How Much Compensation For Tripping On A Pavement?

In this guide, we aim to answer the question ‘How much compensation for tripping on a pavement could be awarded in a personal injury claim?’. We also explain the eligibility criteria that will need to be met in order to pursue compensation for a personal injury

how much compensation for tripping on pavement

How Much Compensation For Tripping On Pavement?

Also, we discuss the duty of care you’re owed in public spaces and how a breach of this duty could lead to a public place accident as well as some of the injuries that could be sustained. Later, we discuss the evidence that could help support pavement trip claims.

When claiming for injuries after tripping on a pavement, you may find the process easier if you work with a specialist solicitor. Therefore, we discuss some of the benefits of working with an experienced No Win No Fee solicitor from our panel if your claim is valid.

We’re happy to offer a free initial consultation to help you understand whether you have an eligible claim following an accident in a public place. To arrange yours, you can:

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How Much Compensation For Tripping On A Pavement?

Following an accident in a public place, you may receive compensation for the different impacts you’ve experienced as a result of your injuries. As such, the settlement you receive after successfully claiming for injuries sustained from tripping on a pavement can be formed of up to two heads of loss.

The first is called general damages which aims to cover any pain and suffering caused by your injuries. When valuing this head, reference can be made to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG) along with a medical report. The JCG lists guideline compensation brackets for a range of injuries.

The compensation table below includes amounts from the JC, except for the first entry. Also, please use the table as a guide only because compensation payouts in public liability claims can vary.

Compensation Table

InjurySeverityCompensation Brackets - GuidelinesOther Information
Multiple very serious injuries with monetary expensesVery seriousUp to £250,000+Compensation could be awarded to address several very serious injuries accounting for the pain and suffering as well as the financial losses incurred as a result, such as lost income and care costs.
Brain DamageModerate (iii)£52,550 to £110,720A good recovery has been made and the person can partake in a normal social life as well as go back to work.
NeckSevere (i)In the region of £181,020The injured person remains with minimal movement or no movement in the neck despite having worn a collar 24 hours a day over several years. They also suffer severe headaches.
Moderate (i)£30,500 to £46,970Severe and immediate symptoms caused by neck dislocations or fractures that might require spinal fusion.
ElbowSeverely Disabling£47,810 to £66,920An injury to the elbow causing a severe disability.
Less Severe£19,100 to £39,070While major surgery won't be needed, these injuries will cause function impairment.
Achilles TendonMost SeriousIn the region of £46,900Severance of the tendon and the peroneus longus muscle causing issues such as cramp and restricted ankle movement.
Moderate £15,370 to £25,710A significant injury to the tendon.

Claiming Special Damages In Pavement Accident Claims

The other head of loss that could form part of your settlement following an accident in a public place is called special damages. This compensates for any financial expenses or costs linked to your injuries.

For example, if you successfully claim for a fall on a pavement, your compensation could cover:

  • Medical expenses.
  • Any loss of income.
  • The cost of support or care at home.
  • The cost of modifications to your home to help you deal with a permanent disability.

You will need to supply evidence to prove any expenses you claim back. This could include wage slips, receipts and other financial documents.

If you’d like to check how much compensation for tripping on a pavement you could be entitled to, please call our team today.

Eligibility Criteria For Pavement Trip Claims

Under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957, those in control of a public space, known as occupiers, have a duty of care to take steps to ensure the reasonable safety of visitors. A public space can include certain roads, footpaths, and pavements.

You could be entitled to make a personal injury claim after tripping on a pavement if:

  • The occupier owed you a duty of care.
  • They breached this duty.
  • As a direct consequence of the breach, you were injured.

These three criteria lay the basis of negligence in claims for a personal injury. Call our team if you can prove that negligence occurred and find out whether you have eligible grounds to pursue your claim.

How Could Negligence Lead To Tripping On A Pavement?

Here are some examples of how a trip on a pavement could occur:

  • You might sustain a back injury after tripping on a cracked pavement that had not been repaired in a timely manner, despite being reported to the local authorities multiple times.
  • You might suffer a torn Achilles tendon because you tripped on raised paving slabs because they’d been installed incorrectly.
  • A channel dug into the pavement for plumbing works may have been left without any warning signs. As a result, you tripped and fell and sustained a broken wrist.

If you can prove an occupier breached their duty of care, causing you to sustain an injury, you might be eligible to seek a settlement to address the impacts of your injury. Call us to check how much compensation for tripping on a pavement you might be entitled to.

What Is The Time Limit To Make A Pavement Accident Claim?

After discussing how much compensation you may be able to claim for tripping on a pavement, we’ll now discuss the time limit. Under the Limitation Act 1980, you have three years to start your pavement injury claim. However, there are certain exceptions to this time limit:

  • Minors: Since minors cannot claim for themselves, the time limit is paused for them until they turn 18.
  • Individuals with Reduced Mental Capacity: If a person does not possess the mental capacity to make a claim, the time limit is paused indefinitely. However, if the person’s mental capacity returns, the time limit will start from that particular date.

Apart from waiting for the concerned person to make their own claim, another option available is that a loved one claims on their behalf. The loved one or another trusted individual could do this by applying to become a litigation friend. The court will make the appointment after determining the following;

  • The person can act in a suitable and competent manner.
  • They have no conflict of interest.

However, this option is available only until:

  • The minor turns 18.
  • The individual’s mental capacity returns.

For further guidance on the pavement accident time limits and on how much compensation you could claim for a fall on the pavement, please contact our team.

Also Read: If you’ve tripped or crashed due to a road defect, our pothole accident compensation guide explains how to claim against a council or highways authority.

Make A Pavement Injury Claim On A No Win No Fee Basis

Claiming compensation following a trip or fall that left you with injuries can be easier if you’re represented by a specialist personal injury solicitor. Our panel of expert solicitors work under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA) to provide a No Win No Fee service.

This typically means that:

  • Fees for your solicitor’s services are not payable upfront or while the claim proceeds.
  • If the claim is lost, you don’t need to pay your solicitor for their work.
  • If compensation is paid, you’ll have a success fee deducted from your compensation. This is taken as a percentage which has a legal cap applied to it.

For further guidance on public liability claims, including how much compensation for tripping on a pavement could be awarded, and how a solicitor from our panel could assist you, please reach out to us today. To do so, you can:

Learn More About How Much Compensation For Tripping On A Pavement

Here are some more of our personal injury claims guides:

Finally, here are some links to external articles that may be helpful:

We hope this guide has helped you understand how much compensation for tripping on a pavement could be awarded in a successful claim. If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to call our team.