28th March 2008

Defence collapses in Tripping Accident, Client wins Slip, Trip and Fall Compensation Claim

In his early twenties, our client was a fit young man, jogging across a busy road near his home. Without warning he tripped and fell, going over on his ankle and stumbling forwards for some distance before recovering his balance. He asked us for slips trips and falls compensation claim advice, and whether he had a valid claim. Our expert personal injury solicitors felt that he had and agreed to handle his claim.

At the time of the slip, trip and fall accident, there was a considerable volume of traffic and our client was jogging across the road. He realised that his foot had dropped into a hole in a sunken area surrounding a grating in the road. Initially he was able to continue his journey but later that night was in some discomfort and unable to walk home. The next morning, he was unable to bear weight on his ankle, and was in great pain.

Attending his local hospital, he was x-rayed and advised that because of this tripping accident, he had sustained a serious fracture to his ankle and a broken big toe. He was kept in hospital for several days where he underwent emergency surgery to pin the ankle with screws and a plate. These were removed after several weeks and replaced with a non-weight bearing pot, which had to be retained for several more weeks. He then had to endure several further weeks on crutches. During his recovery, his sleep was disturbed and he had to rely very heavily on his parents for his daily requirements, and relied on friends for transport to and from hospital, as he was unable to drive for several weeks.

In all he was unable to work for several months following this tripping accident, and then only able to return to light duties. His usual social activities, such as playing football and going to the gym, were impossible and he constantly required painkillers. Although he is expected to make a full recovery in time, he has been left with stiffness in his ankle first thing in the morning, and is still unable to walk or run.

Initially the council responsible for the repair of the road claimed that the defect was the responsibility of the water authority, but this was not the case. The defendant then relied on inspection documentation to deny the area presented a risk of tripping. However, an inspection carried out some time after the accident revealed that there was a depression of 40mm (above their actionable level for a slips, trips and falls compensation claim).

Despite the defendant’s continued refusal to accept responsibility, the Judge suggested that the case was indefensible.

At trial, the defendant admitted liability and a settlement of £10,700 was awarded to our client in this slip trip and fall compensation claim.

Compensation Claim

Clear Answers’ lawyers have teams of specialists waiting to help you, should you decide to instruct us to represent you in your claim. We specialise in all types of personal injury claims, including slips, trips and falls.

Whether you were injured as a result of an accident at work, or whether your accident happened in a public place, you will receive 100% of your compensation if you select Clear Answers to represent you in this matter. The person responsible for your accident will pay our legal fees, and our service will be cost-free for you.

If you or a family member has been injured in these circumstances, please ring us on 0800 783 9019 and speak to one of our advisers. Alternatively, you may prefer to complete one of our online compensation claim forms and one of our representatives will contact you as quickly as possible. Our lawyers will be happy to provide you with expert legal advice, talk you through the claims process in plain English and answer any questions you may have regarding your claim.

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