Slip And Fall At Work Compensation Claims – Am I Eligible?
After a slip and fall at work that wasn’t your fault, do you need information on making an accident at work compensation claim? In the following sections, we’ll explain who is eligible to start slip and fall at work compensation claims against an employer who failed to comply with relevant health and safety regulations.
We discuss how compensation is calculated and what areas of harm it can cover. Also, we explore some common types of slip and fall accidents to help illustrate compensation eligibility. Additionally, we examine a few injuries that could be sustained in this type of workplace accident. After explaining how evidence supports a claim, we look at the benefits of legal representation.
Our guide is packed with useful information, but if you would prefer to speak about your claim right now, simply:
- Call us on 020 3870 4868
- Complete our “contact us” form online.
- Open the live chat window on your screen now.
Jump To A Section
- I Slipped And Fell At Work – Can I Claim Compensation?
- What Are The Common Causes Of Slips And Falls At Work?
- Types Of Injuries Caused By Slips And Falls
- Average Slip And Fall At Work Settlement Amounts
- Preventing Falls In The Workplace – Your Employer’s Responsibilities
- How To Make Slip And Fall At Work Compensation Claims
- How Our Panel Of Solicitors Can Help
- More Information
I Slipped And Fell At Work – Can I Claim Compensation?
All workers are protected by legislation called the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 (HASAWA). This law places a duty of care obligation on all employers to take reasonable and proportionate steps to remove or reduce the risk of harm to employees while they work.
Also, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 and the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 stipulate how to minimise risks as much as possible.
With this in mind, there are three criteria you need to meet to have an eligible personal injury claim for compensation. Ask yourself the following:
- Was I owed a duty of care at the time of the accident?
- Did my employer breach that duty of care in some way?
- Were my injuries a direct result of this?
If you can answer ‘yes’ to these three points you could be eligible to launch a claim for compensation against a negligent employer. To be sure, check with our team on the contact options above.
What Are The Common Causes Of Slips And Falls At Work?
We now look at some of the ways that a slip and fall at work might occur and give an example of how it could form the basis of a compensation claim:
Slipping on Ice
The employer failed to do their best to deal with extreme weather conditions on-site such as gritting snow and ice, placing safety matting down or placing signs to alert staff to an icy surface. As a consequence, staff were slipping and falling at the entrance to their office.
Slipping On The Stairs
The floor tiles on a staircase in a factory were broken and coming loose. Despite being aware of the problem, the employer took no action to repair it. Because of this, an employee lost their footing and fell, sustaining several injuries in the fall.
Tripping On Glass
Debris or litter in the workplace was not addressed by the employer. Because of this, a worker stepped on a discarded glass bottle and fell over, sustaining serious back and pelvic fracture injuries in the fall.
Tripping On Carpet Or Flooring
Despite being aware that carpeting was loose on an area of their premises, management failed to repair the issue. As a result, a worker tripped on a piece of carpet that had worn away and fractured their wrist in the fall, requiring surgery to repair the injury.
Tripping On An Obstruction
The employer of a processing plant allowed uncollected refuse to collect in communal hallways and stairwells. As a result, a colleague tripped over an obstruction and in the fall, sustained cuts and bruises. Although a minor injury, medical evidence was able to substantiate their claim and they were awarded compensation.
You may have fallen from an unsafe ladder or faulty scaffolding at work as well. Cases will always differ, so please get in touch to discuss yours.
Types Of Injuries Caused By Slips And Falls
Some commonly encountered injuries from slip and fall accidents are as follows:
- Cuts and bruises.
- Sprains and fractures (particularly to the wrists and ankles).
- Dislocations and torn ligaments.
- Deeper cuts and lacerations.
- Back injuries.
- Head and facial injuries.
- Scarring.
You might suffer a combination of these. Call our team to discuss multiple injury claims after a slip and fall at work.
Average Slip And Fall At Work Settlement Amounts
It’s important to be aware that because of how personal injury claims are calculated, knowing an ‘average’ amount awarded wouldn’t necessarily be beneficial for you. Each case has factors that differ and evidence that might sway the final settlement. The best way to obtain an accurate idea of compensation is to go into the details with an expert solicitor like those on our panel.
How Compensation Is Calculated
Our panel of solicitors calculate compensation by looking at two categories or ‘heads’ of loss called general and special damages. Under general damages, an amount can be applied for the following:
- The physical pain and suffering.
- Any psychiatric and mental health harm created by the accident.
- Any long-term disabilities caused.
- The negative impact on the person’s overall quality of life.
Those involved in valuing claims often use the person’s medical records as a way to determine the level of injury. They may compare this with publications such as the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG). This publication provides an index of award bracket guidelines for certain injuries based on how severe they are. We’ve compiled a table below using excerpts that might typically relate to a slip and fall injury:
Compensation Guidelines
| INJURY | SEVERITY | AWARD GUIDELINES | NOTES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple injuries, serious in nature plus Special Damages | Serious | Up to £1 million plus | An award like this reflects more than one type of harm as well as special damages for care, lost income and permanent disability needs. |
| Head | (c) Moderate (i) | £183,190 up to £267,340 | Moderate to severe deficit to the intellect and increased likelihood of no employment prospects. |
| Head | (d) Less Severe | £18,700 up to £52,550 | Good recovery level and only minor persisting issues with memory and mood or concentration. |
| Back | (a) Severe (iii) | £47,320 up to £85,100 | Lesions, fractures, vertebral soft tissue damage that despite surgery, cause chronic conditions. |
| Back | (b) Moderate (ii) | £15,260 up to £33,880 | Soft tissue injuries and disturbed ligaments and muscles that give rise to back ache. |
| Wrist | (a) Total function loss | £58,110 up to £73,050 | Cases where function is totally lost despite surgery. |
| Wrist | (c) Less Severe | £15,370 up to £29,900 | Injuries of a lesser severity with some remaining disability (such as stiffness). |
| Neck | (a) Severe (iii) | £55,500 up to £68,330 | Dislocations, fractures, soft tissue damage and tendon ruptures resulting in permanent, significant disability. |
| Ankle | (b) Severe | £38,210 up to £61,090 | Injuries that involve a prolonged time in plaster, with pins or plates and leaves significant residual weakness. |
| Less Serious Leg Injury | Simple tibula or fibula fractures or soft tissue injuries | Up to £14,450 | Cases could include some minor ongoing symptoms such as aching or modest movement restrictions. |
Importantly, the figures are guidelines only. Also, the first entry isn’t from the JCG.
Special Damages – What Else You Can Claim For
Special damages are the second head of loss. Under this, a person can claim back the financial expense and losses they suffered because of the injuries sustained in the slip and fall at work. It is necessary to present documented proof of any financial harm. Some examples would be:
- Payslips or bank statements that show a loss of earnings caused by time off work.
- Proof of medical expenses for any private treatments.
- Proof of prescription charges.
- Receipts or invoices for amounts paid out for help to cook, clean and shop.
- Travel receipts to get to essential appointments.
Keep hold of all documentation that shows financial harm or expense after your workplace accident. If a solicitor acts for you, they can sort through this evidence and calculate the most thorough potential compensation amount. Call to learn more.
Preventing Falls In The Workplace – Your Employer’s Responsibilities
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) acts as the workplace regulator for safety in Britain. It provides a wealth of detailed and specific information on how employers (and employees) can best prevent accidents in the workplace. Some examples of fall prevention practices include:
- Conducting regular risk assessments and ensuring cleaning activities are carried out safely.
- Avoiding spillages or the use of unsuitable chemicals on floors.
- Providing adequate essential personal protective equipment (PPE) like non-slip footwear.
- Training staff to deal with health and safety emergencies.
- Maintaining safe premises and keeping the work environment clear of clutter, such as avoiding trailing cables across walkways.
If you feel certain that your employer failed to observe these rules and this led to your slip or fall in the workplace, discuss your options for seeking compensation with our team.
How To Make Slip And Fall At Work Compensation Claims
We now look at some aspects of making slip and fall at work compensation claims such as evidence, medical assessments, time limits and whether to work with a solicitor:
Evidence – Medical Records, Accident Books, And Witness Statements
Evidence that clearly demonstrates liability for your injuries is the backbone of a personal injury claim. With this in mind, it’s important to collect as much of the following as possible to give your claim its best chance of success:
- Get the contact details of others who saw the accident. If you choose to appoint a solicitor, they can collect supporting statements after the claim has been launched.
- Obtain copies of your medical records. This can be X-rays, scans or the findings of any specialists you were referred to.
- Request any CCTV footage from the workplace.
- Take photos of the injuries you sustained as well as where the accident happened.
- Get a copy of any workplace report about when the accident occurred.
You may have other evidence that could be used. Check with our advisors for free legal guidance on slip and fall at work compensation claims.
Will I Need To Have A Medical Assessment?
A medical assessment with an independent practitioner can be crucial. Their findings can form a medical report that provides solicitors with an idea of the full extent of your injuries. This is useful for calculating compensation and could mean you are awarded more.
If you decide to work with a personal injury specialist solicitor from our panel, they can arrange for an independent medical assessment at a place and location that suits you. Call if you’d like more information.
How Long You Have To Begin A Claim
The Limitation Act 1980 lays out a three-year time limit to claim for personal injury. In most cases, it begins from the date of the accident. However, exceptions may apply:
- A minor is not able to start a compensation claim themselves until they reach the age of maturity (18). Their three-year limitation period then starts from this birthday.
- A claimant without mental capacity is not subject to a time limit. If their mental capacity returns, the three-year limit commences from the date of recovery.
To start slip and fall at work compensation claims immediately, both these groups may have a litigation friend designated by the courts. This is often a family member or other responsible adult who carries out the tasks required in making the personal injury claim. For more information on this role and time limits, please speak to our advisory team.
No Win No Fee Agreements
The solicitors on our panel offer a type of No Win No Fee contract to eligible claimants. This can help them launch a claim without concerns of immediate legal fees holding them back. Often, they offer their No Win No Fee services under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). This has the following benefits to the person seeking damages:
- No immediate solicitors fees due to start the claim.
- No solicitors fees as the claim moves forward.
- Nothing owed for finished work on the claim if it is not successful.
- A successful claim outcome requires payment of a ‘success fee’.
- The fee is a percentage of the compensation and is agreed upon with your solicitor at the start of the claim.
- Furthermore, the success fee is restricted by a legal cap. This ensures you get virtually all the compensation.
Anyone’s slip and fall at work compensation claims could qualify for excellent terms like these. Take a moment to check your eligibility with our advisors.
How Long It Can Take To Receive A Slip And Fall At Work Settlement?
There is no standard time frame for compensation claims to conclude. Certain factors can delay the decision and final receipt of any compensation, for example:
- How complicated are the injuries and how prolonged is treatment expected to be?
- Are witness statements or expert reports needed?
- Is the defendant or their insurance company disputing liability for your injuries or giving unreasonable offers?
A skilled solicitor on our panel has the expertise to handle obstacles like these and do their best to resolve them. They understand that compensation is often needed urgently and will work diligently to get your slip and fall at work compensation claims resolved quickly. Call to learn more.
How Our Panel Of Solicitors Can Help
Working with the solicitors on our panel provides a wealth of other advantages:
- They can calculate your compensation with a higher level of accuracy than online calculators and fight tirelessly for every penny owed to you.
- They will collect useful evidence like witness statements and chase up reports from any specialists.
- They will attend to the often complex Pre-Action Protocol required to help settle personal injury claims.
- You’ll receive detailed and regular updates about the status of the claim.
- You can rely on their expert and professional support throughout the entire claims process.
Advantages like these mean it’s sensible to see if they can help you. Getting started is easy. You can contact the advisory team who will refer the claim to our panel if it seems strong. The call is free and carries no obligation. To find out what you may be owed:
- Call us on 020 3870 4868
- Complete our “contact us” form online.
- Open the live chat window on your screen now.
More Information
As well as the information on slip and fall at work compensation claims here, the following articles offer more:
- Here is further information on making a personal injury claim after a slip and fall at work.
- Also, how to prove fault in slips, trips and falls claims.
- You can read about how to make personal injury claim for back pain.
External information:
- This looks at wrist pain from the NHS.
- Here is information on when to call 999.
- Lastly, details on avoiding falls from workplace vehicles here.
We appreciate you reading our guide on making slip and fall at work compensation claims. Advisors are happy to assist with any other questions on the contact options above.
