I’ve slipped, tripped or fallen at work, can I claim compensation?
If you’ve slipped, tripped or had a fall at work and it wasn’t your fault, you may be able to claim for compensation. Speak to the our specialist solicitors today about your rights to claiming.
The most important things to remember when claiming for a slip, trip or fall at work:
Your employer has a duty of care to keep your workplace safe
You can claim for an accident if your employer was at fault
You can claim on a no win, no fee basis
You generally have three years from the date of the accident to make a claim
The amount of compensation you may receive depends on the seriousness of the injury, loss of earnings and the impact on your life.
What is a fall, trip or slip at work claim?
A slip, trip or fall at work claim is when a person claims compensation for employer negligence after being injured in the workplace by slipping, tripping or falling over.
At Express Solicitors, we offer more than 20 years’ experience in claiming compensation for those who may have been injured if they have slipped, tripped or fallen at work. Speak to our no win no fee solicitors today.
Can I claim compensation for a slip, trip or a fall at work?
If you have slipped, tripped or fallen and your employer is at fault you may be able to make a claim for compensation.
This includes carrying out regular risk assessments, and keeping potential hazards to a minimum, for example, adding railings for those working at heights.
If you can prove that your employer did not meet the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work Act – for example, they failed to provide a wet floor sign – then you could make a claim. You don’t need to be a full-time employee to make a claim. Your employer may also be liable if your accident was caused by another employee or a contractor.
You’ll claim more with us.
We have recovered an additional £21.2m more in compensation for clients who switched to us from their previous firm. Contact us now to discover the real value of your claim.
How much compensation can I claim for a slip, trip or fall at work?
Your total compensation will depend on how serious your injury is, as well as any loss of earnings, and the general impact it’s had on your life.
While there’s no specific amount for any one injury, the Judicial Board Guidelines provides an indication of compensation amounts based on which part of the body is injured, and how severely. For example;
Shoulder injuries can range from £6,000 to £38,000
Arm and wrist injuries can range from £2,000 to £100,000
Neck and back injuries can range from £6,000 to £120,000
Head injuries can range from £5,000 to £300,000.
Injuries are classed as ‘general damages’ whereas loss of earnings are called ‘special damages’. Your compensation will be much higher if your injury is extreme, for example, a spinal injury.
How is compensation calculated for a slip, trip or fall at work?
Your circumstances are completely unique to you, so we’ll use a variety of factors to assess your claim. We pride ourselves on taking everything into consideration, including psychological effects and changes to your lifestyle. We’ll consider:
Your physical and psychological damage
Loss of earnings from time off work
Money paid for treatment such as through travel or physiotherapy
Changes to your lifestyle, for example, no longer being able to take part in hobbies
Adjustments to your home
Having to change jobs or give up work.
You may also qualify for early compensation (interim) payments. These come out of your final compensation amount, and will help to tide you over while you’re waiting for your final settlement.
Find out how much you could claim
Minimum Amount-
Maximum Amount-
Compensation amounts are estimated based on the level of injury below
Generally, you’ll have three years from the date of the incident to make a claim. However, we recommend you get in touch with us as soon as you feel well enough to do so. We use evidence such as witness statements to support your claim, so the sooner you get in touch, the better the evidence will be.
There are some exceptions to the three-year limit:
You were “mentally incapacitated” – for example, you suffered a brain injury and could not claim
You were under 18 when the accident happened. You’ll have up until your 21st birthday to claim
You were working overseas
You were using faulty equipment, but it was found to be faulty after your incident. You’ll have three years from the date that this was discovered, for example, through a product recall.
Client Stories – Falling From Height
Frank fell 25 feet from scaffolding while laying bricks on a construction site. We were able to help him recover compensation and move on with his life.
What are my legal rights if I’ve slipped, tripped or fallen and been injured at work?
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act, your employer must do everything in their power to prevent slips, trips and falls. This could include:
Keeping the workplace clean and tidy (free from wet floors and obstructions)
Using hazard warning signs for slip risks such as wet floors
Regularly inspecting and maintaining equipment
Providing satisfactory personal protective equipment such as anti-slip footwear
Installing handrails, anti-slip flooring and guardrails where needed
Securing ladders, tools, equipment and scaffolding
Making sure other employees follow safety practices (you can still claim if another employee caused your fall – this is known as ‘vicarious liability’).
The Working at Heights Regulations 2005
On top of these basic responsibilities, employers who work at heights must also stick to the Working at Heights Regulations 2005. This applies to anybody working from standing on a chair to high above the ground, such as on scaffolding.
Further rules that your employer must follow are:
Making sure the employee knows how to work at height, such as climbing scaffolding correctly
Maintaining safety items such as ladders, scaffolding, tools and any other equipment.
Want to know more about claiming for an accident at work. Jargon free, we’ll explain your legal rights, letting you know everything you need to know about claiming.
Wet floors are one of the biggest risk factors for slips in the workplace, though inappropriate footwear may also be to blame – particularly if you’re working outside. Employers should provide anti-slip flooring in potentially slippery environments.
Can I claim for injuries caused by tripping over at work?
If you trip in the workplace, this could be due to untidy work environments, for example if boxes are not tidied away. You may also trip over potholes or uneven footpaths – even claims in workplace car parks can still result in compensation.
Can I claim compensation for a fall from a height?
The Health and Safety Executive defines ‘falls from height’ as anything that could cause personal injury if precautions were not taken.
Falls from a height need to be from one level to a lower level. They could be classed as:
Anything from above ground or above floor level
A fall through an opening, fragile surface or over an edge
At ground level through an opening in the floor or the ground.
These do not apply to falls on staircases, but rather, where accidents could have been prevented – for example, if your employer did not train you, or failed to provide the correct length ladder.
You may also fall from a height if you’re using equipment such as a crane or cherry picker.
In these cases, working from a height cannot be avoided – but accidents can.
Can I claim for a slip, trip or a fall caused by faulty equipment?
In some cases, defective machinery or faulty equipment, such as cherry pickers or cranes, may be to blame for a fall. According to the Health and Safety Executive, around 50 people die every year due to falls from a height. I these cases, we may be able to claim against those who supplied the equipment, or your employer for failing to carry out checks.
The law states that any items above arms height must be maintained and repaired, or removed if they are not safe to use. If your employer fails to meet any of these standards and you suffer an injury, you could claim compensation from their Employer’s Liability Insurance.
We understand the financial impact of an accident.
In 99% of cases, we recovered more compensation than the insurer’s first offer. We’ll provide financial security with our interim payments wherever possible, meaning you don’t need to rush into an offer that is lower than you’re legally entitled to.
How to make a claim for a slip, trip or fall at work
If you’ve suffered injuries as a result of a slip, trip or fall, you could qualify for compensation. You should call us, and have evidence to prove that your employer was at fault.
Generally, you’ll have three years to make a claim from the date of the accident or the date you were diagnosed – but there are some extra factors to consider here (see ‘back injuries’ below).
We’ll gather all the evidence we need to secure you the maximum possible compensation. This might include; photographs, CCTV footage, proof of faulty equipment, training records, logs in accident books, and even witness statements. You may also have to attend a medical to get a full report from your doctor – don’t worry, we’ll arrange all this for you.
You need to be able to prove three things to help your claim:
That your employer was to blame, or partially to blame for your accident or injury.
That you suffered a measurable level of physical or psychological harm.
That your injuries were caused by workplace negligence, rather than an existing injury.
We can help you to gather evidence to support all three of these, and get the compensation you deserve.
Unlimited legal support.
That’s right, we provide unlimited legal support for our prospective clients. Not sure if you have a claim, or if you even want to make a claim? You can speak with us for as long as you like and as many times as you like. We’ll let you know your legal rights, completely free of charge and with no obligation to make a claim.
Choosing the right solicitor for slips, trips and falls at work claims
At Express Solicitors, we have more than 20 years’ experience settling accident claims in the workplace. Whether you’ve slipped over, tripped on a piece of equipment, or fallen from a height, we are here to listen to your story sensitively.
Our experience has led to tens of millions in compensation claims, and we can work with you on a no win, no fee basis. We specialise in taking on the claims that nobody else will, so whether you’ve been let down or are just starting out, contact our lawyers today.
Whatever your personal circumstances, we’re here to help you. To get the best compensation, it’s useful to get in touch with us as soon as you feel well enough to do so. Your claim can be settled in as little as three simple steps.
Start with a consultation – just call us or fill out a contact form to request a call back. This will involve a chat to go over what happened, and any evidence you may have to support your claim. You should gather this in advance.
With your evidence in hand, our solicitors can start to make your claim. The compensation will usually come from your Employer’s Liability Insurance.
After the claim is settled successfully, you’ll receive your compensation. We may also be able to offer you early compensation payments.
Why should you choose us?
100% No-Win-No-Fee
Contact us with the comfort of knowing you’ll never be at financial risk when you claim with us. We cover all legal costs, never charge upfront fees, and we only get paid if you do.
Advanced payments available
We understand how an accident can affect your financial position. We always look to collect an early compensation (interim) payment where possible.
We can take over your case
With legal specialists for every type of accident claim, we can take over your claim at any stage from another solicitors. We take pride in winning cases other firms turn down.
I slipped and fell at work – what should I do?
Firstly, you should seek medical attention, even if you don’t feel unwell. Any medical reports you have may be used as evidence. If you have noticeable injuries, as well as visible proof of a hazard, you should try to take photographs of the scene.
Next, you should log your incident in your employer’s accident book. If there isn’t an accident book at your place of work, you can send an email outlining what happened, and the injury you suffered.
Evidence of injury – general damages
To make claims for personal injury, you will need to produce as much evidence as possible. Ask for copies of all medical records, as well as the accident book, and any training records if they’re relevant to your claim. Your employer may also suggest you go for a medical, or we may ask you to do so. In both cases, you should keep any additional notes.
If there were witnesses, ask them to produce a statement to send to us over email.
Evidence of injury – special damages
Special damages refer to any money you lost as a result of your injury. Keep all receipts related to your treatment – for example, physical therapy or travel receipts to your appointments. You should also log any loss of earnings, or missed outings to the job centre. You may even have receipts for adjustments to your home, such as handrails.
Statistics on slips and falls in the workplace
If you want to make a claim for a slip, trip or fall in the workplace, you are not alone. According to the Healthy and Safety Executive:
29% of all workplace accidents in 2019 were caused by slips, trips and falls
8% of workplace accidents in 2019 were caused by falls from a height
The commonest cases of slips, trips and falls in the workplace are:
Spillages without warning signs or wet surfaces
Icy surfaces in car parks and access points
Damaged or uneven flooring
Poor lighting leading to reduced visibility
Obstacles caused by untidy work areas.
Frequently asked questions
What evidence should I collect after an accident?
You should take photographs where possible, including any hazards or physical injuries you’ve suffered. If you have any workplace documentation, like training records or accident books, you should make copies. You should also keep receipts of any treatment costs or other associated costs, and ask for written statements from witnesses.
I’m on a zero-hour contract. Can I still claim?
If you’re on a zero-hour contract you can still claim for compensation for a slip, trip, or fall at work. Your employer has a duty of care to keep you safe, no matter what your employment contract says.
I’m self-employed. Can I claim if I’ve fallen over at work?
Self-employed people can claim for a slip, trip, or fall at work. Your claim will come out of your employer’s Liability Insurance, as they are the ones responsible for keeping you safe.
Do I need to attend a medical?
You may have to attend a medical if we feel you need a second opinion, or if your employer asks you to as part of their duty to Occupational Health.
Average compensation amounts for trips, slips and falls at work
Part of body
Severity of injury
Amount of compensation
Types of injuries
Head
Minor
£1,880.00 to £10,890.00
Covers head injury with recovery within a few weeks. Higher compensation if symptoms include headaches.
Head
Moderate
£13,430.00 to £112,130.00
Symptoms ranging from poor concentration, lower and higher risk of epileptic attacks, minor personality changes, depression, more severe intellectual impairment, or injuries/symptoms leading to a vegetative state.
Head
Serious
£186,890.00 £240,590.00
Covers reduced life expectancy, serious physical symptoms, serious changes to personality or intellect, large dependence on others due to paralysis or otherwise.
Head
Severe
£240,590.00 to £344,640.00
Covers minimally conscious state (life expectancy less than 15 years), severe disability, brain damage with little/no response, vegetative states needing full-time nursing.
Eye
Severe
£56,080.00to £229,260.00
Complete blindness on one/both eyes or severe visual impairment on one/both eyes.
Face
Minor
£1,460.00 to £7,460.00
Light or no scarring on the face, but no fractures, loss/damage of one/two front teeth, simple fractures of the jaw or nose, but with a possibility of complete recovery.
Face
Serious
£15,320.00 to £26,010.00
More serious fractures such as a broken jaw or nose, breaking/damage/loss of several teeth.
Face
Severe
£26,010.00 to £38,850.00
Severe injuries resulting in facial disfigurement, several jaw fractures, chronic tooth pain, and scarring. May lead to eating restrictions or higher risk of joint arthritis. Covers negative effects on mental health.
Ear/ hearing
Minor
Up to £5,980.00
Possible Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL), slight/occasional tinnitus.
Ear/ hearing
Moderate
£12,700.00 to £25,350.00
Partial hearing loss or mild to severe tinnitus.
Ear/ hearing
Serious
£25,350.00 to £38,850.00
Complete deafness in one ear. Severity varies based on additional symptoms (e.g. dizziness, tinnitus, etc.).
Ear/ hearing
Severe
£77,430.00 to £120,040.00
Complete deafness in both ears. Higher compensation for child injuries also resulting in a loss of speech.
Compensation amounts for back, neck, shoulders and upper body injuries
Part of body
Severity of injury
Amount of compensation
Types of injuries
Neck
Minor
Up to £6,680.00
Soft tissue injuries or whiplash with recovery within 3 – 24 months. Compensation factors include severity of pain and amount of negative effects on everyday life.
Neck
Moderate
£7,410.00 to £47,760.00
Covers injuries that accelerated a pre-existing condition, disc lesions, cervical spondylosis, serious limitation of movement, permanent and/or recurring pain, all caused by fractures or dislocations.
Neck
Severe
£56,100.00 to £139,210.00
Serious fractures, severe soft tissue damage, chronic pain conditions, disc damage, partial paraplegia, or significant, permanent disability.
Back
Minor
£2,090.00 to £10,670.00
Includes lighter strains, sprains, disc prolapses, and soft tissue injuries. Recovery between 3 months and 5 years.
Back
Moderate
£11,730.00 to £26,050.00
Includes: spinal fusion, compressed or fractured lumbar spine (possibly resulting in higher risk of osteoarthritis and constant pain), prolapsed discs and other injuries that may require surgery and a continued acceleration/worsening of a pre-existing back condition.
Back
Severe
£36,390.00 to £151,070.00
Typically requires surgery. Injuries include: damaged spinal cord and partial paralysis, psychological issues, loss of bladder and/or bowel function, disc lesions, impaired movement, arthritis, etc.
Shoulder
Minor
Up to £6,730.00
Soft tissue injury resulting in pain. Full recovery between 3 – 24 months.
Shoulder
Serious
£10,890.00 to £16,380.00
Fractured humerus, clavicle or rotator cuff needing surgery.
Shoulder
Severe
£16,380.00 to £40,970.00
Significant disability caused by severe damage to the neck or brachial plexus.
Pelvis & hips
Minor
£3,370.00 to £10,750.00
Complete recovery after minor soft tissue injuries. Little or no disability within 2 years.
Pelvis & hips
Moderate
£10,750.00 to £33,430.00
No serious disability, but covers injuries requiring hip operations, replacement of hips (or the need for either in the future).
Pelvis & hips
Severe
£33,430.00 to £111,690.00
Severe hip/pelvis fractures resulting in bowel damage or spinal fusion, childbirth complications, hip replacement, and/or leading to higher likelihood of future surgery.
Scarring (not facial)
Minor
£2,020.00 to £7,380.00
One noticeable scar or several superficial, unsightly scars on the legs, arms, or hands.
Scarring (not facial
Moderate
Up to £7,380.00
Full recovery within 2 years, up to a partial recovery with symptoms that are not largely debilitating.
Scarring (not facial
Severe
£6,680.00 to £19,390.00
Several noticeable laceration scars or a single disfiguring scar.
Compensation amounts for arm, hand, and finger injuries
Part of body
Severity of injury
Amount of compensation
Types of injuries
Arm
Mild
£5,630.00 to £16,380.00
Fractured forearm.
Arm
Moderate
£16,380.00 to £33,430.00
Serious arm injury leading to long-lasting symptoms.
Arm
Serious
£33,430.00 to £111,690.00
Serious injury resulting in an inability to use the arm(s) to some extent. Does not result in amputation.
Arm
Severe
£82,040.00 to £255,930.00
Results may include the amputation of one/both arms. Compensation amount will depends on amputated area, whether phantom pain is experienced, and on other effects on the quality of life.
Elbow
Moderate
Up to £10,750.00
Includes: tennis elbow, deep cuts, simple fractures, no permanent damage.
Elbow
Serious
£13,360.00 to £27,320.00
Results in restricted movement but does not require surgery or cause disability.
Elbow
Severe
£33,430.00 to £46,780.00
Injury causes severe disability or requires surgery.
Wrist
Moderate
Up to £8,740.00
Uncomplicated Colles fracture or minor undisplaced fractures with recovery between 1 – 2 years. May include use of plasters.
Wrist
Serious
£10,750.00 to £20,900.00
Soft tissue damage or broken wrist causing some permanent disability.
Wrist
Severe
£20,900.00to £51,070.00.
Significant permanent disability or complete loss of wrist function.
Hand
Minor
Up to £4,050.00
Covers lacerations and crush injuries, and soft tissue injuries (recovery within 6 months).
Hand
Moderate
£4,780.00 to £11,330.00
Covers penetrating wounds and crush injuries resulting in permanent but non-intrusive symptoms, or soft tissue damage and deeper cuts resulting in impairment of the hand (may require surgery).
Hand
Severe
£24,740.00 to £171,920.00
Covers amputation and rejoining of several fingers, resulting in a clawed, impaired, or unsightly hand, amputation of one/both hands (alternatively, amputation of several fingers rendering the hand almost useless).
Finger
Minor
Up to £4,055.00
Includes: full-healed fractured finger bones (healed within 1 year) with/without minor scarring.
Finger
Moderate
£3,370.00 to £5,000.00
Includes: complete (or almost complete) recovery after broken finger, amputation or loss of a part of the little finger.
Finger
Severe
£10,380.00 to £31,350.00
Includes: complete amputation of one/more fingers, fractures of the index finger. Compensation depends on level of disability and suffering.
Thumb
Minor
Up to £4,055.00
Short-term, severe pain gone within 3 months.
Thumb
Moderate
£3,370.00 to £10,750.00
Covers fractures with recovery within 6 months, damage to nerves or tendons resulting in partial loss of sensation, and cosmetic thumb deformities.
Thumb
Severe
£10,750.00 to £46,780.00
Partial/complete amputation of the thumb, surgical wire insertions, nerve damage, fractures, inability to grip.
Compensation amounts for leg and foot injuries
Part of body
Severity of injury
Amount of compensation
Types of injuries
Leg
Minor
£7,780.00 to £12,010.00
Minor injuries with recovery within a few months (e.g. soft-tissue injuries, bruising, cuts, and contusions). Slightly more severe injuries such as simple fractures of the femur, tibia, or fibula.
Leg
Moderate
£15,320.00 to £46,780.00
Minor fractures with partial recovery, serious soft tissue injury, injuries to one leg (e.g. broken bones, crushing injuries), ligament injuries, compound fractures leading to near certainty of arthritis or instability.
Leg
Severe
£46,780.00 to £240,590.00
Severe injuries resulting in extensive degloving, bone grafting, permanently reduced mobility, or amputation of one/both legs (above/below the knee).
Knee
Minor
Up to £11,730.00
Includes soft tissue injuries (recovery within a few months), a twisted knee, lacerations, or bruising resulting in discomfort or pain.
Knee
Moderate
£22,340.00 to £37,070.00
Includes: seriously damaged kneecaps, ligaments, or muscles, dislocation, a torn meniscus, acceleration injuries (over several years), resulting in ongoing discomfort or pain.
Knee
Severe
£44,470.00 to £82,080.00
Covers constant pain, severe disability, or muscle wastage. Higher compensation if need for surgery or injury effects quality of life.
Ankle
Minor
Up to £11,730.00
Smaller fractures, but bone has not been displaced. May include sprains, injured ligaments (likely leads to scarring). Smaller injuries can allow for full recovery within a year, without any scarring.
Ankle
Moderate
£11,730.00 to £42,710.00
Includes ligament tears, fractures, leading to smaller disabilities while standing/moving. Increased risk of osteoarthritis. Operation/cast needed. May lead to inability to work or call for special footwear.
Ankle
Severe
£42,710.00 to £59,480.00
Severe injury resulting in deformities, disabilities, or even amputation of the body part down the line.
Achilles
Minor
£6,200.00 to £10,750.00
Minor instability due to tendon damage around the ankle. Some more severe cases might involve scarring.
Achilles
Moderate
£10,750.00 to £17,970.00
More serious injury and partially ruptured tendon. More severe cases tend to involve disability and/or permanent scarring.
Achilles
Severe
£21,320.00to £32,780.00
Restricted movement of the ankle due to severed muscle tissue. Small likelihood of further improvement of limp and residual scarring.
Foot
Minor
Up to £11,730.00
Includes: minor fractures, lacerations or contusions (with complete recovery within 2 years), ruptured ligaments or other puncture wounds that result in chronic pain or a permanent limp.
Foot
Moderate
£11,730.00 to £59,730.00
Includes: metatarsal fractures resulting in permanent deformity and ongoing symptoms, fractured heels (both), restricted mobility, degloving and heel fusion.
Foot
Severe
£71,640.00 to £171,920.00
Injury needing amputation of one/both feet or traumatic amputation of the forefoot (to prevent need for complete amputation).
Toe
Minor
Up to £8,190.00
One or more broken toes with a varying recovery period. Compensation depends on presence of long-term symptoms and speed of recovery.
Toe
Moderate
£8,190.00 to £11,730.00
Multiple fractures, crush injuries to two/more toes, permanent disability. May have involved unsuccessful past operations.
Toe
Severe
£11,730.00 to £47,830.00
Severe crush injuries leading to less/surgical amputation of one or two toes (not including the big toe), amputation of all toes or the big toe.
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