Slips, trips and falls are common incidents that can lead to painful injuries and unexpected disruption. Whether the fall happens on a pavement, inside a shop or at your place of work, it can affect your health, finances and confidence. If the accident was caused by unsafe conditions or someone’s failure to meet their legal duty, you may be eligible for compensation.
At Marley Solicitors, we support individuals in Scarborough who have suffered injuries from falls that were not their fault. This guide will help you understand how compensation works and what steps to take next.
What causes slip, trip and fall accidents?
Many day-to-day environments can become hazardous if they are not properly maintained. Common hazards that lead to falls include:
- Wet floors without warning signs
- Loose or broken paving slabs
- Uneven flooring in buildings
- Poorly lit staircases or corridors
- Items left in walkways
- Damaged carpets or tiles
- Ice or snow left untreated on public paths
Property owners, councils and employers have a duty of care to keep spaces safe. If this responsibility is neglected and someone is hurt as a result, a legal claim may be possible.
Can you claim compensation for your fall?
You could have grounds to make a personal injury claim if you were hurt in an accident caused by:
- Unsafe conditions in a supermarket, shop or café
- Defective pavements or kerbs on public land
- Work-related hazards your employer failed to address
- Dangerous conditions in a rented home or building
- Poorly managed public spaces such as car parks or parks
To claim successfully, it must be shown that the responsible party breached their legal duty and that this led to your injury. As experienced personal injury solicitors in Scarborough, we can help you gather evidence and assess the strength of your case.
What does compensation include?
A slip or trip might seem minor at first, but it can have long-term effects. Compensation is designed to reflect the full impact of your injury. Your claim may include:
- General damages for the pain, suffering and emotional toll
- Special damages to cover financial losses such as:
- Lost wages from time off work
- Private medical treatment or physiotherapy
- Medication and rehabilitation expenses
- Travel costs for hospital visits
- Home help or care during recovery
The goal is to put you back in the position you were in before the accident, as much as possible.
How much could you receive?
There is no fixed amount for slip and trip claims, the value depends on the severity of the injury and how it affects your life. Minor injuries might attract a few hundred or thousand pounds, while serious conditions such as fractures, head injuries or long-term mobility problems can result in much larger settlements.
Factors considered include:
- Length of recovery
- Any lasting disability or chronic pain
- Impact on your ability to work or carry out daily activities
- Any psychological effects such as anxiety or loss of confidence
We will provide a personalised estimate once we review your medical evidence and case details.
Is there a deadline for making a claim?
Yes, in most cases, you must begin a personal injury claim within three years of the accident date. However, there are exceptions:
- For children, the three-year time limit begins when they turn 18
- For individuals with reduced mental capacity, there may be no deadline unless capacity is regained
- If the injury became clear later (for example, in a delayed diagnosis), the time limit starts from the date you became aware
It is always advisable to get legal advice as soon as possible to protect your right to claim.
Proving responsibility for your accident
To be awarded compensation, it must be shown that another party failed to act responsibly. This could be a local authority, your employer, a shop owner or a landlord.
We will help you by:
- Collecting photographic evidence of the scene
- Requesting CCTV footage where available
- Obtaining medical reports to support your injury
- Contacting witnesses
- Reviewing accident reports or health and safety records
Our goal is to clearly link the conditions that caused the fall with the injury you sustained.
Why Marley Solicitors is the right choice
Choosing the right solicitor can make all the difference to the outcome of your claim. At Marley Solicitors, we:
- Have extensive experience handling slip, trip and fall cases
- Offer a no win, no fee service, so there’s no financial risk to you
- Provide personalised support tailored to your situation
- Understand the local conditions and legal framework in Scarborough
- Aim for early settlements where possible, without compromising your entitlement
You can count on us to act in your best interests from the first call to the final outcome.
What to do after a fall in Scarborough
Taking the right steps after an accident can strengthen your claim. Here’s what we recommend:
- Get medical attention – even for minor injuries
- Report the incident to the relevant party (e.g., the shop manager, council or your employer)
- Take photographs of the area and the hazard that caused the fall
- Collect contact details of witnesses
- Keep receipts for any costs related to the injury
Finally, speak to a solicitor as soon as you are able. Early advice can help you avoid mistakes and build a stronger case.
