If you’ve been injured in a slip, trip or fall at work, it may be possible to claim compensation through a personal injury claim. That may be true if your accident and subsequent injuries were caused by your employer’s negligence. Therefore, this guide explains how the accident at work claims process works for slips, trips and falls.
At the start of the guide, you’ll find out about what eligibility criteria typically need to be met to prove you have a valid slip, trip or fall claim. Next, you’ll read about the types of employer negligence that could cause you to have a fall at work.
We also explain how much compensation might be awarded in a slip, trip and fall claim and provide guidance on the types of evidence that you could use to support your claim.
If your claim is suitable, it might be accepted by one of our personal injury solicitors. If that’s the case, their No Win, No Fee service will reduce the financial risk of taking on legal representation.
For more information about your options, you can:
- Call us on 0333 241 2519 to speak with a specialist.
- Ask questions via our live chat service.
Getting legal advice as soon as possible after a slip, trip or fall at work can significantly enhance the chances of receiving a fair settlement for your pain, suffering, and financial losses incurred due to the accident.
Can I Claim Compensation for a Slip, Trip or Fall at Work?
Legally, employers have an obligation to try and prevent workplace slip, trip and fall accidents. The law that sets out this obligation is the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
Some of the steps employers can take to try and prevent slips, trips and falls include:
- Ensuring all equipment, devices and tools are fit for purpose and properly maintained.
- Providing staff with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as anti-slip shows where needed.
- Training staff on methods that allow them to work safely.
- Conducting risk assessments regularly so that any dangers can be removed or mitigated.
- Removing as many trip hazards as possible.
If you’ve suffered following a workplace accident, you might be eligible to begin a slip, trip or fall claim if you can prove that:
- Your employer owed you a legal duty of care at the time of your accident.
- The accident occurred because your employer’s negligence meant they breached that duty.
- You sustained an injury or injuries because of the accident.
For all slip, trip and fall at work claims, we provide free legal advice and a no-obligation case review. To arrange yours, please speak to a member of our team.
Can I Be Dismissed for Starting a Slip, Trip or Fall at Work Claim?
It’s a common concern for many employees that starting a claim for a slip, trip, or fall at work compensation might lead to dismissal. However, it’s important to know that legally, you are protected against such actions. Employers are not allowed to terminate your employment simply because you have started a claim for an injury sustained in the workplace. Such protections are in place to ensure employees can seek rightful compensation for workplace injuries without fear of retribution or unfair dismissal.
If you find yourself facing any disciplinary actions by your employer for making a claim, it’s advisable to get legal advice to understand your rights and the best course of action.
What Should I Do If I Have a Slip, Trip, or Fall at Work?
If you suffer a slip, trip, or fall while at work, there are some key steps you can follow to ensure your safety and to strengthen any potential compensation claim. These might include:
- Report the incident to your manager or supervisor about the accident. You can do this verbally, but it’s also advisable to submit a written report and request a copy for your records.
- Get your injuries assessed and treated at a hospital, minor injuries unit, or by your GP. This not only ensures your well-being but also provides documented evidence of your injuries.
- Write down a detailed account of the slip, trip or fall at work as soon as possible. Include the time, location, and how the accident occurred.
- Collect the names and contact details of anyone who witnessed the accident. Their statements could be vital in supporting your claim.
- Take photographs or videos of the location where the accident happened, especially any conditions that contributed to your fall, like wet floors, uneven surfaces, or obstructions.
- In certain circumstances, your accident may need to be reported under the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations (RIDDOR). This is usually your employer’s responsibility but be prepared to provide detailed information about the incident if asked.
Should you need guidance or assistance after experiencing a slip, trip, or fall at work, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for free advice.
What Evidence Can Support Slip, Trip and Fall at Work Claims?
If you’ve slipped, tripped or fallen over in the workplace and wish to claim compensation, you will need evidence to prove your case. This should prove the extent of your injuries, how they were sustained and who is liable. Providing the right types of evidence for a slip, trip and fall at work claim can make your case strong especially if your employer raises any objections.
Here are some examples of the types of evidence you could use:
- Medical Records: Detailed documentation of injuries sustained from the slip, trip, or fall at work, including diagnoses, treatments, and prognoses provided by healthcare professionals.
- Accident Report: An official report of the incident, potentially filed by your employer or the Health & Safety Executive.
- Witness Statements: Testimonies from colleagues or anyone else present at the time of the accident, detailing their observations.
- Photographs of the Accident Scene: Pictures showing where the accident occurred, highlighting any hazards or conditions that contributed to the fall, such as wet floors, unmarked trip hazards, or unsafe staircases.
- CCTV or Video Footage: Any available security camera footage capturing the moment of the accident.
- Employment Records: Proof of your employment at the time of the accident and any health & safety training you may have received.
- Health and Safety Compliance Records: Documentation of workplace safety inspections, risk assessments, and any recorded violations or safety concerns.
- Incident Logs: Records of previous accidents or near-misses at the workplace, indicating a history of safety issues.
- Equipment Maintenance Records: If the accident involved any equipment or machinery, for example, spilt oil or other fluids, maintenance records can be crucial to determine if they were defective or improperly maintained.
- Work Area Layout and Safety Protocols: Documents outlining the layout of the work area and the safety protocols in place, can help establish the working conditions at the time of the slip, trip or fall.
- Expert Testimony: In certain cases, expert witnesses can provide insights into workplace safety standards and whether they were adhered to.
- Personal Diary or Journal: Your own notes or journal entries recording your experiences, recovery process, and the impact of the accident on your daily life and activities.
If you have a valid slip, trip and fall at work compensation claim, one of our solicitors might offer to take it on for you. To find out whether you are eligible to claim for a slip and trip at work, please speak to a friendly advisor from our team today.
Types of Slip, Trip, and Fall at Work Claims We Can Help With
Slip, trip, and fall accidents at work often happen due to wet floors, uneven surfaces, obstructed pathways, and other hazardous conditions in the workplace. Employees might experience injuries ranging from minor bruises to more serious conditions like fractures, head injuries, or back problems.
Some of the most common work-related slip, trip, and fall claims we can help with include:
- Falls on wet or slippery floors.
- Trips over loose wires or uneven flooring.
- Falls due to poorly lit areas or obscured hazards.
- Slips on unmarked spills.
- Trips over objects left in walkways.
- Falls from heights, such as ladders or scaffold platforms.
- Slips on icy surfaces outdoors.
- Trips and falls due to inadequate safety measures.
These are just a handful of the types of slips, trips and falls that can occur at work. If you’d like us to check whether your accident could entitle you to claim compensation, call our team now.
With 30+ years of experience, our solicitors are committed to providing a 100% No Win, No Fee claims service, offering claimants a risk-free path to pursue the compensation they deserve.
Or call us on 0333 241 2519 to speak with a specialist solicitor.
How Much Compensation for a Slip, Trip and Fall at Work?
Slip, trip and fall at work claims are evaluated based on pain, suffering and loss of amenity (general damages) to the claimant as well as costs incurred (see next section).
General damages are usually valued in conjunction with the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG). This document lists various injuries along with relevant settlement brackets.
To help determine the level of injury you’ve experienced (and whether you’re likely to suffer in the future), you may require a medical assessment as part of your claim. If that’s the case, it will be conducted by an independent expert.
Can Expenses Be Claimed for a Slip, Trip and Fall at Work?
Special damages might also form part of any compensation you’re awarded if your accident or injuries have left you out of pocket. As such, slip, trip and fall at work claims could include compensation for:
- Any lost income (including future losses).
- The cost of physiotherapy or other medical expenses.
- The cost of a carer.
- Home adaptations to make access to your home easier if you’ve been left disabled.
- Travel costs.
When claiming for such costs, you will need evidence to substantiate them. This might include wage slips, receipts or bank statements.
If you’ve had a fall at work and would like to know what compensation you could claim, please contact a specialist from our team today.
What Is the Time Limit for Making Work Injury Claim?
Legally, there is a 3-year time limit for personal injury claims at work. Generally, that time limit will begin from the date you slipped, tripped or fell and hurt yourself. The relevant legislation that applies here is the Limitation Act 1980.
In more serious accidents, such as those involving a serious brain injury, it might not be possible for the claimant to represent themselves. In cases where they lack the mental capacity to take on legal proceedings, a litigation friend could be appointed. Usually, this is a friend or family member who, once approved, can deal with the claims process and make decisions on the claimant’s behalf.
If you’d like more information about helping a loved one to claim for a slip, trip or fall at work, please call today.
Do I Need a Solicitor to File a Claim?
Instructing a solicitor when making a workplace injury claim can make the claims process a lot more straightforward. As part of their service, your solicitor may:
- Collate supporting evidence for your claim.
- Use their legal skills to deal with any obligations.
- Ensure your slip, and trip claim is filed correctly and on time.
- Provide regular updates as your claim progresses.
- Aim to secure the maximum level of compensation possible.
Importantly, our solicitors provide a No Win, No Fee service for all slip, trip and fall at work claims they take on. This means you don’t need to pay for your solicitor’s work upfront. Instead, a success fee (which is legally capped) will be deducted from any settlement you receive.
To see if one of our No Win, No Fee solicitors could help you claim, please call our legal advisors today.
If you’d like more information about slip, trip and fall at work claims, please feel free to get in touch.
Contacting Us About a Slip, Trip or Fall at Work Compensation Claim
If you or someone close to you has suffered a slip, trip, or fall at work and are considering making a claim, or would just like some expert advice initially, you can:
- Speak to a member of our team by calling 0333 241 2519.
- Use our free live chat service.
We offer no-obligation legal advice and a completely free initial consultation to explore your options. Should your compensation claim appear valid, we can connect you with one of our solicitors. They will work on a No Win, No Fee basis, and ensure that your slip, trip or fall at work claim is handled professionally and efficiently.