Slips, Trips and Falls: Making a Claim with SB Lawyers

Have you been injured in a slip, trip, or fall? These accidents can have a devastating impact, leading to pain, financial hardship, and disruption to your life.

If you are visiting premises such as a shop, office, school, factory, pub, hospital or any other public place, the "occupier" of the land must ensure your safety and is responsible for accidents if they have been negligent.

For example, an accident may arise from a slip or trip on a pavement due to a hazard or defect, a wet floor or defective equipment in a workplace.

At SB Lawyers, we understand the challenges you face after such an incident. If your accident was caused by someone else's negligence, you could be entitled to compensation. Our expert personal injury solicitors are here to take care of the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve.

Common causes of slips, trips, and falls

Slips, trips, and falls can happen anywhere, but certain conditions significantly increase the risk. Common causes include:

Wet or slippery surfaces

Spills, rain, ice, and freshly mopped floors without warning signs.

Uneven surfaces

Cracked pavements, loose carpeting, potholes, and poorly maintained steps.

Poor lighting

Insufficient lighting in public areas, stairwells, or car parks.

Obstructions and clutter

Items left on walkways, protruding objects, and trailing cables.

Lack of warning signs

Failure to warn of known hazards, such as wet floors or construction work.

Defective equipment

Faulty ladders, scaffolding, or other equipment.

Been injured and it wasn’t your fault?

If you've been injured in a slip, trip, or fall accident that wasn't your fault, SB Lawyers is here to help with our combined specialist experience of over 15 years.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We'll listen to your story, assess your case, and provide no-nonsense legal advice on your options for pursuing compensation.

Trip, slip and fall claims

Making a slip-and-fall claim involves proving that your accident was caused by someone else's negligence.

This means demonstrating that the property owner, occupier, or manager failed to take reasonable steps to ensure your safety. Examples of negligence include failing to:

• Regularly inspect and maintain the premises.
• Provide adequate lighting.
• Clear hazards promptly.
• Provide adequate warning signs.

At SB Lawyers, we have a proven track record of successfully handling slip, trip, and fall claims. We can help you gather evidence, build a strong case, and secure the compensation you deserve.

What injuries can result from slips, trips, and falls?

The injuries sustained in a slip, trip, or fall can vary greatly in severity, from minor discomfort to life-altering consequences. Common injuries include:

Soft tissue injuries

Sprains, strains, and muscle tears affecting ankles, knees, wrists, and back.

Fractures

Broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, hips, and wrists.

Head injuries

Concussions, contusions, and more serious traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).

Spinal injuries

Back pain, herniated discs, and in severe cases, spinal cord damage.

Cuts, abrasions, and bruising

Often resulting from impact with the ground or other objects.

The extent and long-term impact of your injuries will be a key factor in determining the amount of compensation you may be entitled to.

How long do you have to file a slip and fall claim?

In most slip, trip, and fall cases in the UK, you have three years from the date of the accident to start legal proceedings. This is known as the 'limitation period'. Missing this deadline could mean losing your right to claim compensation. It's therefore crucial to seek legal advice as soon as possible after your accident.

There are some exceptions to this three-year rule:

• Children: A claim can be made on behalf of a child at any time before their 18th birthday. After turning 18, they have until their 21st birthday to start proceedings themselves.
• Individuals lacking mental capacity: There is no time limit for claiming on behalf of someone who lacks the mental capacity to manage their own affairs.

Don't delay – contact SB Lawyers today for a free consultation to discuss your specific circumstances and ensure you don't miss the deadline for your claim.

029 2046 1480help@sblawyers.co.uk

What is the average payout for slip and fall claims?

• Minor injuries (sprains, strains, minor cuts): £1,000 to £5,000.
• Moderate injuries (fractures, soft tissue injuries requiring significant treatment): £5,000 to £25,000.
• Severe injuries (serious fractures, head injuries, spinal injuries): £25,000 to £100,000+ (in some cases, significantly more for life-altering injuries).

Important Note: These are rough estimates. Due to the unique nature of each case, compensation is awarded based on several key factors:

• Impact on daily life: The extent to which your injuries affect your ability to work, perform daily tasks, and enjoy your hobbies.
• Financial losses: This includes loss of earnings, medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and any necessary adaptations to your home or vehicle.
• Pain and suffering: Compensation is awarded for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.

Worried about the cost of legal representation?

At SB Lawyers, we frequently handle slip, trip, and fall claims using a No Win, No Fee agreement (also known as a Conditional Fee Agreement). This client-centric approach means:

• You generally won't have to pay any upfront legal fees.
• You'll only pay us a success fee if we win your case.
• We’re SRA-regulated.

This agreement helps make accessing justice more affordable and reduces the financial risk of pursuing a claim.

Contact us today to discuss whether a No Win, No Fee agreement is suitable for your claim.

029 2046 1480help@sblawyers.co.uk