Broken Bollard Compensation

Written by Tanya Waterworth, Digital Content Writer

About Our Legal Expert: This content is produced with oversight by Michael Jefferies, Managing Director who has over 30 years’ legal experience.

Injured by a Defective Bollard in England and Wales

If you’ve tripped or fallen over a defective bollard, you may be able to claim broken bollard compensation in England and Wales. Bollards exist to protect pedestrians and manage traffic. When they break, bend, collapse, or get left in a dangerous state, they become an unexpected hazard. People can fall forward or trip with little chance to brace properly, which can lead to injuries such as fractures or lacerations.

You may want to make a personal injury claim for compensation if this has happened to you in a public place and it wasn’t your fault. It’s important to know that there is a time limit of three years from the date of the accident to claim compensation, so the earlier you start, the better.

What counts as a “broken bollard” accident?

A broken bollard accident happens when a bollard creates a trip hazard because it is not in a safe condition. In compensation claims, the primary issue to consider is that the bollard had become unsafe and someone failed to fix it or warn the public.

Common examples may include:

• A bollard snapped off at ground level leaving a metal stump
• A bollard leaning into a walkway
• A loose bollard that wobbles or falls when touched
• A bollard missing reflective markings or lighting in a poorly lit area
• A temporary bollard left in the wrong position
• A damaged base plate or exposed bolts sticking up
• A bollard knocked over and left on the pavement

If the defect makes the area dangerous and causes your fall, you may have a valid claim.

 

Can you claim compensation for falling over a broken bollard?

Yes, you can claim compensation if:

1. You suffered an injury, and
2. Someone owed you a duty of care, and
3. They failed to take reasonable steps to keep the area safe, and
4. That failure caused your accident.

In practical terms, your claim depends on whether the responsible party should have identified the broken bollard and repaired it, removed it, or warned people about it.

 

Who is responsible for a broken bollard in England and Wales?

Responsibility depends on where the bollard is located.

1. Local council or highway authority

If the bollard sits on a public pavement, roadside, pedestrianised street, or public footpath, the local authority (or relevant highway authority) may be responsible for inspection, maintenance, and repairs.

2. A private landowner or business

If the bollard sits on private land with public access, such as a supermarket entrance, retail park, hospital grounds, car park, or office development, the property owner or site operator may be responsible.

3. A contractor

Sometimes a contractor installs, removes, or repairs bollards and leaves them in a dangerous condition. In those cases, the contractor may be at fault, either alone or alongside the landowner.

Your personal injury solicitor can identify the correct defendant early by checking land ownership, maintenance records, and responsibility boundaries.

 

What injuries do broken bollard accidents cause?

Falling over a bollard often causes more severe injuries than a typical trip, because the hazard is solid and the fall tends to be sudden and awkward.

Common injuries can include:

• Broken wrist or broken arm (from trying to break the fall)
• Broken ankle, fractured foot, or metatarsal fractures
• Knee injuries, including ligament damage
• Shoulder injuries, including rotator cuff tears
• Facial injuries and dental trauma
• Head injuries, including concussion
• Hip fractures (especially in older people)
• Back injuries and soft tissue damage

If you hit your head, seek medical advice immediately. Head injuries can worsen over time.

 

What evidence helps most in a broken bollard compensation claim?

Bollard claims succeed or fail on evidence. The key is proving the bollard posed a hazard and the responsible party had enough time to deal with it.

Therefore, strong evidence includes:

1. Photos and videos

Take clear photos of:

• The bollard defect (leaning, broken, missing, loose, etc.)
• The wider scene (pavement layout, lighting, nearby signs)
• Any lack of warnings or barriers
• Your visible injuries (if appropriate)

If you can, take photos from the angle you approached from. This helps to show why you did not see the hazard.

2. Witness details

If anyone saw you fall or saw the bollard earlier, ask for:

• Name
• Phone number or email
• A short description of what they saw

3. Accident report

If the accident happened outside a business, ask staff to log it. If it happened on a street, report it to the council as soon as possible. A report creates a timestamp and can prevent later arguments about whether the hazard existed.

4. Medical records

Attend A&E or visit your GP. Medical records connect your injuries to the accident date and support your claim.

5. Proof of financial losses

Keep the following:

• Payslips showing time off work
• Receipts for medication, travel, or physiotherapy
• Evidence of care provided by family
• Invoices for damaged clothing, glasses, or a phone

 

What if the council says they didn’t know the bollard was broken?

Councils and other defendants often argue they had no notice of the defect. They may also rely on inspection schedules and claim they acted reasonably.

That does not automatically defeat your claim.

Your solicitor can request:

• Inspection records for the area
• Repair logs and maintenance schedules
• Records of previous complaints
• Evidence of how long the bollard had been damaged

If the bollard looked worn, rusted, or damaged for a long time, that can support your case.

 

How much compensation can you claim for falling over a broken bollard?

Compensation usually includes two categories:

1. General damages (pain and suffering)

This covers the injury itself, such as pain, reduced mobility, symptoms, and how the injury has affected your life.

The value depends on:

• The type of injury
• The severity
• Recovery time
• Whether symptoms become long-term

2. Special damages (financial losses)

This covers the money you lost or had to spend because of the accident, such as:

• Loss of earnings
• Travel costs
• Private medical treatment
• Rehabilitation costs
• Care and assistance
• Home adaptations (in serious cases)

Even if your injury seems “minor,” your losses can still be significant if you missed work or needed treatment.

 

Is there a time limit for broken bollard claims?

Yes. In England and Wales, you usually have three years to start a personal injury claim.

The three-year period typically starts from the date of the accident. It can also start from the date you became aware of theinjury. However this is not common in trip and falls claims.

If the injured person is under 18, the time limit usually starts at 18. Different rules can apply if the person lacks mental capacity.

Do not delay. Evidence disappears quickly in public places.

 

When should you speak to a solicitor?

Early legal advice helps preserve evidence and prevents avoidable mistakes.

You should speak to a solicitor as soon as possible if:

• You suffered a fracture or head injury
• You needed time off work
• You required physiotherapy or ongoing treatment
• The bollard defect was clearly dangerous.

A solicitor can quickly identify who is liable, gather evidence, and value the claim properly.

For broader guidance on accident claims, you can also read our main Slips, Trips and Falls information page.

We work with highly experienced lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis, so there’s no upfront cost or financial risk for you. Our team will guide you through every step of your claim.

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