The most common workplace accident is often the most avoidable

Wet floors without warning signs, trailing cables, poor lighting, cluttered walkways: most workplace slips, trips and falls come down to a hazard that should have been dealt with.

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Employers have a specific legal duty to keep floors, walkways and access routes reasonably safe, and to have a system for spotting and fixing hazards before someone gets hurt. When that system fails, or simply doesn't exist, a claim usually follows.

This is one of the most common workplace injury claims we see, and one that's often dismissed by the person it happened to as "just a slip," when the injury and the time off work can be genuinely significant.

What kinds of workplace slip, trip or fall do we handle?

  • Wet or recently cleaned floors

    Without warning signs.

  • Trailing cables and trip hazards

    Left in walkways.

  • Poor lighting

    In stairwells, corridors and storage areas.

  • Cluttered or obstructed walkways

    Including stock and equipment left in the wrong place.

  • Damaged flooring

    Including loose tiles, torn carpet and uneven surfaces.

  • Outdoor areas

    Including staff car parks and yards left ungritted in icy conditions.

What if I was partly at fault?

Partial responsibility reduces compensation proportionally rather than removing the claim. It's worth asking rather than assuming you were simply careless.

What you could receive

These claims cover general damages for the injury and its effect on your life, and special damages for financial losses, including lost earnings, physiotherapy and travel to appointments.

We'll talk you through what's realistic for your situation once we've reviewed the details. We won't overpromise, and we won't quote a figure before we've properly understood your case.

How does a claim actually work?

Four stages, and you always know which one you're in.

  1. 01

    Initial consultation

    You tell us what happened. We give you a straight view on whether your claim has merit, free and with no obligation.

  2. 02

    Investigation

    We gather evidence, incident reports, photographs, and your employer's cleaning and maintenance records.

  3. 03

    Negotiation

    We deal with your employer's liability insurer directly.

  4. 04

    Resolution

    Once agreed, your compensation is paid. We'll explain exactly how our fee is calculated before you agree to anything.

Don't leave it late

How long do I have to claim?

Most personal injury claims must be brought within three years of the accident, or three years from the date you first connected your injury to it. For children, that three year clock starts on their eighteenth birthday.

If you're not sure whether you're still within the time limit, contact us. We'll tell you quickly.

The money side

What will it cost me?

Nothing upfront. Where a no win, no fee agreement applies, our fee comes from your compensation only if the claim succeeds, and it's set out in full, in writing, before you agree to anything.

  • We'll explain the funding options available for your claim, which may include a conditional fee (no win, no fee) arrangement, clearly and in full before you decide whether to proceed.
  • Where a conditional fee agreement applies and your claim succeeds, a success fee is deducted from your compensation. The law limits that fee in personal injury claims, and it is never taken from any damages awarded for future care or future loss of earnings. We explain exactly how it is worked out, in writing, before you agree to anything.
  • A cancellation fee may apply if you withdraw outside the 14 day cooling off period. Full details will be provided before you sign anything.
Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Do I need to have reported it in an accident book?

It helps considerably, but a claim isn't ruled out if you didn't. Witness accounts and medical records can support a claim too.

What if I was rushing or not looking where I was going?

That may be raised, but it doesn't automatically defeat a claim, particularly where a hazard should have been removed or signposted regardless.

Can I claim if it happened in a staff-only area?

Yes, the same duty of care applies to staff areas as to anywhere else in the workplace.

Will making a claim affect my job?

No. It's unlawful for an employer to treat you unfairly for making a genuine claim.

Ready to find out where you stand

Tell us what happened. We'll give you a straight answer, and we won't pressure you either way.

Start your claimOr ring 0333 360 9696

Related claim types

All personal injury claims
Reviewed by Craig Bryan, Legal Services Director, COLP/COFA
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