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Home » What to Do After a Slip, Trip or Fall in a Public Place

What to Do After a Slip, Trip or Fall in a Public Place

A sudden slip, trip or fall in a public place can be both painful and embarrassing. Whether it happened in a supermarket, car park, shopping centre or on a poorly maintained pavement, it’s important to know your rights and what steps you can take next.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to do immediately after the incident, how to gather evidence, when you might be entitled to claim compensation, and how to start the claims process.

What Counts as a Public Place?

A public place includes any area open to the public, such as:

  • Supermarkets and shops
  • Restaurants and cafés
  • Car parks
  • Public transport stations
  • Pavements and footpaths
  • Shopping centres
  • Parks and council-owned buildings

It doesn’t matter if the property is privately owned – if it’s open to the public, those responsible have a legal duty to keep it safe.

Common Causes of Slips, Trips or Falls

Here are some examples of how accidents might happen:

  • Wet or recently cleaned floors with no warning signs
  • Loose or uneven pavements
  • Obstructions or spillages in shop aisles
  • Poor lighting in stairwells or hallways
  • Snow or ice that hasn’t been cleared
  • Worn carpets or uneven flooring

These types of hazards could be seen as negligence if the responsible party failed to act reasonably to prevent harm.

Step-by-Step: What You Should Do After the Fall

1. Prioritise Your Health

Your safety comes first. If you’ve been injured:

  • Seek medical help immediately, either from a first aider or by visiting A&E or your GP.
  • Even if the injury feels minor at the time, some symptoms may develop later (e.g., concussion, internal bruising).

2. Report the Incident

Tell someone in charge, such as a manager, shop assistant, or building supervisor. If possible:

  • Make sure they record the incident in an accident log book.
  • Ask for a copy of the report or take a photo of it.

For council-maintained areas (e.g., pavements), you should report the issue to the local authority as soon as possible.

3. Gather Evidence

Evidence will be vital if you decide to make a claim later. Try to collect:

  • Photos of the scene (e.g., spillage, broken tile, uneven path)
  • Photos of your injuries
  • Names and contact details of any witnesses
  • Receipts or records of any medical treatment or expenses

4. Keep a Record

Document everything in a safe place:

  • The date and time of the fall
  • What happened in detail
  • The location and who you spoke to
  • How the injury has affected your daily life (e.g., time off work, pain, or mobility issues)

Who Is Responsible?

Responsibility will depend on where the accident happened:

  • Shops and businesses are responsible for maintaining safe premises.
  • Councils are usually responsible for public pavements and roads.
  • Private landlords may be responsible for communal areas in buildings.

You must show that the responsible party was negligent and that the negligence caused your accident. For example, if a supermarket failed to clean up a spillage within a reasonable time and you slipped, that could be grounds for a claim.

Can You Claim Compensation?

You may be eligible to claim compensation if:

  • The accident was caused by someone else’s negligence
  • You suffered an injury (physical or psychological)
  • It happened within the last three years (the usual time limit for personal injury claims)

The compensation may cover:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Medical expenses
  • Loss of income (e.g., time off work)
  • Travel costs for treatment
  • Long-term care or support

In some cases, the three-year time limit may be extended, such as for children or those lacking mental capacity.

What If You Were Partly at Fault?

Even if you were partly responsible, you might still be able to claim under the principle of contributory negligence. This means the compensation amount may be reduced, depending on how much you were at fault.

For instance, if you were texting on your phone and didn’t notice a hazard, but the hazard still should not have been there, you may still be entitled to partial compensation.

Do You Need a Solicitor?

A personal injury solicitor can help assess your case, gather evidence, and handle the claim on your behalf. Many firms offer a No Win No Fee agreement, which means:

  • You won’t pay anything upfront
  • You’ll only pay legal fees if your claim is successful
  • The solicitor’s fees are usually deducted from your compensation

Look for solicitors regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) and check online reviews or testimonials before choosing one.

How to Start a Claim

Here’s how to begin the claims process:

  1. Speak to a solicitor for a free consultation
  2. Share your evidence and account of what happened
  3. Receive advice on whether your claim is likely to succeed
  4. Proceed with the claim if advised to do so

The solicitor will likely deal with the third party’s insurers, and if liability is accepted, you may receive a settlement offer. If not, your solicitor may file a court claim, but most cases are settled out of court.

How Long Does It Take?

The time it takes to resolve a claim depends on:

  • The complexity of your case
  • Whether the other side accepts responsibility
  • The severity of your injuries

Most straightforward claims can be settled in a few months, but more complex ones may take longer.

What If There Were No Witnesses?

While having witnesses can strengthen your case, you may still have a valid claim without them. Strong photo evidence, medical records, and a consistent account of events can still support your case.

Final Tips

  • Don’t ignore a fall, even if you think you’re okay at first.
  • Always report the accident and keep records.
  • Seek legal advice early to understand your options.

Conclusion

A slip, trip, or fall in a public place can be more than just a minor inconvenience – it can lead to serious injuries and financial strain. Knowing what to do next, gathering evidence, and seeking legal support can help you claim the compensation you deserve and ensure the same hazard doesn’t harm someone else.

If you’ve had a fall and think it wasn’t your fault, don’t hesitate to seek legal advice. You could be entitled to claim, and the sooner you act, the stronger your case may be.