Have you had a fall at work?
Slip, Trip and Fall Compensation Claims
If you have had a fall at work, that means a slip, trip, or fall due to your employer’s negligence, you have the right to pursue a compensation claim.
If the accident results from the actions of a contractor or colleague, your employer can still be held responsible for your injuries. It is your employer’s responsibility to ensure a safe working environment as part of their duty of care.
We hope the guide that follows gives you all the help and advice that you need if you are thinking of bringing a slip, trip or fall claim against your employer.
All About Slip Trip or Fall at Work Accidents
Slip, trip and fall’s at work happen all the time at work and if you been unfortunate enough to suffer a slip trip or fall at work it’s crucial to know the next steps you need to take.
In this article we discuss the most common causes of slips trips and falls at work and set out the essential actions you should take immediately after your fall at work.
Statistics reveal that Slip trip or Fall Accidents at Work are the most reported cause of major injuries in the workplace within the UK.
Slips trips or fall accidents can be responsible for a whole host of major injuries that can lead to a prolonged period of time off work.
It’s not unusual for a fall at work to cause grazes, sprains and there can be broken bones, ruptured ligaments, musculoskeletal injuries as well as neck and back injury.
The Health and Safety Executive have reported that slips trips and falls constitute the primary cause of non-fatal injuries in the workplace.
If you have suffered a fall at work at work then you may well be able to claim compensation for your injuries and any losses.
If you have any questions about bringing a personal injury claim for compensation arising out of slips trips and falls at work we have years of experience.
What are the Most Common Causes of Slip Trip or Fall Accidents at Work?
Most slips trips and falls occur as a consequence of the employer failing to prevent slips and failing to take take proper care to ensure the correct safety measures have been put in place.
Risk assessments are very important and need to be carried out by the employer to identify the risks of personal injury and this is required by the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.
The Health and Safety Executive has provided some helpful guidance in this brief guide dealing with preventing slips trips and falls at work with guidance on risk assessment.
The first part of the claims process is for the employer to identifying hazards within the working environment.
Following on from this an assessment needs to be made in relation to how these risks are likely to manifest themselves in relation to employees and visitors.
It is then a question of calculating the severity of the risks identified and the chances of the risks materialising.
It shouldn’t be forgotten that on occasions accidents are caused by “Human Factors” which can represent a risk of danger. This includes factors such as tiredness, shift patters, working culture and procedures and these all need to be taken into account by the employer when formulating their risk assessments.
What is a serious accident at work?
A serious accident at work will involve the most significant injuries which have serious consequences for the injured party. For example accidents resulting in fatalities or life changing conditioons will always be considered the most serious. Hazardous events such as fires, scaffolding failure, gas leaks and the like will all require investogation by the authrorities not only form the point of view of injuries but also in order to establish the cause of what happened and why.
Types of Accidents at Work
Falls from Height
Very often the most serious physical injuries sustained in workplace accidents are when falls occur from height, for example, when the injured person is working up a ladder on Construction Sites.
It may be that the injuries have arisen because of a failure to give the right equipment or it is faulty in some way or alternatively there has been a lack of training to use the ladder properly or at all.
Falls from height frequently stand out as the most common cause of Construction Injuries and can have catastrophic consequences.
There are many ways to prevent a fall at work from happening, including using safety equipment, being aware of potential hazards, and following safety protocols.
Some of the most effective ways to prevent workplace accidents include:
1. Using guardrails or other barriers to prevent people from falling off of elevated surfaces;
2. Using nets or other catch systems to prevent people from falling through holes or openings;
3. Using ladders, scaffolding, or other elevated platforms safely and following all safety protocols;
4. Being aware of potential trip hazards in the work area and taking precautions to avoid them;
5. Following all safety protocols and procedures for working at height and making sure all equipment is properly maintained.
Wet Floors
We know only too well from our experience that many accidents can occur as a consequence of slipping on a wet floor.
Normally when a fall at work happens in these circumstances the cleaner fails to put up warning signs to alert the workforce that the floor surface is wet.
On occasions the sign can be put up but it is not placed in an appropriate place so the employees are unaware that the floor is slippery and dangerous.
Highly Polished Floors
Again polished floors can represent common hazards responsible for slips in the workplace.
Polished floors made of marble or ceramic tiles on walkways and various ground surfaces can be lethal even when dry.
These claims are usually tricky and it will very much will depend upon the substance the cleaner has used to clean the floor and whether there have been any other falls or complaints made about the state of the floor.
If you have suffered a slip trip or fall on a polished floor then you should obtain free legal advice straightaway so that all the necessary enquiries and investigations can be carried out at an early stage.
What type of footwear you were wearing at the time the accident happened and whether it was slip resistant will be a relevant early consideration.
The type of flooring will impact the level of slip resistance offered. It follows in certain situations it is necessary to instruct an engineer to carry out a slip resistance test with a view to establishing if the floor is inherently dangerous.
Clearly in these circumstances it is important that the surface of the floor is not interfered with by the defendant and remains in the same condition as at the time of the accident.
Stairway Falls
Over the years we have acted for lots of clients who have suffered injuries as a consequence of dangerous stairways.
This type of fall at work can occur because the edging on the stairs has become loose or worn.
If carpet is fitted this can become loose, worn and hazardous.
The steps themselves might be uneven or damaged in some way.
It maybe that the handrails are not fixed properly to the wall or are non-existent at a place where one would expect to find them.
Sometimes slips and falls at work can occur because adequate lighting has not been provided and this poor lighting can significantly contribute to accidents by leading to missteps, slips, trips and falls.
So poor housekeeping or poor maintenance can be a real threat to people’s safety.
Trips and Falls Caused by Loose Wires
We are used to clients contacting us as a consequence of tripping over loose wires in a their work environment. 
In practical terms your employer must make sure that cables are properly tied and do not represent a tripping hazard.
These types of injuries are clearly readily avoidable and like all falls they can involve some quite horrendous injuries.
Slips Trips and Falls At Work Caused by Snow and Ice
Employers are under a duty to ensure that reasonable steps have been taken to ensure the workplace is safe for their employees and the right safety procedures are in place.
It follows that during times when the temperatures outside are freezing steps must be taken to make sure that icy or frozen surfaces are gritted.
If your employer has not taken reasonable safety precautions when the weather is icy and cold and as a result you have slipped and suffered a fall at work then you should be entitled to compensation.
In certain workplace environments the employer will be under a duty to provide personal protective equipment such as appropriate safety footwear which reduces the risk of slipping.
Let Us Help You
Whatever type of slip trip or fall accident you have suffered as specialist personal injury solicitors we will be able to help you claim compensation for the injury caused and any losses you may have suffered.
It’s important that you take action as soon as possible and receive advice that will enable you to protect your position so you can claim compensation if you feel this is what you want to do.
Worried about bringing a Compensation Claim against Your Employer?
We know from our experience that it is not unusual for some clients to be a bit concerned about bringing work compensation claims against their employer.
They can feel that if the compensation claim is brought (however serious the injuries are) there is a risk that the employer will look to dismiss them and treat them in a harsh manner.
When making a work compensation claim against an employer you have certain rights that protect your employment and it would be against the law for your employer to try to dismiss you or treat you in a different way because of bringing your work claim.
After all any slip, trip or fall at work accident, the compensation that you receive will generally not be paid by your employer but by your employer’s insurers. This means your employer is not likely to be out-of-pocket in any way.
If you have any concerns please contact us so we can discuss these with you and talk to you about our years of experience in bringing employer negligence slip trip or fall at work accident claims.
“What are my rights if I have an fall at work?”
There are a huge number of different statutes which regulate health and safety law.
In addition there is also “common law” placing employers under a duty to ensure the employee is looked after and protected.
Furthermore there is also an implied duty to take care which is in all contracts of employment between an employer and the employer.
The resulting effect is that your employer has a wide ranging and all-encompassing duty of care towards you in the workplace.
Your employer must make all reasonable steps are taken to ensure your health, safety and well-being.
In practice this means that your employer should:
- Have a safe place and system of work and take action to prevent injury;
- Keep the overall workplace in a good state of repair;
- Assess risks in the workplace to identify and address the risks that might cause you harm thereby providing employee awareness of safety matters;
- Provide the right workplace facilities and safety features which means any ladders or scaffolding or other height related equipment must be in good working condition;
- Take any necessary safety precautions in the event outside areas are icy or frozen – the employer must provide a safe means of access and egress.
This is to name just a few of the employer’s central obligations but as can be seen the ones referred to above are widely framed and extensive.
What Steps to take after a Slip and Fall at Work?
Seek Medical Attention:
Of course your safety and well-being is the top priority here.
Obtain the medical treatment that you require immediately for any severe pain arising out of your fall at work, whether that be first-aid or emergency treatment at your nearest hospital.
Your medical records will reveal the injuries you have sustained as well as the nature of the treatment you have received.
Irrespective of whether the injuries appear minor it is important to get yourself checked out just in case these injuries which if not promptly treated become a permanent disability.
There are instances where initial treatment is not sought and this leads to complications further down the line so the lesson is always to have yourself reviewed by a medical expert even if the injuries appear minor.
Reporting the accident:
Documentation matters. Reporting the accident is absolutely crucial in the context of any claim so that the circumstances of the fall at work accident are clearly recorded in the accident book as soon as possible.
If the accident book is not completed this can cause all sorts of unnecessary issues in relation to liability and causation so make sure you take steps to properly record your fall at work and this is reflected in the accident book.
Taking Photographs of the Scene of the Accident:
Again this is a crucial step if your injuries allow you to take photographs of the area where you suffered your fall at work accident. Alternatively if there are colleagues present it’s a good idea to ensure they take photographs.
By having photographic evidence showing the cause of the slip or fall this is extremely helpful evidence which can lead to a successful claim.
Similarly if there is CCTV footage in the area where you suffered your accident vital that this is preserved and that you are your solicitor approaches the powers that be to ensure this fall at work evidence is not destroyed.
Witnesses:
Make sure you take contact details of any co workers or witnesses so that if necessary you can rely on them to confirm the circumstances of the accident and what caused you to fall. Their witness statements could form part of your employers investigations and this will hopefully facilitate a safe working environment in the future.
Do I have a Claim for Compensation if I Fell At Work?
- The best way to find out is to contact us so we can have a chat about the circumstances of your fall at work injury.
- We have all the experience to help you and will be able to tell you straight away whether your fall at work accident claim is likely to be successful.
- As can be seen above workers in the UK are protected by a whole range of health and safety legislation and very often employers can be held to account as a consequence of a breach of any number of legislative provisions.
- In addition your employer can be held responsible for the actions or inactions of your colleagues and this is known as “vicarious liability”
- If your employer has failed to abide by legislation and you suffer injuries as a result of a fall or slip at work you are going to be in a position to claim compensation.
- One of the most common injuries from a slip, trip or fall at work is a hand injury.
Speak to us to find out how we can help you on a no obligation no fee basis.
When we accept your accident at work claim then you will be offered a genuine No Win No Fee Agreement (or conditional fee agreement) so you’ll have total peace of mind when claiming compensation.
How Much Compensation can I Expect for a Fall at Work?
Slip trip or Fall Injuries at Work can cover the full spectrum of injuries from minor to the most serious of all.
How much compensation you receive will depend entirely upon the nature and extent of your injuries and the prognosis for the future.
We will of course take full instructions from you and obtain all the necessary medical reports to ensure that you receive the best compensation for your injuries.
In relation to the minor claims then these can be quantified quite easily and quickly.
If we are dealing with a maximum severity claim involving a traumatic brain injury then naturally it will take some time to gather all the necessary medical evidence, medical expenses, travel expenses and all financial losses arising.
Whatever the level of your personal injury work accident claim we will be able to advise you with the overall objective of maximising your personal injury claim claim and finalising it as quickly as possible.
How Can We Help You if You Had a Slip, Trip or Fall at Work?
- We are very experienced in bringing personal injury slip and fall accidents at work claims.
- We are able to provide you with all the advice and assistance that you need to bring your personal injury work claim.
- We will make sure that we will always keep you up to date and informed about what is happening with your personal injury work claim.
- We invite you to take a moment to have a look at some of our client’s comments and we think you will agree that they speak highly of us and recommend us wholeheartedly.
Starting a Slip and Fall at Work Compensation Claim
Ready to take action?
We can guide you through the whole work claims process and make sure you are comfortable with everything before we make a start on a No Win No Fee basis. And remember if your claim is unsuccessful then you won’t be saddled by any of our legal costs.
If you are committed to taking action then make sure that you seek work claims advice right away so you don’t fall foul of the 3 year time limit that applies in the UK for bringing personal injury claims.
The 3 year time limit will start from the date of your accident but best advice is to make sure you take swift action and obtain professional advice to ensure you protect your position and don’t fall foul of the rules.
We Look Forward to Helping You with Your Slip, Trip or Fall at Work Compensation Claim 🙂
