How To Claim For Falling On A Pavement
Advice on how to claim for falling on a pavement and why working with a solicitor covering St Helens can help.
Claim For Falling On A Pavement
Advice on how to claim for falling on a pavement and why working with a solicitor covering St Helens can help.
If you’ve been injured after falling on a pavement in St Helens, you might have grounds to claim compensation. As such, this guide explains what injuries you can claim for, what makes a successful case, and how to prove your accident. You’ll also learn about what compensation might cover if you make a personal injury claim for falling on a pavement.
If you decide to act, a solicitor from our panel may offer to manage your claim from beginning to end. They handle St Helens cases related to pavement accidents and other public liability claims. The process can be complex, but you don’t need to do it alone. If your case is taken on, your solicitor will liaise with insurers, gather evidence, and negotiate on your behalf.
Please continue reading to find out more about your options. If you’d rather speak to us right away, please call 01744385105 or complete this Contact Us form today.
What Injuries Can I Claim For After Falling On A Pavement?
Falls on pavements can cause a wide range of injuries. Some are minor, but others have a lasting impact. If your accident was caused by negligence, you may have grounds for compensation. Common injuries you could claim for include:
Broken or fractured bones (such as wrists, arms, legs, or hips).
Sprained ankles or wrists.
Cuts, bruises, or lacerations.
Head injuries or concussions.
Back and spinal injuries.
Soft tissue injuries.
Psychological harm (anxiety, trauma, PTSD, or distress).
Even if the injury seems minor, complications can develop. For example, a broken wrist may not heal correctly, and this might have a long-term effect on your work. It’s important to seek medical attention and keep records, as evidence is crucial for your claim.
If you've suffered an injury through no fault of your own, you don't need to suffer in silence.
What Do I Need To Prove When Claiming After Falling On A Pavement?
It is important to point out that not all slips, trips and falls lead to a compensation claim. To claim for falling on a pavement, you must show that:
The party you’re claiming against owed you a duty of care, e.g., the local authority or a business owner.
Because that party failed to uphold their duty, you fell on the pavement.
As a direct consequence of that fall, you suffered physical or psychological injuries (or both).
It’s not always clear if these criteria have been met. In many cases, the defendant’s insurers may try to contest your argument. For that reason, it’s often a good idea to have a specialist solicitor on your side.
To check if you have a valid claim after falling on a pavement, why not call for a free assessment of your claim today?
Who Can Claims Be Made Against?
Proving who is responsible for your accident is vital if you’re to be compensated after falling on a pavement. Some of the most obvious parties that claims might be brought against include:
Public Authorities:
Other relevant local government bodies responsible for pavement maintenance.
Private Entities:
Private landowners (if the pavement is on or adjacent to private property).
Businesses with responsibility for the adjoining pavement (e.g., shops, commercial premises).
Property management companies.
Contractors:
Contractors or subcontractors responsible for pavement repairs, cleaning, or maintenance.
Utility Companies:
Gas, water, electricity, or telecommunications companies involved in works affecting the pavement.
If you’d like us to confirm who is to blame for your fall in St Helens, please feel free to contact our specialists today.
Common Reasons For Claiming Compensation
Many pavement fall claims involve similar types of hazards. Some common reasons why people claim for falling on a pavement include:
Raised or sunken paving stones more than 1 inch (2.5cm).
Potholes or cracks in the pavement.
Loose, unstable or rocking paving slabs.
Missing pavement sections.
Raised, missing or sunken manhole covers.
Slippery surfaces due to poor maintenance.
If you’ve fallen on a pavement in St Helens for these or any other reasons and believe you should be compensated for your injuries, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
How To Prove Your Case After Falling On A Pavement
Solid evidence is key to making a strong claim for compensation after a pavement fall. Here are some steps to take:
Photograph the scene as soon as possible. Show the defect, and if possible, include a ruler or tape measure to provide scale.
Record the location. Note the street, nearest postcode, and any landmarks.
Seek medical attention. Keep any hospital or GP records related to your injuries.
Get witness details. Names and contact information from people who saw your fall can help back up your story.
Report the incident. Inform the local authority or property owner. Ask for a copy of any accident report.
Where necessary, solicitors can gather further evidence on your behalf. Therefore, don’t worry about not having all of this evidence before getting in touch.
How Long Do I Have To Claim Compensation?
Most claims for falling on a pavement must be started within three years of the accident date. This time limit is set by the section 11 of the Limitation Act 1980.
There are some exceptions:
Children have until their 21st birthday to bring a claim if the fall happened before they turned 18. As a result, you could claim on your child’s behalf at any time before their 18th birthday.
There is no time limit for people lacking mental capacity. If, however, their mental capacity returns, so will the 3-year time limit.
We are happy to check how long you have left to claim for falling on a pavement, so please feel free to call.
What Will A Compensation Payout Cover?
If your claim is successful, the compensation you’ll receive is designed to put you in the position you’d be in if the accident had not happened. Therefore, a payout for falling on a pavement can cover:
Pain, suffering, and loss of amenity (General Damages).
Medical expenses (past and future).
Rehabilitation costs.
Travel expenses (to and from medical appointments).
Care and assistance (if you’ve needed help at home).
Lost income (if you’ve missed work).
Adaptations to your home, if necessary, after a serious injury.
It’s fair to say that most claims are unique, and compensation amounts will vary quite a bit. Therefore, we can’t say exactly what your settlement might be at this point. However, if your claim is taken on by a solicitor who covers St Helens claims, they will estimate your potential payout once they’ve assessed your suffering in more detail.
Call Today If You'd Like To Start A Claim
If you think you have grounds to claim for falling on a pavement, our team is ready to help. The claims process can be daunting, but you don’t need to manage it alone.
Our specialist advisors can assess your case during a free consultation and explain your options. If your case is suitable, we can connect you with a solicitor covering St Helens to handle the claim on your behalf. All initial advice is free, and there’s no obligation to proceed.
To get started, call 01744 385105. Alternatively, use our Contact Us form. Find out where you stand, your first step to seeking compensation is just a call away.
Remember, if a solicitor from our panel agrees to represent you, they’ll do so on a No Win No Fee basis.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Below, you can find answers to some frequently asked questions about how to claim for falling on a pavement
Is there a minimum level of injury required to make a claim?
There is no specific minimum injury required to start a claim, but minor injuries must still have a measurable impact on your health or daily life. Generally, claims are more likely to succeed if you can provide evidence of your injury and how it affected you.
What if the defect was reported but not repaired before my accident?
If the pavement defect or hazard was previously reported to the responsible party (e.g., the local council), and they failed to act within a reasonable time, this may support your claim and demonstrate negligence on their part.
Can I claim for expenses such as prescription costs and mobility aids?
Yes, you can claim back reasonable expenses directly resulting from your injury if your claim is successful. These costs can include prescription charges, mobility aids, and any other out-of-pocket expenses. It is a good idea to keep receipts and records to support your claim.
