Have You Suffered a Slip, Trip or Fall Injury?
You may be entitled to compensation — find everything you need to know and see if you can make a claim
Every year we help over 40,000 people start their claim
Our quick form takes just one minute
We only work with regulated legal experts
Injured in a Slip, Trip or Fall?
Start Your No‑Win‑No‑Fee* Claim Today
Every year we help over 40,000 people start their claim
Specialist support to help you start your slip, trip or fall injury claim with confidence
Specialist support to help you start your slip, trip or fall injury claim with confidence
If you’ve been injured in a slip, trip or fall, you may be entitled to compensation — especially if the accident happened because a business failed to keep the areas it controls safe. Common causes include wet or slippery surfaces, loose mats, poor lighting, uneven flooring or paving, damaged steps or handrails, potholes, and cluttered walkways, whether indoors or outdoors.
A fall can affect your health, finances, and day-to-day life. If your accident happened because safety standards weren’t met, you may be able to claim compensation for:
- Your injury and recovery (pain and suffering)
- Lost earnings (time off work or reduced hours)
- Medical and rehab costs (prescriptions, physio)
- Travel expenses (appointments and treatment)
- Help you needed at home during recovery
We help people start slip, trip or fall injury claims by connecting them with our specialist partners who can assess your case and who handle slip, trip and fall injury claims on a No Win No Fee* basis. This means you won’t pay anything upfront or if you don’t win your case. You’ll only pay if your claim succeeds. Successful claimants typically pay around 25% of awarded compensation. Click here for more information. Our specialist partners, to whom we refer consumer enquiries, pay us a marketing fee.
Do I Have a Claim?
Whether you can make a slip, trip or fall injury claim usually depends on how the accident happened, who was responsible for safety, and when it took place.
You may have a valid claim if:
You were lawfully on the premises (for example, as a customer, guest, visitor, resident or contractor)
You suffered an injury, either physical (such as a fracture, sprain or head injury) or psychological (such as anxiety following the fall)
The accident was caused at least in part by someone else’s negligence, such as a hazard that wasn’t dealt with or signposted properly
The incident happened within the last 3 years (this is the general rule in England and Wales — different rules can apply in Scotland and in some other situations) Free Guide: Understanding Time Limits for Making a Claim
In practical terms, a claim usually comes down to whether there was a hazard (for example a wet floor, loose mat, damaged flooring or poor lighting) and whether reasonable steps were taken at the time to prevent someone being injured.
Not sure if you have a claim? There's no obligation and no cost for discussing your case with a specialist advisor.
Who Can Claim?
Slip, trip or fall injury claims can be made by many different people, depending on why they were on the premises at the time. These are common scenarios rather than a complete list. What matters is that you were lawfully on the premises and that reasonable steps should have been taken to keep you safe.
Customers or shoppers
- for example, visiting a supermarket or shop, or attending premises for leisure purposes such as dining, fitness or entertainment
Guests or visitors
- such as staying at a hotel, attending a venue or visiting a leisure or hospitality facility
Contractors, delivery drivers or tradespeople
- carrying out work, making deliveries or providing services on the premises
What if I was partly at fault?
You may still have a claim even if you were partially responsible. This is known as contributory negligence, and it typically means compensation may be reduced rather than refused.
Example: If you were found 25% responsible (e.g., you ignored a visible warning sign), a £10,000 award could reduce to £7,500.
We work with trusted and regulated partners with a proven track record in personal injury claims.
What to Do After a Slip, Trip or Fall Injury
The steps you take after a slip, trip or fall can make a big difference to your case.
1. Report it immediately
If your accident takes place on a business premises, tell a staff member or manager and ask for it to be logged in their accident book / incident report. If possible, ask for a copy or reference number.
Free Guide: How to Report a Slip, Trip or Fall
2. Get medical attention
Attend A&E, urgent care, or your GP as soon as possible. Medical records provide independent evidence of the injury and symptoms.
3. Take photos and video evidence
Capture:
- The hazard (spill, torn carpet, broken step, poor lighting, loose mat)
- The surrounding area (signage, entrance/exit, lighting)
- Any lack of warning signs
- Your injuries (bruising, swelling, cuts)
4. Collect witness details
Get names and contact details of anyone who saw what happened or noticed the hazard earlier.
5. Keep records of costs and impacts
Keep receipts and evidence of:
- Treatment costs
- Travel costs
- Time off work and lost pay
- Care needs (help with childcare, cooking, cleaning)
6. Speak to a specialist early
A solicitor can advise on next steps, evidence, and whether the responsible party is likely to admit liability.
Who's Responsible for my Slip, Trip or Fall?
In most slip, trip and fall claims, responsibility depends on who controlled the premises and whether they failed to take reasonable steps to keep visitors safe.
Potentially responsible parties include:
- The business that owns or operates the premises
- The building owner / landlord (in some cases)
- A facilities management or cleaning contractor
- A company responsible for maintenance or repairs
- A local authority or public body, where it controls and maintains the location of the accident
Common examples of negligence
- Supermarket aisle spill not cleaned promptly, with no warning sign
- Restaurant floor left greasy/wet near the kitchen entrance
- Hotel staircase with damaged handrail or worn stair nosing
- Private car park pothole or broken surface with poor lighting
- Care home corridor cluttered walkways or missing hazard controls
- Council‑owned building with icy steps outside a library or civic building that were not gritted or treated during freezing conditions
How the Claims Process Works
A quick overview of what to expect once you start your claim.
(These timelines are only for example and will vary from case to case.)
Free Claim Check
Usually Same DayComplete a quick form - it only takes around a minute. A friendly claims advisor will call you, usually within 24hrs, to discuss what happened and your options - free and with no obligation.
Start your claim enquirySolicitor Review
1–7 DaysIf you wish to proceed, your claim will be referred to one of our regulated partners, who will oversee your case on a No-Win-No-Fee* basis and explain the next steps.
Evidence & Medical
2–12 WeeksYour solicitor gathers medical records, workplace reports, witness statements and may arrange an independent medical assessment.
What Evidence Do I Need →Liability & Negotiation
3–9 MonthsYour solicitor writes to your employer's insurer, sets out the case, and negotiates a fair settlement. Most cases settle without going to court.
Settlement or Court
VariesIf liability or value is disputed, court proceedings may be issued. Serious/complex claims can take longer, but interim payments may be sought to help during recovery.
Act early. The general time limit is three years from the date of the accident (or date of knowledge). For minors, the clock typically runs from age 18. More info here.
Act early. The general time limit is three years from the date of the accident (or date of knowledge). For minors, the clock typically runs from age 18. More info here.
Typical Compensation and What Affects It
Compensation (often called damages) is designed to recognise both the personal impact of your injury and the financial losses it causes. It includes an amount for your pain, suffering and loss of quality of life, as well as payments intended to restore you financially — covering lost earnings, medical costs, and other expenses linked to your accident.
What You Can Claim
General Damages
For pain, suffering and loss of amenity (based on Judicial College Guidelines and case law), for example:
- Physical pain
- Psychological trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Impact on daily activities
- Long-term or permanent symptoms
- Reduced independence
Special Damages
For financial loss:
- Past/future lost income
- Medical/rehabilitation costs
- Travel expenses
- Care and assistance
- Aids/adaptations
- Pension impacts
Example Compensation Ranges (Guideline)
| Injury Type | Typical Compensation Range** |
|---|---|
| Back injury | £7,000 – £38,000 |
| Hand or wrist injury | £5,000 – £25,000 |
| Shoulder injury | £4,000 – £18,000 |
| Leg injury | £8,000 – £60,000 |
| Head injury | £15,000 – £100,000+ |
**Figures are indicative, based on the Judicial College Guidelines (17th Edition, 2024) and publicly available settlement data. Actual awards depend on severity, recovery time, impact on daily life and work, and any long‑term effects.
Real‑World Scenarios
Wrist fracture in a supermarket
You slipped on an unmarked wet patch and fractured your wrist. You needed a cast and 8 weeks off work. Compensation may reflect the fracture and lost earnings.
Knee injury in a hotel reception
You tripped over a loose entrance mat and suffered a knee ligament injury requiring physio and restricted mobility. Compensation may include treatment costs and pain impact.
Head injury in a private car park
You fell due to poor lighting and a broken surface, suffering concussion symptoms and time off work. Compensation may be higher where symptoms persist.
Ankle fracture at a shopping centre entrance
You tripped on a raised floor surface near an entrance and fractured your ankle. You needed crutches and time off work. Compensation may reflect the fracture, recovery time, and any lost earnings.
