Slip and fall at work compensation claims can be made if you sustain an injury in an accident that is directly caused by the negligent actions of your employer. When you are in the workplace, your employer should take the necessary steps to safeguard your health and wellbeing. If your slip or trip occurred because of a failure to uphold health and safety legislation, Accident Claims is here to help you secure compensation.
It may be that you have been walking into the reception of your office building, and the badly paved path that has not been repaired for the years that you have worked there has caused you to trip and break your wrist. Or, a leaking pipe in the toilets has caused you to slip. If your employer had seen that your accident did not happen, you could have received compensation. Our solicitors want to apply their knowledge and expertise to your accident at work claim to give it the best chance at success.
Our team of advisors are also available to contact 24/7. They are happy to answer any of your initial questions and give you an evaluation of the compensation that you may receive free of charge. They can then connect you with one of our solicitors so you can begin the claims process. Get in touch today using the details below:
- Call us on 0800 073 8801
- Contact us by completing the online contact form
- Use our free live chat function
4.8Frequently Asked Questions
- Can You Make Slip And Fall At Work Compensation Claims?
- How Much Slip And Fall At Work Compensation Can I Claim?
- Can I Claim Special Damages After A Slip Or Fall At Work?
- Who Is Responsible For Slips and Falls At Work?
- How Could A Slip and Fall At Work Happen?
- Examples Of Injuries In Slip And Fall At Work Compensation Claims
- The Process For Claiming After Slipping And Falling In The Workplace
- Workplace Slip And Fall Compensation With Accident Claims
- Learn More
Can You Make Slip And Fall At Work Compensation Claims?
Yes, you can make a slip and fall at work compensation claim if you sustain an injury in an accident that was caused by the negligent actions of an employer. This involves showing that:
- You Were Owed A Duty Of Care: Your employer owes you a legal duty of care, as stated in the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. They will meet this duty if they take practical measures to ensure your health, safety, and wellbeing whilst within the workplace. This can include conducting risk assessments of machinery to prevent leaks and inspecting flooring for signs of hazardous disrepair.
- That Duty Of Care Was Breached: A failure to ensure that you are reasonably safe whilst at work will amount to a breach of duty. Breaches can include employers failing to secure cabling or not providing training at work on the safe use of scaffolding.
- You Suffered An Injury: If you can prove that you suffered an injury because of the breach, such as a fracture or dislocation from slipping and falling on frayed carpeting in the office, you may have grounds to make a claim. Updated medical records and copies of prescription forms can support your case.
To have your eligibility assessed today, get in touch with one of our advisors.
How Much Slip And Fall At Work Compensation Can I Claim?
The slip and fall at work compensation that you can claim will depend on the severity of the injuries that you have sustained in the accident. If your claim is successful, your award may be split into 2 heads of claim:
- General damages – Compensation for the emotional and physical pain suffered
- Special damages – Covers any financial losses that are associated with your injury
To calculate your general damages, your solicitor may refer to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG). This is a document with suggestions of compensation brackets covering a wide array of injury types.
In the table below, you will find examples of compensation amounts for injuries that may be sustained in slips and falls at work, as suggested by the JCG. These are just guidelines. Therefore, none of the amounts is guaranteed. Please also note that the top figure was not taken from the JCG.
| Type of Injury | Notes | Compensation Guideline |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Serious Injuries | Multiple serious injuries where substantial financial losses have been incurred, such as loss of earnings, travel costs and medical expenses | Up to £1,000,000+ |
| Brain and Head Injury | Very severe where there is a return of sleep and waking patterns but little to no language function | £344,150 - £493,000 |
| Moderate to modest intellectual deficit and the ability to work is either greatly reduced or removed | £110,720 - £183,190 | |
| Back Injury | Severe where there is damage to nerve roots and spinal cord with severe pain and significantly impaired bowel function | £111,150 - £196,450 |
| Disturbance of ligaments and muscles leading to backache, soft tissue injuries or prolapsed discs | £15,260 - £33,880 | |
| Neck Injury | Severe, where there is an association with incomplete paraplegia with injured person having little or no movement in the neck | In the region of £181,020 |
| Pelvis and Hips | severe, extensive fractures of the pelvis involving the dislocation of a low back joint and a ruptured bladder | £95,680 - £159,770 |
| Ankle Injury | Severe injuries where an extensive period of treatment or time in plaster is required and there is significant residual disability, such as ankle instability | £38,210 - £61,090 |
| Wrist Injury | Where there is significant permanent disability but there is some movement that is useful remaining | £29,900 - £47,810 |
| Shoulder Injury | Serious dislocation of the shoulder causing aching in elbow and pain in shoulder and neck | £15,580 - £23,430 |
| Damage to Teeth | Serious damage or loss of several of the front teeth. | £10,660 - £13,930 |
To find out more about how general damages are calculated in slip and fall at work compensation claims, contact an advisor today.
4.8Can I Claim Special Damages After A Slip Or Fall At Work?
Yes, you can claim special damages after a slip or fall at work to compensate you for the additional expenses that you may have incurred as a result of your injuries. Some examples of special damages are given below:
- Loss of earnings where you have had to take time off work due to a broken back
- Medical costs of painkillers, slings or wheelchairs
- Travel expenses for public transport tickets, as you are unable to drive with a broken wrist
- Adjustments made to your home, such as a stairlift, if a broken neck has left you unable to use the stairs in your home
- Childcare costs if the injuries you sustained in the fall mean you require extra support
To ensure that you can claim for your losses, you will need to keep copies of payslips, receipts, and other documents that prove you made these payments.
You can discuss the special damages that are likely to be included in slip and fall at work compensation claims with an advisor today.
Who Is Responsible For Slips And Falls At Work?
Who is responsible for your slip and fall at work depends on the circumstances of the accident, as liable parties can include employers, those in control of a building, and maintenance companies. A list of parties that might be responsible is given below:
Your Employer
Where they have not taken the practical steps to ensure that you are reasonably safe in the workplace.
The Occupier Of The Premises (If Different From Your Employer)
Occupiers have a legal obligation to take practical action to keep people reasonably safe while they are visiting public spaces in their control.
A Landlord Responsible For Building Maintenance
In some workplace accidents, the landlord responsible for building maintenance may be at fault for a slip and fall. For example, you could fracture your foot at work if you trip on grounds that have not been repaved because the landlord repeatedly delays scheduled maintenance.
A Cleaning Or Maintenance Company
The cleaners hired in an office building can be responsible for you tripping on the wire of a hoover.
A Contractor Or Subcontractor Working On-Site
Responsibility to ensure that equipment is maintained so that it does not cause falls on site.
A Colleague Or Another Employee
In this instance, a colleague or another employer might be responsible for a slip or fall if they fail to address spillages within a reasonable timeframe.
Equipment Manufacturers (If Faulty Equipment Contributed)
If defective work equipment led to the slip or fall, such as a collapsing ladder or leaking machinery, the manufacturer might be held responsible for your injury. You would need to prove that the equipment was faulty and that it directly caused you harm.
Suppliers
Where containers holding liquids such as cleaning products have leaked due to an issue during the manufacturing process, it is the fault of the supplier.
Health And Safety Officers Responsible For Risk Assessments
A health and safety officer will be responsible for a slip or fall if this could have been avoided had they run more risk assessments of the building.
Facilities Management Companies
The facilities manager hired in an office building will be responsible for ensuring that facilities, such as pipes or toilets, are properly inspected and serviced. If they fail to do so, slips and falls may result from leakages.
To discuss who may be found responsible for your slip and fall at work compensation claim, contact an advisor today.
How Could A Slip And Fall At Work Happen?
Slips and falls at work can happen in a number of different circumstances, such as bad maintenance of the building and a lack of signposting for wet floors. Examples of scenarios that can cause a slip or fall at work are given below:
- A wet floor has not been signposted after a building cleaner has mopped it, leading you to slip and break your ankle.
- Your employer fails to provide you with slip-resistant footwear while working in the kitchen of the restaurant. This causes you to suffer a serious fall, leaving you with a twisted ankle and a herniated disc.
- Repairs have not been made to the roof of the shop where you work, resulting in rainwater pooling. You subsequently break your ankle when you slip on it.
- Wiring for computers in an office has been left out without being properly secured. You dislocate your shoulder and suffer facial lacerations when you trip on these cables.
If you would like to discuss your situation, call one of our friendly advisors today. They will also be happy to answer any questions you have about the slip and fall at work compensation claims process.
Examples Of Injuries In Slip And Fall At Work Compensation Claims
Slip and fall at work compensation claims can be made for a number of injuries differing in severity, including fractures and head trauma. Specific examples include:
- Broken bones
- Brain injuries, such as concussions
- Back and neck injuries, such as a slipped disc
- Soft tissue injuries, such as a sprained ankle
- Surface injuries, such as scrapes, bruises and grazes
- Dislocations
You can get an evaluation of the compensation that you may receive for your specific injuries by contacting one of our advisors today.
The Process For Claiming After Slipping And Falling In The Workplace
The process for claiming after slipping and falling in the workplace involves gathering evidence to prove the negligence of your employer. Some suggested steps to take to build a strong claim include:
Get Medical Help As Soon As Possible
This will give your injuries the best possible chance at making a good recovery and will provide updated medical records and X-rays that can be used as evidence.
Secure Information And Evidence About The Incident
Evidence that can be collected to support your claim includes images of the leak that caused you to trip and CCTV footage from within the building. You can find out more about what evidence is needed for a personal injury claim in our dedicated guide.
Make An Official Record Of The Accident
Every workplace should have an accident report book where you can log the incident, how it happened, and where it occurred.
Keep Ongoing Notes About Your Injury And Losses
Each day after your accident, record the extent of your pain and the medication that you have bought to help you cope with the impact of the slip or fall.
Get Advice From A Personal Injury Specialist
Getting advice from a personal injury solicitor as soon as possible after your fall will provide you with expert guidance on what to do next. They can advise you on what evidence will best support your claim and whether you are likely to prove the negligence of your employer.
Check You Are Within The Legal Time Limit
You will generally have 3 years from the date of your accident to start a workplace claim. This timeframe sometimes has exceptions, which you can read about in our guide looking at the limitation period for personal injury claims.
For tailored advice on the next steps that you should take with your claim, call one of our advisors today.
Workplace Slip And Fall Compensation With Accident Claims
Making slip and fall at work compensation claims with Accident Claims will give you the support of a specialist in accident at work claims. They will offer a wealth of services to meet your needs under an agreement that will reduce the financial worry of making a claim. Further details are discussed below.
Why Claim After A Workplace Fall With Our Solicitors?
If you claim after a workplace fall with our solicitors, you will be supported by an expert legal representative with a wealth of experience guiding injured workers through the legal process. We know what it takes to make a successful claim, and offer a comprehensive service designed to achieve the best outcome and prioritise your recovery. This includes the following services:
- Thorough assessment: Our solicitors will not settle for anything less than the best compensation amount possible for your specific slip and fall at work claim. They will factor in all verifiable impacts, including any reduction in quality of life and financial losses.
- Tailored advice: Every slip and fall at work claim is unique, and we will ensure the guidance you receive is suited to your specific circumstances. This will make the claims process as clear and smooth-running as possible.
- Evidence gathering: We will use our expertise in handling workplace accident claims to help gather relevant evidence for your case, including copies of maintenance logs, inspection reports, and CCTV footage.
- Dedicated representation: At Accident Claims, we prioritise making the claims process as clear and smooth-running as possible. So, you can expect regular updates about your case and straightforward answers about workplace legislation and legal terms.
- Rehabilitation support: Your wellbeing matters to us, which is why we will use our experience to connect you with orthopaedic specialists and physiotherapists experienced with the impact that workplace falls can have.
No Win No Fee Slip And Fall At Work Compensation
You can make your claim for slip and fall at work compensation on a No Win No Fee basis by entering a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA) with our solicitors. This is a type of No Win No Fee arrangement which involves:
- No upfront payments for the services of your solicitor
- No ongoing service fees during the accident at work claim
- No payments for the work of your solicitor if your claim is unsuccessful
Our solicitors receive a portion of the compensation in all successful claims. This is deducted as a legally capped percentage, keeping this success fee small and the bulk of the compensation with you.
Get In Touch With Accident Claims
You can be connected with one of our dedicated solicitors using the details below:
- Call us on 08000738801
- Contact us by completing our online contact form
- Use our free live chat function
Learn More
More of our useful guides can be found below:
- Find out how to claim for a tendon injury at work
- Learn about who is responsible for reporting hazards at work
- Read about claiming compensation if you are a part-time worker
You can find more information to support your claim using the links below:
- Learn more about the health and safety expectations in the workplace, HSE.GOV.UK
- Find out how to request CCTV footage of your accident, GOV.UK
- Learn how to get copies of health medical records, NHS.UK
Thank you for reading our guide on slip and fall at work compensation claims, and please contact us for tailored assistance.