Have you suffered a Slip, Trip or Fall accident?
Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common causes of personal injury in the UK, often resulting from uneven pavements, hidden hazards, or poor maintenance. When local councils or landowners fail to keep public walkways safe, accidents happen — and if you’ve been injured due to their negligence, you may be entitled to compensation.
At Injury Lawyers 4u, we’ve handled countless pavement accident claims and can help you understand your legal rights. If you’ve suffered an injury on a poorly maintained pavement, get in touch today for expert legal advice on a no-win, no-fee basis.
What is a pavement accident?
A pavement accident occurs when a person trips or falls on a public footpath, pavement, or walkway due to poor maintenance or negligence. If the local authority or landowner has failed to keep the area safe, you may have grounds for a compensation claim. Pavement accidents happen because of:
- Uneven paving slabs — Raised or sunken slabs cause trips and falls.
- Potholes — These can be especially dangerous for pedestrians, particularly those with mobility issues.
- Loose or broken kerbstones — Damaged kerbstones can cause a loss of balance, leading to falls.
- Poor maintenance — A lack of routine inspections and repairs can result in hazardous conditions.
- Exposed tree roots — Overgrown roots can lift pavements or appear in gaps between paving slabs, creating trip hazards.
Under the Highways Act 1980, local councils and highway authorities are legally responsible for maintaining public footpaths. If they fail to repair known hazards within a reasonable time, they could be liable for injuries caused by their negligence.
Common injuries caused by pavement accidents
Pavement accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to life-changing conditions. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Cuts, bruises, and soft tissue damage – Often the result of an initial impact with the ground.
- Sprained wrists or ankles – Common when people instinctively try to break their fall.
- Fractures and broken bones – Broken arms, legs, ribs, or collarbones can occur, especially in harder falls.
- Ligament and tendon damage – Twisting injuries can cause significant pain and long recovery times.
- Concussion or mild head injuries – A fall can result in head trauma, even if there is no visible wound.
- Spinal injuries or nerve damage – In severe cases, falls can lead to long-term mobility issues.
- Serious head or brain trauma – Severe head injuries can cause permanent cognitive or physical impairment.
Beyond physical injuries, a pavement accident can also have psychological effects, including anxiety, PTSD and loss of both independence and confidence in walking outdoors. These can have a big impact on your daily life, work and social activities.
If you’ve suffered an injury due to a pavement accident, you may be entitled to compensation to cover both physical and psychological effects.
How much compensation could you receive for a pavement accident claim?
The amount of pavement trip compensation you could claim will depend on several factors, including the severity of your injury and its impact on your life. Generally, more serious injuries result in higher compensation payouts.
Approximate compensation amounts
According to Judicial College Guidelines, approximate compensation amounts include:
- £1,000 to £3,000 – for minor injuries with a short recovery period.
- Between £5,000 to £30,000 – for fractures, ligament damage, or injuries requiring longer rehabilitation.
- £50,000+ -for serious spinal or brain injuries with lasting effects.
Compensation is awarded under two categories, general damages and special damages. General damages cover the pain, suffering, and long-term impact of your injury. Special damages cover financial losses caused by your injury, such as medical expenses, lost earnings, rehabilitation costs, and travel expenses. For an estimate of how much you may be able to receive in general damages for your injury, use our helpful compensation calculator.
What evidence do you need to make a pavement accident claim?
To strengthen your pavement accident claim, you will have to gather as much evidence as possible to support it. Key evidence you could collect includes:
- Photographic evidence — Take as many images of your injuries and the accident scene as possible. Pavements may be repaired over time, so capturing the hazard as it was at the time of your fall is essential.
- Medical records — Document your injuries, medical treatment, and any diagnoses from healthcare professionals. These records are crucial proof of the harm you’ve suffered.
- Witness statements — Collect the contact details of anyone that saw your pavement accident. Their statements can support your version of events.
- Accident reports — Report the accident site to the council and request a copy of their response.
- CCTV footage — If the accident was recorded on security cameras, request a copy as soon as possible. Video evidence is one of the strongest forms of proof.
- Financial records — Keep receipts and records of any expenses related to your injury, such as medical bills, travel costs, and lost earnings. These can support a claim for special damages.
How do you start a pavement accident claim?
Follow these simple steps to get started on a pavement accident claim:
- Get in touch with one of our specialist solicitors at Injury Lawyers 4u and we will assess your case.
- Gather medical records, accident reports, witness statements and photos of the accident scene to support your case.
- We will handle the legal process and submit the claim to the responsible party.
- Our team will negotiate with the local council or landowner in an effort to secure fair compensation. If a settlement isn’t reached, we’ll advise on the next steps, including court proceedings if necessary.
Frequently asked questions
What if the council denies liability?
If the council argues that they were unaware of the defect, we will gather evidence of complaints, previous accidents, or proof of inadequate inspections to support your claim.
What if I was partly responsible for my accident?
You may still be eligible for compensation under contributory negligence. However, your payout may be reduced based on your level of responsibility.
How long does a pavement accident claim take?
Simple cases may settle within a few months, but complex claims may take over a year.
Who pays my compensation?
Claims are typically covered by the council’s public liability insurance or the insurance of the responsible landowner.
Will making a claim affect my relationship with my council?
No, making a claim should not affect your relationship with your local council. Councils have a legal duty to maintain pavements, and compensation claims are handled through their public liability insurance, not directly from council funds. Claiming compensation simply holds them accountable for their responsibilities, ensuring safer walkways for everyone.
Start your pavement accident claim today
If you’re ready to make the first move and start a pavement accident claim, start by getting in touch with Injury Lawyers 4u. We offer free consultation to find out if you’re eligible for our assistance and even offer a no-win, no-fee guarantee for our clients — which means you won’t pay a penny in legal costs unless your claim is successful.
Don’t wait too long — claims must be made within three years of your accident or from the date a doctor diagnosed your injury. Get in touch today and see how we can help.