Slips, trips and falls in public places  

During the Autumn and Winter months slips, trips and falls in public places increase for several reasons; there is less daylight, more rainfall and cold weather conditions cause snow and ice. Our experienced Personal Injury Solicitors explain what to do if you have a slip, trip or fall in a public place.  

What to do if you have a slip, trip or fall in a public place

Slipping, tripping or falling in public can result in minor, or even serious injuries. If you have been injured, you could be entitled to make a public liability compensation claim.  

5 Steps following a slip, trip or fall in a public place

After you’ve suffered a slip, trip or fall in a public place you should carry out the following steps:  

  1. Report the accident – Wherever the accident happened, you should report it as soon as possible. Failure to properly report the accident could mean the hazard that caused it may not be remedied. The accident should be reported to a person in authority. For example, if you tripped on a public pavement, you must report it to the local authority/highway authority responsible for the area. When reporting the accident the person should take note of the date, time and location of the accident, the cause of the accident and the injuries sustained. You should also request a copy of the report for your own records. 
  2. Obtain witness contact details – If there are any witnesses to your accident, you should get their names, addresses and phone numbers. 
  3. Take photographs & videos – Either you or someone with you should take photographs of the accident scene, including the hazard. Photographing your injuries immediately or soon after the accident can be used as evidence to support your claim. Obtaining video footage (if any) of the accident can also help to support your claim. If you tripped over a defect, try to get some objective measure of size in the photo such as a coin or matchbox etc. 
  4. Seek medical advice – Make sure you promptly seek medical advice, even if you only sustained minor injuries. By doing so your medical records can support your personal injury claim and can prove that the injury was a result of the accident. 
  5. Contact us – If you’re considering making a public liability claim, you should contact a specialist solicitor. Contact us today on 033 3344 9600 or email [email protected].