How to make a slip claim when injured through a trip or fall
‘Compensation claims arising from slip claims and trip claims have suffered a bad press in recent years. In 2010 they really hit the headlines, with popular tourism hotspots reportedly paying out huge cash sums on farcical claims. More recently councils have fought back against those who abuse the system – with some issuing fines of up to £3,000 for fraudulent claim attempts.
However there are circumstances where you may have a genuine slip or trip claim to pursue. An accident of this type can result in nasty injuries, prevent you from working, and even cause permanent physical damage. In these circumstances, the support of the right personal injury lawyers will be essential to negotiate what can be a complex compensation process.
Slips and falls: How do personal injury solicitors establish responsibility?
Your personal injury solicitors will help to establish who is responsible for your accident – which might not be as simple as it sounds. Establishing responsibility depends on where your accident happened, how it happened, and the procedures followed by those in charge.
If, for example, you have tripped over a faulty paving slab and broken your leg then the local council are responsible for the maintenance and your slip claim will be pursued directly against them. But there are parameters. If your trip claim concerns an obstruction under a certain height, or if the obstruction had been there for such a short space of time that the council cannot reasonably have known about it, then your slip claim may not be valid and your personal injury lawyers will advise accordingly.
Similarly, consider the wet floor scenario. You have tripped on a wet floor during your weekly supermarket run. Who is responsible? Is it the firm who owns the store, the Store Manager, or the member of staff who failed to deal with the spillage correctly? The truth is that every case is different, and so it’s vital to make your slip claim armed with a firm of personal injury lawyers who know this area inside out and can investigate and analyse the trip claim on your behalf.
Making a slip or trip claim: what do I do next?
It helps to equip your personal injury solicitors with as much evidence as you can regarding your slip claim, so ensure that details of your accident are recorded as soon as possible.
Write down what happened and take the names and addresses of any witnesses so that your personal injury lawyers can consult them. Report the accident to ensure it is on record. Every workplace should have an accident record book as part of their health and safety procedure. If you have slipped in a supermarket or public venue ensure the incident is reported to the Manager on duty or to the council responsible. Wherever possible take photographs of the hazard, often these are essential in proving your claim.
Keep records of Doctor’s visits, medical certificates, any time you have had to take off work, and any expenses you have incurred (for instance you may have to take a taxi to and from work if you are unable to drive). All of this evidence will be invaluable in helping your personal injury solicitors make the most effective trip claim on your behalf.
It’s important to talk to a reputable firm of personal injury solicitors as soon as you can after your accident. There is a strict time limit on pursuing slip and trip claims – if you fail to initiate proceedings within three years your claim will not be valid.
Making a slip claim: how do I choose the right personal injury lawyers?
Slip and trip claims enable you to seek compensation where you are genuinely entitled to do so, but unfortunately not everyone respects the system. Beware of any firm that calls you out of the blue claiming to be personal injury solicitors who have your accident on record. Cold calling is bad practise.
You should also avoid any personal injury solicitors who ask you for an upfront payment before initiating your slip claim. No reputable firm will ever do this. Universa’s personal injury lawyers operate to a strict customer promise. We never take any money from you, ask you to sign any form of credit agreement, or take money from your compensation. We operate to the highest ethical standards on a strict no fee, win or lose basis.
If you think you are entitled to make a genuine slip or trip claim, contact Universa today to receive the professional, impartial advice you need from personal injury solicitors who have your interests at heart.
