Suffering from a slip, trip or fall at work
If you've had a slip, trip or fall at work, you may be feeling frustrated and struggling with painful, serious or even life-threatening injuries. If you've been hurt due to falling at work and it wasn't your fault, you could be able to claim compensation for what's happened.
We understand the impact personal injuries can have on your life and those around you. You may be unable to do things around the house or enjoy your usual hobbies. You may also be unable to work, which could put your finances under strain. If your injury or accident was a result of neglect or inaction of the company you work for, then we don't think you should have to suffer in silence - which is why we're dedicated to helping you make it right.
Get in touch with our team of legal experts today to see if you can claim slip at work compensation.
What is the main cause of slipping accidents at work?
What is the main cause of slipping accidents at work?
While workplaces will put measures in place to keep their staff safe, sometimes inaction or negligence can cause people to slip and fall at work. Not only can this feel unfair, it can lead to painful and serious injury that can take time to heal. There are many things that can cause a slip and fall injury at work, such as:
- Poor lighting - if staff cannot properly see where they're going in dim areas.
- Obstacles left in walkways - if an unexpected object or wires have been poorly-stored.
- Wet or uneven flooring - if spills happen and aren't cleaned up, or a wet floor isn't properly signposted.
- Poorly maintained equipment - if equipment such as scaffolding, ladders or lift-trucks aren't maintained and you fall as a result.
- Poor training or supervision - if an employee isn't trained how to work safely and this leads to an avoidable accident caused by inaction or negligence.
All businesses must take steps to keep their staff safe while they're at work. This is known as the Duty of Care to employees and means employers must put things in place to protect people from harm. For example, employers should do risk assessments, train you on how to manage risks, maintain equipment properly, provide adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) and so on. Employees also have a responsibility to follow health and safety measures - you can find out more in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974.
If you had a slip and fall injury at work which wasn't your fault, you may be able to make a compensation claim. We're here to help you at what may be a difficult time in your life, so don't hesitate to speak with our friendly team. We'll talk things through with you at your own pace and give you advice on your options for what to do next.
How to prevent slips, trips and falls at work
There are many things that staff and employers can do to keep people safe on the job. When it comes to preventing slips and trips at work, the Health and Safety Executive explain three key areas workplaces can focus on:
- Walkways: all walkways should be kept clear of obstacles and be available to use.
- Design and maintenance: flooring should be appropriate and maintained to reduce the risk of tripping on uneven, damaged surfaces. Lighting should also be looked after so people can see where they're going.
- Housekeeping: The workplace should be kept safe and hazard-free through common sense, good housekeeping. For example, walkways should be clear of obstacles, spills should be cleared up and storage should be used properly.
Exactly how to prevent slips, trips and falls at work will depend on your workplace - as some industries face more risk than others - like construction or heavy industry, for example. However, following guidance like this from the HSE should help with preventing slips, trips and falls at work. If you've had an injury due to a fall and it wasn't your fault, you may be able to make a slip at work claim. If you're unsure whether you can claim or have any questions, get in touch by calling , requesting a call back or start your claim online. We'll be happy to chat things through in absolute confidence.
What injuries can be caused by a slip, trip or fall at work?
What injuries can be caused by a slip, trip or fall at work?
We know that there are many injuries that can be caused by a trip or fall at work. These can vary from minor to serious, and in the most severe cases, can be fatal. If you've had an injury at work like the following and it wasn't your fault, you may be able to claim trip at work compensation:
- Strains and sprains
- Fractures and breaks
- Bruising
- Head and neck injuries
- Back injuries
We understand that these types of injuries can have a massive impact on your life. You may be dealing with the pain and discomfort of the injury itself, and you may feel upset and frustrated about what happened. You may be unable to work, do your usual hobbies and your finances may be affected.
If you've been injured after tripping at work and it wasn't your fault, we want to help make it right. Get in touch with our friendly team on to see if we can help you claim slip at work compensation.
It's easy to dismiss injuries from slips, trips and falls, but they happen only too easily. Especially in a work environment which can then affect someone's ability to work and provide for their family - and that can be a real worry. It's our job to put people at their ease and let them know the law's on their side when an accident is someone else's fault.
Ashleigh Meredith
Operations Claims Team Manager, National Accident LawI slipped at work and hurt my back, can I make a claim?
I slipped at work and hurt my back, can I make a claim?
If you were hurt after falling downstairs at work, slipping on wet flooring, or tripping over an obstacle, you may be able to make a claim. For your case to be successful, your accident must be someone else's fault and usually must have happened in the last three years.
If you're unsure whether you can make a slip at work claim, feel free to speak with us. We'll listen to what happened and give you advice on potential next steps. Rest assured that we'll never pressure you into claiming slip at work compensation - it's completely up to you if you'd like to go ahead. No pressure, no rush. You can make the decision in your own time.
What happens if you fall at work and claim against your employer?
What happens if you fall at work and claim against your employer?
We know that making a claim against your employer can feel scary and you may be worried about what will happen, but UK employment law is firmly on your side and we're here to help you every step of the way.
It's important to know that when you make a slip at work claim, you don't need to leave your job and you can't be sacked because of it. There are laws to protect you from this and they guarantee you can't be treated any differently for claiming slip at work compensation.
You may also be worried about where the compensation will come from if you win your case. The costs will be covered by your employer's liability insurance, which all businesses should have to manage any claims made against them. This means your employer won't face a bill they can't afford.
If you have any concerns about slip and fall at work settlements, do contact us for a confidential chat on or request a call back. We can explain everything in detail and answer any questions you'll likely have.
How much compensation can I get in a slip at work claim?
How much compensation can I get in a slip at work claim?
There is no simple answer to this question, as everyone's accidents are completely different. After a trip at work, the compensation you may be able to claim will depend on several factors, including your injuries, recovery time, the impact they've had on your life, and the affect the accident has had on your finances.
The 15th edition of guidelines set by the Judicial College will give you a rough idea of the overall compensation you could get if your trip at work case succeeds, but this is a guide only and your figure will be unique to you and the circumstances of your case.
Is there a time limit for slip and fall at work settlements?
Is there a time limit for slip and fall at work settlements?
Usually, most slip at work claims need to be made within three years of the accident. However, in certain situations, this time limit may be slightly different. For example, if you were under 18 when you had a fall at work in the UK, you have three years from your 18th birthday to your 21st birthday to make a claim.
A parent, guardian or other official responsible adult - called a ‘litigation friend' - can make a claim on your behalf if you are currently under 18.
Or, if you suffered a serious head or brain injury after a fall at work and you lack the mental capacity, you may also have longer to claim. For anyone hurt and still lacking that capacity, a litigation friend can make a claim on their behalf.
It's important to remember that extensions to time limits are only applicable in exceptional circumstances. If you are nearing the end of the three-year time limit, we recommend you get in touch on as soon as you can while we can still help you.
Frequently asked questions...
No win no fee means you will only pay your legal team if your claim is successful and you are awarded compensation.
If you win your claim, your solicitor will typically make the following deductions from the compensation you are awarded:
- A ‘success fee' for winning the claim.
- The other side will usually be required to make a payment towards your legal costs and expenses but any shortfall may also be deducted from your compensation.
- The cost of the premium for any legal protection insurance you may have needed to ensure your claim is risk free.
You keep the rest and this will always be the majority of the compensation awarded to you. The deductions we list above will only be made when your compensation is paid. There are no upfront costs and no hidden charges.
When you talk to one of our personal injury experts, we can determine if you have the right cover and help you organise insurance before you make a claim.
That's fine: not taking time off doesn't affect your right to make a claim in any way.
If you were injured as a contractor or self-employed worker on a job, and it was not your fault, you could still make a claim for compensation. Self-employed contractors hired by a third-party business have the same health and safety protections as employees. Many sectors employ contractors. It's a common practice in areas like construction, financial services, retail, healthcare and information technology.
Get in touch today
We want to make your slip at work claim as simple and stress-free as possible, which is why we're here to help throughout your case. Our team of legal experts can answer any questions you have and you can manage your case online through our easy-to-use MyAccount service.
If you'd like more information on making slip at work claims, get in touch for free, impartial advice on or you can start your claim online today.