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Slipping at work can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor cuts and bruises to broken bones and severe head and spine trauma. Such accidents are usually due to preventable hazards like wet or slippery floors, unsuitable footwear, uneven surfaces or poor lighting.
Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers must take all reasonable measures to prevent slipping at work. That includes conducting regular risk assessments, providing appropriate training and installing anti-slip flooring when needed.
If you suffered an injury in a slip accident at work due to your employer’s negligence, you might be entitled to compensation for your pain, suffering and financial losses. If you have a valid claim, the personal injury lawyers we work with will offer you a No Win No Fee service, so you do not have to worry about upfront fees or out-of-pocket expenses.
To get a free case assessment, use our online claim form or call 0800 678 1410 today to speak to a friendly and experienced legal adviser.
Can I make a personal injury claim if I slipped at work?
If you slipped and fell at work, you might be able to secure compensation for any pain, suffering and financial losses resulting from your accident. The easiest way to find out whether you could make a personal injury claim is by requesting a free consultation with a legal adviser. They will ask you a few questions to determine whether:
- Your employer breached their duty of care towards you
- That has led to a slip accident at work
- You suffered an injury or injuries as a result within the last three years
If each of the criteria listed above is true, a personal injury solicitor will take on your case on a No Win No Fee basis. They will refer to the relevant UK legislation to prove a duty of care and help you gather evidence to prove a breach of duty and how your injuries have affected your life, such as photographs of the accident scene, witness statements and medical reports. You can read more about how to claim compensation if you slipped on a wet floor or another hazard at work in the section below.
How to claim compensation for a slip accident at work
If you have slipped over at work and suffered an injury, you may be able to claim compensation from your employer. Here are the steps you should take:
Seek medical attention
The first and most important thing to do is to seek medical attention. Even if your injuries do not seem serious, it is essential to get checked out by a medical professional. That will help prevent further harm or complications, and your medical records will form the basis of your compensation claim.
Report the accident to your employer
You should report the accident to your employer as soon as possible. That will ensure that they are aware of the situation and can take steps to prevent similar accidents from happening in the future. Make sure to provide as much detail as possible about the accident and that it is recorded in the accident log book. A signed copy of the report will serve as evidence that you slipped and fell at work.
Gather evidence
Gathering as much evidence as possible to support your case is essential. That may include photographs of the area where the accident occurred, witness statements, and any medical reports or records related to your injuries. Your solicitor can help you gather further evidence to support your case, such as CCTV footage, training records, proof of faulty equipment and any receipts or invoices related to your financial losses and expenses.
Contact a personal injury solicitor
A personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the claims process and ensure you receive the compensation you are entitled to. They can also provide advice on the strength of your claim and the likelihood of success. If your case has merit, they will offer you a No Win No Fee agreement, so you will not be under any financial risk by hiring legal representation.
Submit your claim
Once you have gathered all of the necessary evidence and have the support of a solicitor, you can submit your slip at work claim. That typically involves completing a claims form and providing all relevant evidence to support your case. You can then begin to negotiate a settlement with the other side, and if you cannot settle, you may have to argue your claim in court before a judge.
It is essential to note that there are strict time limits for making an accident at work claim, so you should contact a personal injury solicitor as soon as possible to get started with the claims process. To get free legal advice, call 0800 678 1410 today or enter your details to receive a call back from an experienced legal adviser.
Common causes of a slip accident at work
A slip accident at work could be due to numerous reasons, most of which are preventable if adequate health and safety measures are in place. Employers have to ensure that all reasonable measures are taken to prevent injury to employees, and a failure to do so could result in a compensation claim. There are several common causes that can lead to a slip at work, including:
- Wet or slippery floors, which can be due to spills, leaks, or cleaning;
- Uneven floors or surfaces, such as cracked or broken tiles or flooring;
- Unsuitable footwear – wearing shoes that do not provide sufficient grip or support can increase the risk of slips and falls;
- Electrical cables left trailing;
- Poor lighting can make it difficult to see potential hazards on the floor;
- Cluttered or obstructed walkways can lead to slips and trips;
- Ungritted icy pavements in the company’s car park, walkways or premises;
- Missing handrails when working in wet areas or conditions;
- Lack of training – employees may not be aware of the proper procedures for dealing with spills or maintaining a safe work environment;
- Inadequate cleaning – failure to properly clean and maintain the workplace can increase the risk of slips and falls.
If you slipped at work due to any of these reasons or others not listed here, you might be entitled to compensation for any resulting injuries.
What injuries can be caused by a slip at work?
A slip accident at work can lead to a wide range of injuries, including:
Sprains and strains
Slipping can cause you to twist or bend your body in unnatural ways, leading to sprains and strains in your muscles and ligaments. When you slip, you may try to brace yourself to prevent a fall, which can result in a sudden twisting or bending movement of the body. Additionally, this can cause you to fall awkwardly on your hands or feet or to overstretch or overexert the muscles trying to regain your balance or compensate for the slippery surface.
Fractures
Falling with enough force or in an awkward position could cause excessive pressure or impact on the bones, resulting in a fracture. The most common types of fractures from slipping at work include the wrists, hips and ankles. A bone fracture can cause severe pain, tenderness and limited mobility and may take several months to recover fully.
Head injuries
A slip accident at work can cause a head injury if you fall and hit your head on a hard surface, such as the floor, a wall, a table or a piece of equipment. Depending on the severity of the fall and the force of the impact, the head injury can range from minor concussions to severe skull fractures and brain trauma. It is crucial to seek medical attention immediately if you have hit your head at work, as some injuries can have severe long-term consequences.
Back and neck injuries
Back and neck injuries are common workplace injuries that could result from a slip accident. These can range from mild strains and sprains to more severe injuries, such as herniated discs, spinal cord trauma, and fractures. Symptoms of back and neck injuries may include pain, stiffness, tingling or numbness, weakness, and limited range of motion. A neck or back injury can sometimes have severe and long-lasting consequences, such as paralysis and loss of bodily functions.
Cuts and bruises
A slip can result in cuts and bruises from hitting a hard surface, such as a concrete floor, or coming into contact with sharp or rough objects. Cuts can range from minor to severe, depending on the nature of the item that caused the injury. Bruises occur when small blood vessels beneath the skin are damaged, and they can also range from minor to severe. If an object cuts deep into the skin or damages underlying tissue, it can lead to more severe complications such as infection, nerve damage, or permanent scarring.
Psychological trauma
Slipping at work can be a traumatic event that may cause psychological trauma in some individuals. Psychological trauma may occur due to the sudden shock, fear, and pain experienced during the accident. The fear of falling again or the fear of returning to the place where the accident occurred can cause anxiety, panic attacks, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Psychological trauma may also result from the frustration and anxiety caused by the inability to perform work duties or participate in leisure activities due to the injury.
The type and severity of the injury will depend on the circumstances of the slip accident, including the surface on which the person fell, the height of the fall, and the body’s position at the time of impact. That will also largely determine the amount of slip at work compensation you might be entitled to receive if you make a successful claim.
Employer duty of care to prevent slipping at work
Employers have a duty of care to provide a safe working environment for their employees, which includes taking measures to prevent a slip accident at work. Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, this duty of care could include:
- Conducting regular risk assessments to identify potential slip hazards in the workplace and take steps to eliminate or minimise them;
- Ensure that the workplace is properly maintained, including repairing any damaged flooring or surfaces that could pose a slip hazard;
- Keep the workplace adequately cleaned, which may include mopping up any spills or wet areas promptly and using proper cleaning products;
- Provide suitable footwear with slip-resistant soles to reduce the risk of slip accidents when necessary;
- When needed, install handrails, guardrails and anti-slip flooring;
- Adequately train employees on how to identify and avoid slip hazards in the workplace;
- Use proper warning signs for slip risks such as wet floors or damaged flooring;
- Conduct regular maintenance inspections of equipment and machinery to identify faults and make necessary repairs within a reasonable timeframe.
If an employer fails to take these or other reasonable steps to prevent workplace slip accidents, they may be held liable for any resulting injuries or damages. To find out if you could claim compensation after you slipped on water at work or any other incident, call 0800 678 1410 for a free consultation with a legal adviser. Alternatively, you can request a call back using our online claim form.
Can I be sacked for claiming if I slipped at work?
The short answer is no. It is illegal for your employer to dismiss you for making a personal injury claim if you have been injured due to a slip accident at work. If this did happen, you could likely take legal action against your employer for unfair dismissal.
In the UK, an employee who has been employed for a minimum of two years has the right not to be unfairly dismissed. Unfair dismissal is when an employer terminates your contract for a reason that is not allowed by law, such as discrimination or retaliation for asserting your legal rights to claim compensation for slipping over at work.
If you believe you have been unfairly dismissed, you may be able to make a claim to an employment tribunal. The tribunal will consider whether your employer had a valid reason and followed the correct dismissal procedures. If the tribunal finds you have been unfairly dismissed, your employer may be required to pay you compensation.
Usually, there should be no consequences if you claim against your employer, as your case should not affect their profits. Under UK law, all employers must get Employers’ Liability insurance to cover the costs of compensation claims made by employees who are injured or become ill as a result of their work. If your claim is successful, their liability insurance policy will cover your slip at work compensation, while your employer will not be left out of pocket.
How much compensation could I receive if I slipped over at work?
The amount of compensation you may receive if you slipped and fell at work can vary depending on several factors, such as the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, and the level of negligence on the part of your employer. It is essential to consult with a personal injury solicitor who can assess your case and provide an estimate of the potential compensation you could receive. The amount can include two types of damages:
General damages awarded for the physical injury and its effects, such as:
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional and psychological trauma
- Ongoing discomfort or limitations
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Inability to participate in hobbies or activities
- Loss of consortium or companionship
- Reduced quality of life
Special damages awarded for specific expenses and financial losses, such as:
- The cost of treatment and rehabilitation for the injuries, such as medication and physical therapy
- Loss of earnings, if the slip at work has resulted in being unable to work for a while
- Travel expenses to receive medical treatment
- Home and vehicle adaptations required to accommodate a disability
- Care costs, if you need assistance with daily tasks or personal care
- Any other financial losses and expenses resulting from the slip accident at work
The exact amount of compensation for general and special damages will depend on your specific circumstances and can be determined by an experienced personal injury solicitor. Compensation for general damages is usually awarded according to the guidelines published by the Judicial College.
This is an independent statutory body that provides guidance on the assessment of damages for personal injury in England and Wales. The guidelines take into account factors such as the severity of the injury, the impact on the victim’s life and the expected recovery time. You can find out more about what compensation you should be entitled to receive for your slip at work by referring to our online compensation calculator.
What is the time limit to claim slip at work compensation?
In the UK, the time limit for claiming if you slipped on ice at work or suffered any other accident due to your employer’s negligence is three years. Typically, the time starts to run on the date of the accident or the date you became aware of your injuries, depending on which came first. If you do not start legal proceedings within the time limit, your case becomes statute-barred, and you will likely lose your chance for compensation.
There are a handful of notable exceptions to the three-year time limit for starting a compensation claim if you slipped at work:
- If you were under 18 at the time of the accident, the time starts to run once you become a legal adult. After this, you will have until your 21st birthday to begin legal proceedings and seek compensation for your injuries.
- If the injured person lacks the mental capacity to handle a claim, either due to the slip at work accident or a pre-existing condition like an intellectual disability or mental health disease, the time limit is suspended. In this case, a litigation friend could claim on their behalf at any time.
- If you slipped and fell while working abroad, the time limit to claim compensation can differ substantially between countries and could potentially be much shorter than three years.
- If you lost a loved one due to a slip at work, you could start a claim within three years after the date of death or the date the cause of date was confirmed by a post-mortem.
Ideally, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible after a slip accident at work. This will ensure you will not miss any crucial deadlines and makes it easier to gather evidence and talk to witnesses.
Can I claim for a slip at work on a No Win No Fee basis?
Yes, it is possible to claim for a slip at work on a No Win No Fee basis. This means you do not have to pay any upfront fees to get legal representation, and you can seek compensation regardless of your financial situation. You will only pay your solicitor a success fee if you win compensation. This fee is agreed upon from the beginning and cannot exceed 25% of your settlement.
If your claim is unsuccessful, you will not have to pay any legal fees or disbursements. This is due to the After the Event (ATE) insurance policy your solicitor will take out on your behalf at the beginning of the claims process. The ATE is a legal expenses insurance that covers the costs of claiming if your case is unsuccessful, including:
- The defendant’s solicitor fees
- Court and counsel fees
- The cost of printing and copying
- Police and medical reports
- Expert witness fees
- Barrister fees, if your claim goes to court
If your case fails, you do not have to pay for the ATE premium. If your claim is successful, the defendant will cover most of the fees and expenses incurred during claiming, and you will only have to pay your solicitor’s success fee and the cost of the ATE insurance policy.
Discussing the details of your case with a solicitor who specialises in personal injury claims is essential to determine if you have a valid claim suitable for a No Win No Fee service. To arrange a free consultation, call 0800 678 1410 or enter your details into the contact form below to receive a call back.