Slips and Trips Injuries At Work Claims

Slips and trips are the most common reason for injuries at work, with more than 23,500 such accidents reported each year.

Many workers hurt in slips and trips mistakenly assume they were to blame for their own accidents and do not make a personal injury claim. However, employers have a legal duty to ensure the health and safety of their staff and should have procedures in place to minimise the risk of slips and trips occurring.

If you suffered an injury as a result of your employer not implementing all the relevant safety procedures, there is a strong chance that you can claim compensation. Liddy’s Solicitors has extensive experience of handling slips and trips at work claims, and our team can help you to secure the compensation you are due.

Causes of slips and trips at work

There are many causes of slips and trips in the workplace, almost all of which are wholly avoidable.

Some of the most common are wet floors resulting from cleaning, leaks, spillages or walked-in rainwater, food waste (particularly in kitchens, cafes and shops), snow and ice, potholes, fallen leaves, untidy areas with boxes and tools left lying around, electrical or computer cables that have not been properly secured, uneven floors, and loose carpets and tiles.

Employers should identify these potential hazards when carrying out risk assessments of their premises and take steps to deal with them, such as ensuring wiring is not left trailing, having a procedure in place to repair leaks as quickly as possible, and installing anti-slip coatings or mats and warning signs in any areas with slippy floor surfaces.

They should also have a plan to deal with adverse weather conditions to ensure, for example, that salt or grit is used to treat icy car parks, paths and pavements, and that entrances are not allowed to become slippy during heavy rain.

If you are injured in a slip or trip at work as a result of a lack of proper safety procedures or because procedures were not followed, Liddy’s Solicitors may be able to help you claim compensation.

Types of injury caused by slips and trips at work

Most slips and trips at work result in nothing worse than a small bruise and a little embarrassment, but unfortunately some such accidents do lead to serious injuries.

The most common injuries resulting from slips and trips in the workplace are lacerations, whiplash, concussion and broken bones, but problems can be much more severe for people who land on hard surfaces or hit their heads on desks, shelving or machinery. In the worst cases, workers have suffered life-changing back or brain injuries.

Whatever the extent of your injury, if the slip or trip that caused it was avoidable, Liddy’s Solicitors can advise you on your legal options and, where appropriate, help you to make an accident compensation claim.

Can I claim compensation for injuries suffered in a slip or trip at work?

Under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, employers have a duty to ensure the health and safety of all employees, so must take steps to minimise the risk of slips and trips.

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 also require employers to assess and act on slip and trip risks, while the Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 state that floors should be in a good condition and free from obstructions to allow people to move around safely.

Employers’ responsibilities with regards to slip and trip risks are clear, so if you are hurt in an accident that could have been avoided had your employer followed the correct procedures, you are likely to have a strong case to claim compensation for pain and suffering linked to your injuries, loss of earnings, immediate medical expenses and the cost of any ongoing care or treatment.

However, the law also states that employees must take “reasonable care” of themselves while at work and that they have a responsibility to use all work items correctly and to inform their employer of any hazards they spot.

The issue of fault will play a large part in determining whether or not you can make a personal injury claim for an accident at work; but as a general rule, if you were not to blame for the slip or trip that led to your injuries, you are likely to be in a position to make a successful claim.

The personal injury specialists at Liddy’s Solicitors have extensive experience of handling accident at work claims and can help you to establish whether you have a strong case for compensation and how to proceed with it.

How to make an accident at work compensation claim

The first step you should take towards making a successful compensation claim following a slip or trip at work is to seek advice from a reputable solicitor.

Liddy’s is one of the leading firms of personal injury solicitors in Yorkshire and has vast experience of dealing with claims related to accidents at work, including for people hurt following a slip or trip in the workplace.

Our team understands that making a claim can be a daunting prospect for anyone unfamiliar with the law and will guide you through every step of the process, from an initial consultation all the way through to negotiating a settlement or taking action in Court. As well as providing you with expertise, we will ensure you are always kept informed of how your claim is progressing, using clear language rather than legal jargon.

For a first discussion about your slip or trip at work claim, fill in the ‘How Can We Help You?’ form, call us at our Wakefield office on 01924 780753 or contact our Barnsley office on 01226 731314.