Slip, Trip & Fall Claims

Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common causes of injury in the United Kingdom, accounting for thousands of accidents every year in shops, workplaces, on pavements, and in other public places. These accidents can result in serious injuries including broken bones, head injuries, and back injuries that can affect your life for months or even years.

If you have been injured in a slip, trip, or fall accident that was caused by someone else's negligence, you may be entitled to substantial compensation. At MCR Solicitors in Manchester, our specialist personal injury team has extensive experience handling public liability claims and securing compensation for accident victims.

We handle all slip, trip, and fall claims on a No Win, No Fee basis. This means there is no financial risk to you - if your claim is unsuccessful, you will not pay us a penny in legal fees.

Types of Slip, Trip and Fall Claims

Slip, trip, and fall accidents can happen anywhere. We handle claims arising from accidents in all settings:

Shop and Supermarket Accidents

Shops, supermarkets, and shopping centres have millions of visitors each year, and accidents are unfortunately common. We handle claims involving:

• Wet floors from spillages, leaks, or cleaning
• Products or packaging on the floor
• Uneven or damaged flooring
• Trailing cables
• Poorly maintained car parks
• Inadequate lighting
• Missing or inadequate warning signs

Retailers have a duty to regularly inspect their premises and deal with hazards promptly. If they fail to do so, they can be held liable for resulting injuries.

Pavement and Highway Accidents

Local councils are responsible for maintaining pavements, footpaths, and roads in a safe condition. We handle claims against councils for:

• Uneven or raised paving slabs
• Potholes and cracks in pavements
• Tree root damage
• Missing or damaged drain covers
• Overgrown vegetation obstructing pathways
• Failure to treat ice and snow in priority areas

Council claims can be complex as councils have certain defences available to them. Our experienced team understands how to overcome these defences and secure compensation.

Workplace Slips, Trips and Falls

Employers have a legal duty to ensure the workplace is safe. If you have slipped, tripped, or fallen at work, you may be able to claim against your employer. Common workplace causes include:

• Wet or contaminated floors
• Trailing cables and wires
• Poor housekeeping and cluttered areas
• Inadequate lighting
• Worn or damaged floor coverings
• Lack of suitable footwear

For more information, see our dedicated workplace injury claims page.

Restaurant, Pub and Hotel Accidents

Hospitality venues have a duty of care to their guests and customers. We handle claims involving:

• Spilled food and drinks
• Wet floors in bathrooms and kitchens
• Loose carpets and rugs
• Poorly lit stairs
• Missing or broken handrails
• Uneven floors and steps

Other Public Place Accidents

We also handle slip, trip, and fall claims arising from accidents in:

• Sports centres and gyms
• Swimming pools and leisure centres
• Hospitals and care homes
• Schools and universities
• Train stations and bus stations
• Parks and recreational areas
• Car parks

Who Can You Claim Against?

Depending on where your accident happened, you may be able to claim against different parties:

Property Owners and Occupiers

Under the Occupiers' Liability Acts 1957 and 1984, property owners and occupiers have a duty to take reasonable care to ensure visitors are reasonably safe. This applies to shops, offices, restaurants, and other premises.

Local Councils

Under the Highways Act 1980, local authorities have a duty to maintain highways (including pavements) in a condition that is safe for ordinary traffic. If they fail to do so, they can be liable for resulting injuries.

Employers

If you slipped, tripped, or fell at work, your employer may be liable under health and safety legislation and the common law duty of care.

Landlords

Landlords have duties to maintain common areas in blocks of flats and other rented properties. If you have been injured due to a defect in a communal area, the landlord may be liable.

Management Companies

Shopping centres, office buildings, and residential developments are often managed by management companies who may be liable for accidents on their premises.

Proving Your Claim

To succeed in a slip, trip, or fall claim, you need to prove three things:

1. Duty of Care

The defendant owed you a duty of care. This is usually straightforward - property owners owe a duty to visitors, councils owe a duty to highway users, employers owe a duty to employees.

2. Breach of Duty

The defendant breached their duty by failing to take reasonable care. This might include:

• Failing to clean up spillages promptly
• Failing to put out warning signs
• Failing to repair known defects
• Failing to carry out regular inspections
• Failing to maintain the premises adequately

3. Causation

The breach of duty caused your injury. You must show that the accident would not have happened (or would have been less serious) if the defendant had fulfilled their duty.

Common Causes of Slip, Trip and Fall Accidents

Understanding why these accidents happen helps establish liability. Common causes include:

Wet and Slippery Floors

• Spillages from food, drinks, or products
• Water from rain, cleaning, or leaks
• Polished or waxed floors that become slippery
• Oil, grease, or other contaminants

Uneven Surfaces

• Raised or sunken paving slabs
• Cracks and potholes in pavements
• Uneven floor tiles or floorboards
• Changes in floor level without adequate marking
• Damaged or worn floor coverings

Obstacles and Obstructions

• Items left in walkways
• Trailing cables and wires
• Goods or stock in shop aisles
• Overgrown vegetation
• Construction materials or equipment

Poor Lighting

• Broken or inadequate lighting
• Dark stairwells and corridors
• Shadows hiding hazards

Stairs and Steps

• Missing or broken handrails
• Worn stair nosings
• Uneven step heights
• Slippery surfaces on stairs
• Inadequate marking of steps

Weather-Related Hazards

• Ice and snow on pavements and car parks
• Leaves creating slippery surfaces
• Wet floors from rain being tracked inside

What Compensation Can You Claim?

Compensation for slip, trip, and fall injuries covers all your losses:

General Damages (Injury Compensation)

Based on the severity of your injuries:

• Minor injuries (soft tissue, minor cuts/bruises) - Up to ¶œ3,000
• Minor fractures - ¶œ3,000 to ¶œ12,000
• Moderate injuries (more serious fractures, ligament damage) - ¶œ12,000 to ¶œ35,000
• Serious back injuries - ¶œ35,000 to ¶œ150,000+
• Serious head injuries - ¶œ40,000 to ¶œ350,000+
• Severe injuries (multiple fractures, permanent disability) - Can exceed ¶œ100,000

Special Damages (Financial Losses)

• Loss of earnings - Time off work during recovery
• Future loss of earnings - If injuries affect your ability to work long-term
• Medical expenses - Treatment, physiotherapy, medication
• Travel costs - Getting to appointments
• Care and assistance - Help from family or professional carers
• Home adaptations - If needed due to your injuries
• Damaged belongings - Clothing, phone, glasses, etc.

Evidence to Gather

Strong evidence significantly improves your chances of success. If you have had a slip, trip, or fall accident, try to gather:

At the Scene

• Photographs - Take photos of the hazard that caused your fall (spillage, defect, obstacle)
• Witness details - Get names and contact numbers of anyone who saw the accident
• Report the accident - Report it to the premises manager and ensure it is recorded in their accident book
• Keep the evidence - Do not clean your clothes; they may show evidence of what you slipped on

After the Accident

• Seek medical attention - See your GP or attend A&E promptly
• Keep records - Note down everything you remember about the accident
• Keep receipts - For any expenses related to your injury
• Take photographs - Of your injuries as they develop

Do not worry if you could not gather evidence at the scene. We can investigate on your behalf, obtaining CCTV footage, incident reports, and other evidence.

Time Limits

You have 3 years from the date of your accident to start court proceedings for a slip, trip, or fall claim. After this deadline, you lose your right to claim.

Different rules apply for:

• Children - The 3-year period does not start until the child turns 18
• Mental incapacity - The time limit may be extended

Even if your accident happened recently, do not delay. Evidence can be lost - CCTV is typically deleted after 30 days, witnesses' memories fade, and defects may be repaired. Contact us as soon as possible to protect your claim.

Our Claims Process

We make claiming compensation as straightforward as possible:

Step 1: Free Consultation

Contact us for a free, no-obligation assessment of your claim. We will listen to what happened and advise on your prospects of success.

Step 2: Investigation

We will gather evidence to support your claim, including photographs, CCTV footage, witness statements, and incident reports.

Step 3: Medical Assessment

We arrange for you to be examined by an independent medical expert who will assess your injuries and prepare a report.

Step 4: Submit Your Claim

We formally submit your claim to the responsible party, setting out what happened and the compensation you are seeking.

Step 5: Negotiate Settlement

We negotiate firmly to achieve the maximum compensation. Most claims settle without going to court.

Step 6: Receive Compensation

Once your claim settles, we ensure you receive your compensation promptly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much compensation can I get for a slip, trip, or fall?

Compensation depends on the severity of your injuries and your financial losses. Minor injuries may attract a few thousand pounds, whilst serious injuries such as fractures or head injuries can result in tens of thousands or more.

Can I claim if there was a wet floor sign?

Possibly. A warning sign does not automatically absolve the property owner of liability. If the hazard was unreasonable or the sign was inadequate, you may still have a claim. We will assess the specific circumstances.

How do I prove a council pavement defect caused my accident?

We gather evidence including photographs of the defect, measurements, council inspection records, and any history of complaints about the area. Councils have defences available, but these can often be overcome.

What if I was partly to blame for my accident?

You can still claim even if you were partly at fault. Your compensation may be reduced to reflect your share of responsibility (contributory negligence), but you can still receive compensation.

The shop says nothing was wrong - can I still claim?

Yes. We will investigate independently, obtaining CCTV footage and witness statements. The defendant's denial does not determine whether you have a valid claim.

How long do slip, trip, and fall claims take?

Straightforward claims often settle within 6-12 months. More complex cases, particularly against councils, may take longer. We keep you informed throughout.

Contact Our Slip, Trip and Fall Solicitors

If you have been injured in a slip, trip, or fall accident, do not delay. Contact MCR Solicitors today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our experienced team will assess your claim and fight for the compensation you deserve - on a No Win, No Fee basis.

Call us now: 0161 466 1280

Visit us: First Floor, 1024 Stockport Road, Manchester M19 3WX

We offer appointments in person at our Manchester office, by telephone, and by video call. Remember, you have only 3 years from the date of your accident to claim - contact us today to protect your right to compensation.