Slips, Trips and Falls Claims — No Win, No Fee
Last reviewed: June 2026 · EA Personal Injury Solicitors
Slips, trips and falls caused by another party's negligence can result in serious injuries. EA Personal Injury Solicitors handles claims for victims on a no win, no fee basis — if the claim succeeds, a success fee may be deducted from your compensation.
TL;DR — Quick Summary
Key Points
- Occupiers and highway authorities owe a duty to keep premises and pavements reasonably safe
- Photograph the hazard immediately — evidence is often removed or repaired quickly
- Three-year time limit applies in most cases
- Fractures, head injuries and soft-tissue injuries are all claimable
- No win, no fee — if the claim succeeds, a success fee may be deducted from your compensation
Why Slips, Trips and Falls Are Legally Actionable
Slips, trips and falls are among the most common causes of personal injury in England and Wales. They occur in workplaces, supermarkets, restaurants, public spaces, residential properties and on the public highway. The person or organisation responsible for maintaining the area where you fell may owe you a legal duty of care, breach of which entitles you to compensation.
For accidents on business premises, the duty arises under the Occupiers' Liability Act 1957, which requires occupiers to take reasonable care to ensure visitors are safe. For accidents on public pavements, roads and paths, the Highways Act 1980 places a duty on highway authorities to maintain the public highway in a reasonably safe condition.
Typical Scenarios
- Wet or slippery floors in shops, supermarkets and restaurants
- Icy or snowy paths not gritted or cleared
- Potholes and broken or uneven paving slabs on public footpaths
- Raised drain covers or sunken ironwork in pavements
- Trailing cables or obstructions in workplaces
- Poorly lit staircases or corridors
- Worn, frayed or loose carpet on stairs
- Slippery flooring without adequate anti-slip surface
- Spillages not cleared promptly in retail or catering premises
Injuries from Slips, Trips and Falls
Falls can cause a very wide range of injuries. Older people are particularly at risk of serious harm from falls. Common injuries include:
- Wrist fractures — instinctive arm-bracing when falling causes breaks to the distal radius
- Hip fractures — especially in older people, often requiring surgical repair or joint replacement
- Ankle fractures
- Knee injuries — ligament damage, torn meniscus
- Head injuries — from striking the ground or nearby objects
- Shoulder injuries — rotator cuff tears and dislocations
- Soft-tissue back and neck injuries
- Psychological injuries — fear of falling, anxiety and loss of confidence
Pavement Trip Claims Against Highway Authorities
Highway authorities — typically the local council — have a statutory duty to maintain the public highway. Where a pavement defect such as a raised flagstone, pothole or sunken drain cover caused your fall, you may be able to claim against the council. The council may try to defend the claim by showing it had a reasonable system of regular inspection (the Section 58 defence). Evidence that the defect was reported or had existed for some time is particularly valuable in defeating this defence.
As a general guide, defects under about 25mm in depth or height may struggle to give rise to a successful claim, though every case turns on its specific facts — including the location, visibility of the hazard and surrounding conditions.
Evidence You Should Gather
- Photographs of the hazard — ideally with a coin or ruler for scale
- Photographs of your injuries
- Details of any accident report made at the premises
- Witness names and contact details
- CCTV request sent to the premises in writing
- Medical records from GP and any hospital attendance
- Financial records of losses (payslips, receipts)
Typical Compensation Amounts
The figures below are indicative brackets for the injury itself (general damages), based on the Judicial College Guidelines used by courts and insurers in England and Wales. Financial losses such as lost earnings, treatment costs and care (special damages) are claimed in addition, and in serious cases often exceed the injury award.
| Injury | Guideline bracket |
|---|---|
| Moderate neck/soft tissue injury (up to ~2 years) | c. £2,300–£12,900 |
| Simple arm or wrist fracture | c. £6,000–£16,000 |
| Moderate knee injury | c. £13,000–£26,000 |
| Moderate back injury (good prognosis) | c. £12,000–£27,000 |
| Minor head injury (no lasting brain damage) | c. £2,500–£15,500 |
These brackets are a guide only — the value of your claim depends on the severity of your injury, your prognosis and your financial losses. We cannot promise or predict a specific outcome. See our full guide to compensation amounts or contact us for a free assessment of your claim.
No Win, No Fee Slip, Trip and Fall Claims
We act under a Conditional Fee Agreement. You pay nothing if your claim fails. If the claim succeeds, a success fee may be deducted from your compensation. We will be transparent about all costs before you proceed.