Wondering if you can claim compensation for a fall? If you have been injured in a fall that wasn’t your fault, then you may be entitled to make a compensation claim. Slips, trips and fall compensation claims are quite common and allow individuals who have suffered injury or harm due to the negligence of others to receive fair and just compensation.

Our specialist team of personal injury solicitors here at Beacon Law are well equipped and highly experienced to assist clients on a range of injury claims, from serious and sometimes fatal injuries to common slips, trips and falls. We possess the relevant legal expertise to ensure our clients receive the highest amount of compensation possible for their pain, suffering and loss, offering our services on a no win no fee basis. Please get in touch today to find out more information on how we can help you.

What are some common causes of falls?

Our daily lives and workplaces are filled with potential hazards that could lead to accidents. To prevent these accidents, it’s crucial for those in charge to prioritise safety. This means ensuring all spaces comply with Health and Safety regulations and are actively maintained to minimise hazards.

Some of the most frequent causes of falls include:

• Trips and Slips: These are among the most common causes of falls. They can occur due to hazards such as uneven flooring, loose rugs or carpets, slipping on wet or slippery surfaces, and cluttered walkways.
• Poor Lighting: Inadequate lighting, especially in stairwells, corridors, and outdoor areas, can increase the risk of falls by making it difficult to see obstacles and hazards.
• Environmental Conditions: Falls can occur due to weather-related factors such as ice, snow, rain, or even strong winds, which can create slippery surfaces and increase the risk of losing balance.
• Physical Hazards: These include obstacles such as loose cables, uneven pavements, broken steps, or debris on the floor, which can cause individuals to trip and fall.
• Poorly Maintained Infrastructure: Lack of maintenance or neglect of buildings and infrastructure can lead to structural defects, loose handrails, broken stairs, or crumbling pathways, increasing the risk of falls.

What kind of injuries can arise from falls?

Falls can result in a wide range of injuries, varying in severity depending on factors such as the height of the fall, the surface landed on, and the individual’s age and health condition. Some common injuries that can arise from falls include:

• Fractures: Falls often lead to fractures, particularly in the wrist, arm, hip, and ankle. Fractures can range from minor hairline fractures to more severe breaks requiring surgery.
• Head Injuries: Falls can cause head injuries such as concussions, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and skull fractures, which may vary in severity from mild to severe and can have long-term consequences.
• Soft Tissue Injuries: These include injuries to muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues, such as sprains, strains, and contusions (bruises), which can result in pain, swelling, and limited mobility.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Falls can cause damage to the spinal cord, leading to paralysis or loss of sensation and function below the level of injury, which can have profound and life-altering effects.
• Internal Injuries: In some cases, falls can cause internal injuries such as internal bleeding, organ damage, or injuries to the chest or abdomen, which may not be immediately apparent but can be serious if left untreated.
• Cuts and Abrasions: Falls can result in cuts, scrapes, and abrasions, which may range from minor injuries requiring simple first aid to more severe wounds requiring medical attention and possibly stitches.
• Psychological Trauma: Experiencing a fall can also lead to psychological trauma, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), particularly if the fall results in serious injuries or if the individual develops a fear of falling again.
• Secondary Injuries: In some cases, individuals may sustain secondary injuries while trying to break their fall or after falling, such as hitting objects or surfaces on the way down or landing awkwardly.

It’s essential to seek medical attention promptly after a fall, even if injuries seem minor, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent but can worsen over time if left untreated. Prompt treatment can help prevent complications and facilitate recovery.

How can you claim for a fall?

Making a personal injury compensation claim can seem overwhelming, especially if you are unfamiliar with the processes involved. To start your claim, reach out to Beacon Law using the provided contact information or fill out the form for a call back from a solicitor. They will guide you through the claiming process and answer any questions you may have.

Then, on matters where we can act on your behalf, we will contact the defendant. Our communication to the defendant will consist of a notification of the claim and a request for their stance on liability alongside any evidence we may have at the time.

Whilst we await the defendant’s response, we will collect more evidence. Further to the information you have already provided us, we can offer more details regarding the claim and begin to build a case. At this point, we can contact witnesses for statements to support your claim.

Once the defendant responds, we will assess their position on liability. In ideal situations, a defendant will accept our position on liability and propose a settlement. From this point, we can negotiate a settlement figure.

Sometimes, the defendant will deny liability, and we will be required to continue communications. If it gets to a time when we believe that the case is not proceeding efficiently as a result of the defendant’s offers or behaviour, we can issue the claim.

This means that we will start working towards court proceedings. However, a hearing is not guaranteed, and the claim could be settled before we reach the hearing itself. In some circumstances, the case may proceed to a court hearing.

If our clients have any questions regarding the legal process, we are always more than happy to provide them with any further information which they may require.

For more details on claiming compensation for a fall and the claims process for a claim, please see our page on this specifically.

How much compensation could you receive?

As with all compensation claims for personal injury, the amount you may receive will differ depending on the unique circumstances of your case and the extent and impact of your injuries. Compensation amounts are typically determined based on guidelines set by the Judicial College and past precedents in similar cases. Some of the main factors that could affect the compensation amount include the following:

• Severity of Injuries: More severe injuries, such as fractures, head injuries, spinal cord injuries, or permanent disabilities, are likely to result in higher compensation amounts compared to minor injuries like bruises or sprains.
• Private Medical Expenses: The cost of medical treatment, including hospital bills, rehabilitation, medication, and any ongoing care needs, will be considered when determining compensation.
• Loss of Earnings: If the fall resulted in time off work or a permanent inability to work, you may be entitled to compensation for loss of earnings, including future loss of earnings if your ability to work is affected in the long term.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation may also be awarded for physical pain and suffering, as well as psychological trauma resulting from the fall and any associated injuries.
• Impact on Daily Life: Compensation may be awarded for the impact the injuries have on your daily life, including limitations in mobility, loss of independence, or inability to participate in activities you enjoyed before the fall.
• Care and Assistance: If you require assistance with daily activities or personal care due to your injuries, compensation may be provided to cover the cost of such care.
• Future Needs: Consideration may also be given to any future needs arising from the injuries, such as ongoing medical treatment, adaptations to your home, or assistance with childcare.

It’s important to note that every case is unique, and compensation amounts can vary widely depending on the specific circumstances. To get a better idea of the potential compensation you could receive for a fall accident and fall injury, get in touch with our team of experienced personal injury solicitors today. We can assess the basis of your trip or fall claim and provide you with specialist legal advice. 

Time limits to making a claim

In the UK, there are time limits for making a personal injury claim, including claims for falls. The general time limit for making a personal injury claim is three years from the date of the accident or from the date when you became aware of your injury. This time limit is set out in the Limitation Act 1980.

However, there can be exceptions to this time limit, depending on the circumstances of the case. For example:

• Children: If the person who suffered the fall was under the age of 18 at the time of the accident, the three-year time limit begins on their 18th birthday. This means they have until their 21st birthday to make a claim. Alternatively, a family member may make the claim on their behalf at any point up until their 18th birthday. 
• Mental Capacity: If the injured person lacks the mental capacity to make a claim themselves, there is no time limit for making a claim. The three-year time limit begins once they regain capacity.
• Delayed Onset of Symptoms: In cases where the injury or its effects are not immediately apparent (such as in cases of latent medical conditions resulting from the fall), the three-year time limit may begin from the date when the person becomes aware of their injury or its connection to the fall.

It’s crucial to be aware of these time limits and to seek legal advice promptly if you’re considering making a claim for a fall. Failing to make a claim within the applicable time limit could result in your claim being barred, and you may lose the opportunity to receive compensation for your injuries.

How can Beacon Law assist?

Beacon Law are a law firm of specialist personal injury solicitors. We have helped many of our clients claim for slip and fall injuries and obtain the compensation they deserve.

We have years of experience in assisting those who have experienced all types of injuries from accidents that were not their fault. If you are wondering if you can claim compensation for a fall, whether it was an accident at work or in a public setting, please get in touch today.

You can request an initial consultation by completing the online help form, and an experienced solicitor will contact you to discuss your case. Alternatively, you can call us at 0330 1332 857 or use our contact details at the bottom of the page, and we will be happy to assist you with your query.

Beacon Law are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. To find out about our conditional fee agreements, have a look at the funding section on our website.