Fall on Pavement

Broken paving slabs with raised edges and potholes frequently cause accidents on footpaths, where pedestrians expect the footpaths to be reasonably flat and cannot always be watching every footstep for a hazard. Minor imperfections of a few millimetres are not usually sufficient for a valid claim.

Falls in Supermarkets

Spillages of liquids and slippery material occur sometimes and can be dangerous. A shopkeeper has a duty to keep the floor reasonably dry and safe for visitors, and this will include regular inspection and cleaning up of hazardous spillages and objects over which people might trip. If a floor has been washed, it can be slippery while wet. Warning should be given.
Every occupier of land or buildings, whether home, shop, office, farm or factory, has a duty to take reasonable care for the safety of all visitors. Most occupiers carry insurance against claims in some cases such insurance is compulsory. If the accident which caused your injury could have been anticipated, and was not your own fault, or was only partly your own fault, you should seek legal advice.

Falls in Public Places

If you visit any public place (shops, offices, leisure attractions, public highways and pavements, etc) the person responsible for that place is obliged to make that place safe. If you injure yourself by slipping on a wet floor or tripping over a broken paving slab, for example, you’re probably entitled to claim compensation. Please take photographs of the area where you fell. This will assist our solicitors when they pursue your case. If necessary our solicitors will supply you with a camera.

When people are responsible for the running and maintenance of a public place they have a duty to make sure that it is safe for members of the public. This applies to public highways, shops and other business premises and even council houses. This means that if you have fallen over some raised paving slabs, or a pothole in the road, or slipped in a shop you are probably entitled to make a claim for compensation for your injuries. Under some circumstances you can also claim for accidents that happened abroad.