims› The criteria needed to qualify› What is the legal argument for the claim?› What evidence do you need?› A guide to compensation amounts› How long do claims typically take?› Common questionsWhat criteria qualify for a slip and fall claim?To qualify for a slips and falls claim, the injured party must demonstrate that the property owner or occupier had a duty of care towards them and that this duty was breached due to negligence. This means that the property owner or occupier failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the slip or fall from occurring, or failed to warn the injured party of any potential hazards.Some examples could be if a wet floor sign wasn’t used, if a spillage isn’t cleared up promptly in a bar or restaurant, or if machinery wires were left on the floor and weren’t appropriately tied up.Did you know?Slips and falls are one of the most common injuries in the workplace, which cause workers to miss an average of 38 workdays every year.What is the legal argument?The legal argument for a slips and falls claim typically revolves around the concept of negligence. Negligence is the failure to exercise reasonable care, and in the context of a slips and falls claim, it refers to the property owner or occupier’s failure to take reasonable steps to prevent the accident from occurring. The owner or occupier of the property has a duty of care towards the occupants of the property.This is according to the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, which provides employers with clear instructions on their responsibilities. This includes upholding practices to protect the safety and wellbeing of workers and accepting liability if there was an injury in the workplace that could’ve been prevented.Key FactsOver 33% of slips, trips or falls in the workplace are actually on the same level, not from working at height.What evidence supports a slips and falls claim?To support a slips and falls claim, the injured party will need to provide evidence that demonstrates the property owner or occupier’s negligence. This may include photographs or videos of the accident scene, witness statements, medical records detailing the extent of the injuries sustained and any correspondence with the property owner or occupier regarding the accident.You can also try to establish whether the owner or occupier knew that there was a hazard and failed to take the appropriate action to prevent an accident from happening. You could also attempt to prove that the hazard wasn’t dealt with within a reasonable timescale.If you’re not sure what evidence you’ll be able to collect, get in touch with a member of the Claims Bible team and we’ll be happy to discuss your case with you.Did you know?Every working day, at least 7 people injure themselves by slipping, tripping or falling.How much is compensation?Compensation amounts for slips and falls claims can vary widely depending on the severity of the injuries sustained, as well as the impact that these injuries have on the injured party’s quality of life. In general, compensation amounts may include damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other costs associated with the injury. The amount of compensation awarded will depend on the specific circumstances of the case.Key FactsInjuries from slips, trips and falls are estimated to cost the UK over £500 million every year.How long will a slip and fall claim typically take?The length of time it takes to resolve a slips and falls claim can vary depending on a variety of factors, including the complexity of the case, the extent of the injuries sustained, and the willingness of the property owner or occupier to settle. In general, these claims can take anywhere from a few months to a few years to resolve. There could be delays if the third party takes a while to respond to initial claims or if they fail to negotiate a settlement.What is the claim process?The claim process for slips and falls claims typically involves the following steps:Seek medical attentionThe injured party should seek medical attention as soon as possible after the accident to document their injuries.Gather evidenceThe injured party should gather any evidence that supports their claim, such as photographs or videos of the accident scene, witness statements, and medical records.File a claimThe injured party should file a claim with the property owner or occupier’s insurance company, detailing the circumstances of the accident and the injuries sustained.Negotiate a settlementThe injured party and the property owner or occupier’s insurance company may negotiate a settlement amount to resolve the claim.LitigationIf a settlement cannot be reached, the injured party may choose to file a lawsuit to pursue compensation through the court system.Some claims processes can be complex and time-consuming, which is why it’s beneficial to get in touch with a member of the Claims Bible team to support you during the process.Common questionsCan I still file a claim if I was partially at fault for the accident?Yes, individuals may still be able to file a claim if they were partially at fault for the accident, although the amount of compensation they receive may be reduced based on their degree of fault. It all depends on the individual circumstances of the case.Can I file a claim if the accident occurred on public property?Yes, individuals may still be able to file a claim if the accident occurred on public property, although the process for doing so may be different than for accidents that occurred on private property. Following the Occupier’s Liability Act 1957, people in charge of a public area have a duty of care towards protecting any visitors from hazards or harm.For more common questions, please refer to the specific claim pages or read our general FAQs page.
