Tripped on Pavement Claim – UK Complete Guide to Compensation
If you’ve tripped on a pavement in the UK and been injured, you may be entitled to make a tripped on pavement claim. To do this, you should gather evidence such as photos of the defect, witness details, and medical records. Report the incident to the council or property owner and seek legal advice. Compensation can cover pain and suffering, lost earnings, and medical costs. Most claims must be started within three years of the accident. Solicitors, like Claim Today, can guide you through the process on a No Win, No Fee basis.
If you’ve tripped on a pavement and been hurt, find out how to start your tripped on pavement claim and get the support you deserve with Claim Today Solicitors.
Tripped on Pavement Claim – Understanding Your Rights
Tripping on an uneven pavement is more common than most people realise. When public surfaces are not properly maintained, they can cause serious injuries and long-term pain.
If your accident happened on a public walkway or council-maintained pavement, you may have the right to start a tripped on pavement claim.
At Claim Today Solicitors, we’ve helped thousands of people across the UK recover compensation after public accidents. Our goal is to make sure you’re supported from the first consultation until your claim is resolved.
Who Is Responsible for Pavement Maintenance?
Local councils are legally responsible for keeping public pavements safe. If an uneven surface, loose slab, or pothole caused your fall, the council may be found negligent for failing to repair it.
Private property owners are responsible for pavements on their land, such as those near shops or car parks.
Example: If you tripped outside a supermarket due to a broken kerb, the property owner—not the council—might be liable.
For similar guidance, see our article on Public Place Slip or Trip Claims – What You Need to Know.
What to Do After You’ve Tripped on a Pavement
If you’ve recently tripped on a pavement, these steps can strengthen your claim:
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- Take photos of the defect and the surrounding area.
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- Get witness details if anyone saw the accident.
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- Seek medical attention – even minor injuries should be recorded.
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- Report the incident to the council or property owner.
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- Contact Claim Today Solicitors for a free consultation.
Acting quickly helps ensure your tripped on pavement claim has strong evidence to prove negligence.
How Much Compensation Can You Claim?
The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, your recovery time, and any financial losses like missed work.
Compensation typically includes:
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- Pain and suffering
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- Lost earnings
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- Medical and rehabilitation costs
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- Travel expenses
Every case is unique, but a solicitor can help you understand your potential compensation range before starting the claim.
You can also visit the NHS accident advice page for first aid and recovery tips after a fall.
Why Choose Claim Today Solicitors?
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- Free claim assessment and legal advice
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- No Win No Fee – no risk to you
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- 27 years of public liability experience
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- Multilingual support – Punjabi, Urdu, Hindi, Gujarati, Pashto
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- SRA-regulated and fully insured legal practice
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- Specialists, not generalists – public liability is our focus
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- Same-day response for urgent cases
We’ve also published this helpful guide:
FAQs
1. Can I make a claim if I tripped on a pavement?
Yes. If you were injured due to a pavement defect, such as a loose slab, raised kerb, or pothole, you may be able to make a claim. It’s important to show that someone had a responsibility to keep the pavement safe and that their failure caused your injury.
2. Who is responsible for the pavement?
Usually, local councils are responsible for maintaining public pavements. However, if the pavement is part of private land, like a shop forecourt or residential estate, the property owner may be liable.
3. How long do I have to make a claim?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to start a claim. Exceptions apply for children or people who lacked the capacity to claim at the time.
4. What kind of evidence will I need?
You should collect photographs of the defect, details of any witnesses, medical records, and any proof of financial losses, such as missed work or travel expenses. Evidence of previous complaints or repairs can also strengthen your claim.
5. Does the size or severity of the defect matter?
Yes. Claims are stronger when the hazard is significant, such as a raised slab, large crack, or pothole that poses a clear risk. Minor imperfections may not always support a successful claim.
6. What if I was partly at fault for the accident?
Even if you contributed to the accident, you may still be able to claim. However, your compensation might be reduced proportionally based on your share of responsibility.
7. How much compensation can I expect?
Compensation depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries, how long you were unable to work, medical costs, and the overall impact on your daily life. Each case is unique.
8. Can I make a claim on a No Win, No Fee basis?
Yes. Many solicitors offer No Win, No Fee arrangements for pavement trip claims, meaning you won’t pay legal fees unless your claim is successful.
