If you or your child has been injured from a slip, trip or fall at school, you could be eligible to make a personal injury compensation claim.
We are a claims management company that can help you make a personal injury claim. Call us free on 0800 470 0472
Claims for Slips, Trips and Falls at Schools
Slips, trips and falls are among the most common accidents in schools and can result in serious injuries to both pupils and staff. Schools have a legal duty to maintain a safe environment and prevent accidents, and may be liable for compensation if they fail to uphold this duty.
Uneven pavements, broken steps, wet floors, and damaged playground surfacing are common examples of hazards that could entitle you to claim for injuries caused by slips, trips and falls at school if negligence can be proven. These could range from minor cuts and bruises to severe fractures and head injuries.
Call 0800 470 0472 today or request a call back to speak to a specialist solicitor and find out if you can proceed with a claim. This assessment is completely free and with no obligation to proceed.
Table of Contents
Can I claim compensation for slips, trips and falls at school?
Yes, you may be able to claim compensation if you or your child was injured in a school accident caused by negligence.
To make a successful slip, trip and fall claim, you must be able to prove the following:
- The school owed you a legal duty of care.
- There was a breach of duty, such as unsafe conditions or a lack of supervision.
- The breach caused your accident and injuries.
- You are within the legal time limit for starting a claim.
Both staff and pupils are entitled to claim personal injury compensation for slips, trips and falls in schools. Children, however, will need a parent or another adult to act as a litigation friend and represent them throughout the claims process.
What is the school’s legal duty of care for slips, trips and falls?
Schools must take reasonable steps to ensure the health and safety of staff and pupils. This involves maintaining safe premises, providing proper supervision and assessing potential hazards to reduce the risk of slip, trip and fall accidents.
Duty of care owed to staff
Schools owe a legal duty of care to their employees under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974. Under this Act, they have a legal duty to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety, and welfare of staff and must:
- Carry out regular risk assessments to identify hazards.
- Maintain a safe working environment.
- Provide appropriate training and safety equipment when needed.
- Ensure hazards are reported and addressed properly.
Duty of care owed to pupils
The legal duty of care owed to pupils is primarily set out in the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957. Under this Act, schools must take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable risks of injury, taking into account their age and ability to recognise risks. This includes:
- Regularly inspecting school grounds for hazards.
- Promptly repairing defects such as uneven surfaces or faulty handrails.
- Ensuring spills and wet floors are promptly cleaned and clearly signposted.
- Providing adequate supervision, including in corridors and playgrounds.
- Maintaining safe playground surfaces and equipment.
Who is responsible for school accidents: the council or academy trust?
Responsibility for accidents at school depends on the type of school where the incident occurred and on who is in charge of the premises.
Local authorities are often responsible for maintaining community schools and some other state schools, managing risks, and helping to ensure compliance with health and safety standards. For private schools or academies, liability may rest with the academy trust or individual owner, depending on who controls and occupies the premises.
Your solicitor will be able to identify the responsible party and determine whether they are liable for your injuries.
Common causes of slips, trips and falls in schools
Slips, trips and falls are common types of accidents in schools that are often caused by easily preventable issues such as wet floors and uneven pavements. These incidents can occur in classrooms, corridors, playgrounds and other areas where hazards are not properly managed.
Some of the most frequent causes of school slips, trips and falls include:
Wet floors from spills or cleaning are a leading cause of slip and fall accidents in schools and other public places. To prevent the risk of injury to pupils and staff, schools are expected to follow proper cleaning procedures and:
- Display clear warning signs.
- Limit access to areas with wet floors when possible.
- Promptly address spillages.
School areas, such as classrooms, corridors, staircases, and entrances, are common locations for trip hazards. Accidents could be caused by:
- Loose mats or carpets
- Broken or uneven steps
- Missing or unstable handrails
- Obstructions and clutter
- Poor lighting
- Damaged floors and pavements
Hazards such as cracked tarmac, loose paving slabs, and worn or damaged safety surfacing can easily cause trips and falls during playtime. Schools are expected to carry out regular inspections and maintenance to ensure playgrounds are safe for use, including:
- Daily/weekly visual checks for hazards by school staff.
- Monthly operational inspections of wear, tear, loose components and surfacing.
- Annual thorough inspections carried out by a qualified professional.
During the winter months, ice and snow can pose serious slip risks on pavements, entrances, playground areas, and car parks. Schools are expected to take reasonable steps to grit and clear key walkways and premises. They must also take measures to prevent ice and snow from falling from school roofs and structures.
If these or other hazards result in injuries to staff or pupils, it may be possible to sue the school for negligence.
What injuries are commonly caused by slips, trips and falls in schools?
Slips, trips and falls in schools often result in sprains, strains, soft tissue injuries and fractures of the arms and legs. Serious incidents can result in more severe head and back injuries.
The most common types of injuries sustained in school slips, trips and falls include:
- Broken bones, particularly in wrists, arms and legs
- Sprains and strains to the knees and ankles
- Head injuries, including bumps, concussions and brain trauma
- Abrasions and lacerations from rough surfaces
- Back injuries, including severe spinal injuries
The type and severity of the injuries sustained will determine the amount of compensation awarded for a slip, trip, or fall at school.
How do I make a school slip, trip and fall claim?
To make a school slip, trip and fall claim, you should report the incident, seek medical care, gather supporting evidence and contact a specialist personal injury solicitor.
The steps to make a school accident claim are:
- Report the accident – Inform the school immediately so that the details of the incident can be recorded in the accident book. A signed accident report can play a crucial role in your claim.
- Seek medical care – Make sure your injuries are assessed and treated by a healthcare professional. Medical records are key evidence in every personal injury claim.
- Gather evidence – Take photos of the hazard (e.g. wet floor or uneven pavement), ask for witness details and request any CCTV footage showing exactly how the accident happened.
- Document everything – Write down exactly what happened, your symptoms, the impact on your life, and keep records of expenses.
- Contact a specialist solicitor – A solicitor can help determine if the school was negligent and manage the claim on your behalf.
How much compensation could I claim for slips, trips and falls at school?
The amount of compensation awarded for slips, trips and falls at school depends on the severity of the injuries suffered and their impact on daily life. Each compensation claim is unique and typically covers two types of damages:
- General damages – these cover pain, suffering, loss of enjoyment of life and any other subjective impacts on your life.
- Special damages – these cover related financial losses and expenses, such as medical treatment, care needs, home tutors and loss of earnings.
General damages are assessed with reference to the 18th Edition of the Judicial College Guidelines for personal injuries, depending on your specific circumstances. Examples of compensation guideline brackets include:
| Injury Type | Description | Compensation |
|---|---|---|
| Ankle Injuries | An ankle fracture or ligament tear causing some permanent symptoms, such as difficulty walking on uneven ground | £18,000 - £35,000 |
| Arm Injuries | A simple forearm fracture | £8,700 - £25,000 |
| Back Injuries | A moderate back injury causing constant pain, discomfort and substantial osteoarthritis risk | £37,000 - £51,000 |
| Brain Damage | A brain injury with full recovery within three years | £2,900 - £17,000 |
| Leg Injuries | A femur fracture | £12,000 - £19,000 |
| Wrist Injuries | A minor wrist fracture or soft tissue damage recovering within a year | £4,700 - £6,300 |
Use our online compensation calculator to learn more about your compensation prospects or contact a solicitor for a free case assessment.
What is the time limit to claim for school slips, trips and falls?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of a slip, trip and fall accident to start a claim under the Limitation Act 1980.
However, if a child is injured, the 3-year limitation period does not begin until their 18th birthday, from which they have until 21 to seek compensation. A parent or legal guardian can make a claim on their behalf at any time before that.
For adults lacking mental capacity, the time limit is generally paused unless and until they regain capacity.
What evidence is needed to make an accident claim against a school?
Strong evidence is essential to prove how the accident happened, the harm it has caused and that it was due to a breach of duty. Key types of evidence in claims for slips, trips and falls at school include:
- Photographs of the hazard and accident scene.
- CCTV footage of the incident, if available.
- Accident report forms completed by the school.
- Medical records confirming the injury and its prognosis.
- Witness statements from staff or pupils.
- Inspection and maintenance records.
- Records of previous incidents or complaints.
- Proof of related financial losses and expenses.
Acting quickly is important, as evidence such as CCTV footage or witness recollections may be quickly lost.
Can I claim for slips, trips and falls at school on a no win no fee basis?
Yes. Most claims for slips, trips and falls at school are handled on a no win no fee basis. This means that you can hire legal representation without paying any legal fees upfront.
- If you win, a success fee capped at 25% is deducted from the compensation awarded for your injuries and past financial losses.
- If your claim is unsuccessful, you do not need to pay your solicitor a fee.
This allows staff and families to pursue compensation regardless of their financial situation.
Call 0800 470 0472 today or request a call back to find out whether you have a valid claim for a slip, trip or fall at school, with no obligation to proceed.
