Slip, Trip & Fall Compensation Claims
Trip, slip and fall accident injury claims: vary widely from minor to catastrophic, but you may have a No Win No Fee case if it’s clear that your injury was caused by another party’s negligence on public or private premises. Our legal team will guide you through the claims process.
Claiming for injuries due to a fall
This page explains what constitutes a slip, trip or fall personal injury and whether you are eligible to claim compensation if your injury was sustained in a public place or workplace. It also covers types of injuries, FAQs, the time limit for injury claims, the claims process, legal fees, how we can help, and how to start your claim.
Trip, Slip and Fall claim injuries vary widely, but you may have a No Win No Fee case if it’s evident that your injury was caused by another party’s negligence. These types of injuries typically occur in public places such as footpaths, shopping centres, supermarkets, hotels, health centres and gyms, as well as in workplaces such as factory floors, building sites, retail centres and more.
No Win No Fee – Injury Claims
We are a leading law firm based in Dublin, specialising in personal injury, and can advise on making a no-win-no-fee slip, trip and fall claim when an injury occurs as a result of someone else’s negligence. For more on Legal Fees, see our page on No Win No Fee Explained.
How to know if you are eligible for a trip, slip or fall claim
Although trip, slip and fall injuries can be minor, serious falls can lead to life-changing injuries. To determine if you have an injury case, the first thing to acknowledge is that your injury was caused by the negligence of another party, be that in your workplace or a public area (parks, paving) or privately owned premises (bars, shops and more).
If your injury could have been prevented by due care and maintenance of the area or property, you are likely to be entitled to claim for your injury. Gathering all the evidence you can will strengthen your case. Speak to one of our experienced slip-and-fall solicitors to find out if you have a claim.
To claim for a slip, trip, or fall, you must be able to prove that:
- A third party owed you a duty of care, such as an employer, the county council, or a business owner.
- The accident could have been foreseeably avoided.
- You sustained an injury that has caused suffering and/or loss of income.
- A duty of care was breached, and this negligence caused the accident.
The Claims Process – How to start your claim
To successfully pursue a slip and fall claim, there needs to be evidence that the defendant owed you a duty of care and that their negligence led to your accident and thus your injury. So, if you believe you might qualify for slip and fall compensation, it is essential to seek legal advice from an injury solicitor who can evaluate your claim and guide you through the next steps. We are here to guide and support you through the stages of filing your claim. Talk to our solicitors today. We are here to help. We are here to help.
Simply, tell us about your case: Simply call us on 014537890, text us 0873931326, or fill out our online form to chat about your case with one of our experienced solicitors.
What Synnott Lawline Solicitors can do for you
- We will assess your claim, help you gather all necessary evidence, and notify the relevant third parties.
- We will liaise with all necessary medical experts and witnesses on your behalf and provide you with access to high-quality treatment, rehabilitation, and support, aiming to maximise your chances of full recovery and to ensure you obtain any necessary future care.
- We handle your Injuries Resolution Board Assessment on your behalf. All injury claims must first be assessed by the Board before court proceedings can be initiated. For more on the Injuries Resolution Board and Claim Assessments, see our page Why you need a solicitor for the Injuries Resolution Board.
- Our legal team endeavours to secure the best possible outcome for you, whether your case goes to court or not, and to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
- Most injury cases settle out of court but if your case does go to court, your solicitor and barrister will be there to offer expert advice throughout the proceedings.
FAQs – Fall Injury Claims
Who is liable if I was injured in a public place?
Who is liable if I was injured in a public place?
Whether public-facing or not, all businesses have a legal duty to ensure their premises are safe for customers and staff at all times. The third party responsible for your accident depends on where it occurred. For example, if your accident occurred in a public area owned by a local County Council, they are responsible for the care and maintenance of places such as footpaths, support rails, road surfacing, street lighting, public roads and public parks.
Understanding your legal rights can help you obtain compensation for your injuries as It’s the duty of the Council or building owner to provide a safe environment for public use.
Public places are not exclusive to but can include:
- Parks
- Roads
- Footpaths
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Playgrounds
- Train and bus stations
Who is liable if I was injured in a privately owned place?
Who is liable if I was injured in a privately owned place?
If your accident occurred in a building such as a supermarket, nightclub or restaurant, the occupier of the premises will generally be liable if negligence can be proven. Most business owners have public liability insurance, which is essential for providing financial support (compensation) in the event of an accident and injury caused by negligence on their premises, either under the roof or on the grounds.
Privately owned premises and business are not exclusive to, but can include:
- Supermarkets and shops
- Shopping centres
- Nightclubs
- Restaurants and bars
- Hotels and conference centres
- Gyms and sports centres
- Creches
- Holiday centres
- Factories and Offices
- Airports and planes
Common causes of trips, slips and fall injuries
Common causes of trips, slips and fall injuries
- Poorly maintained footpaths – cracks, tree roots
- Defective support rails or unsafe stepping
- Slippery surfaces – spillages
- Inferior lighting
- Potholes
- Faulty equipment
- Inadequate safety measures
- Leaking fridges or food debris on the floor
- Tripping hazards – insufficiently marked stairs, uneven floor levels
What evidence do I need to pursue a fall injury claim?
What evidence do I need to pursue a fall injury claim?
When it comes to a successful outcome in a fall injury case, evidence is vital, as it helps form a complete understanding of the cause and the factors that contributed to your injury. Without evidence or any record of the accident and its cause, proving the 3rd party’s negligence could be difficult. Our team can assist you in gathering the relevant information.
Evidence typically includes:
- Documenting the scene; take photos of the accident scene, including faulty machinery or products, cracked footpaths, or wet floors.
- Gathering witness names and contact details.
- Keeping a record of all your medical visits and expenses related to this injury.
- Obtaining CCTV footage if possible.
- Most importantly, report the incident to the relevant 3rd party, be that a business owner or a local council, and seek legal advice.
Do I need a Solicitor to claim compensation for my fall accident?
Do I need a Solicitor to claim compensation for my fall accident?
Having a personal injury solicitor manage your claim guarantees access to top specialists and the strongest case presentation. Even minor trip and slip injuries can cause lasting health issues such as concussions or non-healing fractures, so it’s wise to contact our legal team at Synnott Lawline to ensure you claim your full entitlement.
What types of fall injuries can I claim for?
What types of fall injuries can I claim for?
An example of fall injury cases we have successfully handled includes minor to catastrophic injuries such as:
- Minor injuries: bruising, lacerations, dislocation and sprains
- Facial injuries: disfigurement, fractures, lacerations and dental damage
- Eye, ear, and nose injuries
- Head injury – haemorrhage, concussion
- Head, neck, back and spinal injuries
- Fractures and dislocations
- Internal injuries
- Muscle and nerve damage
- Psychological injuries – PTSD
- Paraplegia
- Traumatic brain injury
What can I claim compensation for in my slip-and-trip accident?
What can I claim compensation for in my slip-and-trip accident?
General Damages are awarded for pain and suffering from the injury. This figure is based on the impact your injuries have and will have on your daily life, such as short-term or permanent disability, disfigurement or PTSD. Pain and suffering play a crucial role in determining a final compensation amount. The exact amount will be assessed based on the severity of injury, your estimated recovery time, rehabilitation and long-term care.
Special Damages cover financial losses and out-of-pocket expenses. Expenses typically include: loss of income, medical expenses, travel expenses and if the injury is serious, costs for long-term care and loss of future income. For more information, see our page on What are General and Special Damages?
Can I claim if I fell at work?
It’s your employer’s duty to provide safe working conditions. If they don’t do this, they may be in breach of the law. If your accident was caused by negligence, you may be entitled to claim compensation. For more on workplace accidents, see our page on Workplace Accident Claims.
Who do I claim against if my injury happened in a shopping centre?
If your accident occurred, for example, due to a defective stairwell, lift, or escalator within a shopping centre, and not within any individual shop’s premises, your claim will be directed against the shopping centre’s management company. This distinction is important because liability depends on the location of the incident.
How much compensation can I get for a trip, slip or fall claim?
These types of injury claims require considerable research, medical reports, investigation and preparation. For example, in a slip-and-fall case involving a slippery surface in a supermarket, where the plaintiff has suffered an injury such as a broken arm or a concussion, a typical compensation award for general damages is set out in the Judicial Guidelines (Formerly known as the Book of Quantum). In addition, the injured party is entitled to claim ‘special damages’, i.e. all out-of-pocket expenses, loss of earnings (past and future), and cost of care (past and future). But in reality, every injury claim is different, and therefore compensation awards will vary greatly depending on the circumstances and the severity of each case. However, each case will be assessed based on the opinion of a medical specialist.
How serious does my fall injury need to be in order to be eligible to claim compensation?
Falls can cause significant short-term and long-term side effects. The severity of injuries can range from minor sprains, bruises and cuts, to fractures and in some cases, paralysis or brain damage. It’s important to visit with a GP/ medical professional if you’ve been injured after a slip, trip, or fall accident, and to retain receipts for these medical visits and expenses as part of your case profile.
What happens if my child is injured in a public place?
If your child (under 18) has been injured in a public or private place due to a trip, slip or fall caused by, for example, faulty equipment in a playground or creche, a parent or guardian can claim on the child’s behalf. The Statute of Limitations differs for claims involving children or minors. Unlike the 2-year statute of limitations for adults to issue an injury claim, a parent or guardian can commence the injury claim for the child 2 years from the date of the child’s 18th birthday, rather than, in normal cases, 2 years from the ‘date of knowledge’. Read more on claiming on behalf of a child .
Got a question about Starting a Claim for Personal Injury or Medical Negligence? Send us a message!
If you’ve suffered a personal injury through no fault of your own, the path to fair compensation can be daunting. Our experienced solicitors have successfully represented clients across Ireland, offering compassionate, expert advice. Contact us confidentially any day of the week by call, email, text, or contact form, and a solicitor will respond. We’re here to help 7 days a week.
Road Traffic Accidents
If you were injured in a road accident due to another party’s fault, you may be eligible for compensation. Our legal team will guide you through the claims process.
Personal Injury Accidents
Injury claims involving accidents in public places, leisure centres, and workplaces are common. We will assist you in determining who is legally responsible and secure the compensation you deserve.
Accidents at Work
Common workplace accidents arise from heavy lifting, carrying, slipping, tripping, falling objects, tools, machinery or repetitive tasks. Employers have a duty to provide a safe work environment. If your injuries were caused in work you may be eligible to seek compensation.
Talk to a Solicitor today
Contact us 7 days a week by phone, email or fill out the tell us about your case form and a solicitor will contact you without delay. We are Here to Help.
