Slips, Trips, & Falls Claims

Updated June 2026

Slips, trips and falls are one of the most common causes of preventable injuries in the UK. So, if you’ve been involved in an accident which happened in the workplace, a public space, a shop, or a restaurant, you may be entitled to pursue a personal injury claim if someone else’s negligence caused your injury.

Here are the steps to take to start your claim if this has happened to you or a loved one, including how compensation is calculated.

When To Claim Compensation For Slips, Trips & Falls

A slip, trip or fall can happen in seconds, but the consequences can last months or even years. Injuries range from sprains and fractures to long‑term mobility issues. The law places a duty of care on employers, local authorities, and businesses to keep their premises reasonably safe. When they fail in that duty, you may be eligible for compensation for the harm you suffer.

Common causes may include:

Wet or slippery floors: often caused by spills, cleaning, or weather conditions without proper signage.

Uneven surfaces: such as broken pavements, loose tiles, or damaged flooring.

Obstructed walkways: clutter, cables, or stock left in aisles.

Poor lighting: making hazards difficult to see.

Unsafe staircases: missing handrails, worn steps, or inconsistent heights.

How do I know if my slip, trip or fall was someone else’s fault?

To be eligible to make a compensation claim for your slip, trip or fall, you need to be able to show that the accident was the direct result of someone else’s negligence.

For instance, if the object you have tripped over is something that you would expect to be there such as a concrete bollard or a kerbstone, then the accident would be down to your own lack of observation. The same would apply if you had slipped on a spillage in a supermarket, despite there being clear warning signs on display. In this case, the person responsible for warning you has fulfilled their obligation satisfactorily and so cannot be blamed for your slip.

However, if you tripped over something you would not expect to be there, such as a box left obstructing your office floor, or slipped on a spillage that had not been flagged by warning signs within a reasonable time, then someone else is liable for your accident.

So, as you can see, you must be able to demonstrate that:

Someone else other than yourself (e.g. your employer, the Local Authority, a store cleaning contractor) had a responsibility to prevent an accident occurring and that:

They neglected that responsibility

Their negligence resulted in your slip, trip or fall

If you can demonstrate all of the above, you may be eligible to make a claim for compensation.

Where Slips, Trips & Falls Commonly Occur

Workplace Accidents

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), slips trips and falls make up 30% of accidents involving non-fatal injuries at work as reported to RIDDOR in 2024/25.

Employers must comply with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. They must assess risks, maintain floors, provide training, and ensure safe working conditions. If your employer failed to take reasonable steps to prevent your accident, you may be able to claim against your workplace.

Public Spaces

Local councils and public bodies must maintain pavements, parks, libraries, and other public areas. If you fell because of a defect that should have been repaired, you may have grounds for a public liability claim.

Shops and Supermarkets

Retailers must keep aisles clear, floors dry, and hazards well‑signposted. If staff failed to act within a reasonable timeframe, you may be able to claim compensation against the business’s public liability insurance.

Restaurants, Cafés and Bars

Food and drink spills, dim lighting, and crowded walkways often contribute to accidents. If the venue failed to follow safety procedures, you may be entitled to compensation.

Evidence That Strengthens Your Claim

Strong evidence helps establish liability and increases the likelihood of a successful outcome. Useful evidence includes:

• Accident scene photos
• Witness statements
• Accident book entries
• Medical records
• CCTV footage
• Receipts for financial losses

How much compensation will I receive for my slip, trip or fall?

The exact amount of compensation you will be awarded for your slip, trip or fall will vary depending on the severity of your accident and injuries. Your compensation award will take into account several factors including:

• Physical injuries resulting from the slip, trip or fall
• Emotional damage incurred as a result
• Loss of earnings if you needed to take time off work
• The cost of any medical treatment
• Other expenses such as travel to and from medical appointments

The amount you receive will reimburse you for any money lost and expenses incurred and will compensate you for the physical and emotional repercussions.

How to Start Your Slip, Trip & Fall Claim

To start your claim, you can begin by taking the following steps:

Report the accident to the business, employer, or local authority.

Seek medical attention to document your injuries.

Gather evidence including photos, CCTV footage and witness details.

Record your financial losses as they occur.

Speak to a personal injury specialist who has experience in such claims. We partner with solicitors who offer a free, initial consultation to assess whether your claim is valid or not.

FAQs: How to Start Your Personal Injury Claim

How long do I have to make a claim?

You normally have three years from the date of the accident. Exceptions apply for children and those lacking mental capacity.

Do I need evidence to start a claim?

You can start the process without all evidence as your personal injury lawyer will help you with this, but gathering as much as possible early on strengthens your case.

Will I need to go to court?

The majority of claims settle out of court. Court action is only required if liability is disputed.

Can I claim if I was partly at fault?

Yes. Your compensation may be reduced, but you can still claim under contributory negligence rules.

How much compensation will I receive?

The amount depends on your injuries and how serious they are, as well as any financial losses. Your solicitor will be able to provide an estimate for your specific case.

Get Started

If you’ve had a slip, trip or fall and want to find out if you may be able to claim compensation, contact our team.

Our partner lawyers are experienced in this type of claim and they offer a free consultation with no obligation. They also offer No Win, No Fee agreements.

To discuss your potential claim in confidence, contact our friendly team at Jefferies Claims on 0333 358 3034 or complete our online contact form.

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

Written by Tanya Waterworth, Digital Content Writer