What To Do After A Trip Or Slip To Claim Compensation
Householders, landlords or those responsible for public places have to ensure the premises are safely maintained to prevent personal injuries
. When you visit a public place you have a right to be protected from injury and if you suffer injury due to poor maintenance you could file a compensation claim.
Many injuries are sustained because of poor maintenance of paving stones, steps and floors. Spills may not have been cleaned or lighting being inadequate. Such injuries caused are due to lack of care from those responsible for safety procedures and maintenance.
Many trips and falls occur in shopping centres, in workplaces or while walking in town.
If you think you have slipped or tripped and suffered personal injury that has been caused by poor maintenance in a public area you may have the right to file an accident compensation claim against the property owner. Your trip/slip has to have been caused by someone else's negligence and not by your own carelessness. Quite often a person simply hasn't been looking where they were going, has ignored warning signs or be in a non-designated area of the building.
Those responsible for property safety have responsibility to ensure there are no areas or conditions that could lead to personal injury to members of the public.
Materials used for floors and steps must be kept clean and in good repair and constructed from suitable materials. Any surface areas should be suitable for their intended purpose with enough tread and texture for appropriate grip to pedestrians. Non-slip surfaces should be used appropriately and fitting should be carried out safely to help avoid falls or trips.
Due to the age and structure of some buildings or outside areas all uneven surfaces can't be avoided but must be marked as hazardous areas with warning signs. Those responsible for streets and pavements/side walks must keep them in good repair to avoid injury to the public. Hazards reported should be repaired to a good safety standard within a reasonable time to prevent possible injury.
Inner or outer steps/stairs should have clearly marked edges and be of non-slip construction. The steps be equally high and wide with appropriate handrails that are securely fixed at a suitable height.
Anyone sustaining personal injury from slipping, falling or tripping may be eligible to file an accident compensation claim. It is very important to seek expert legal advice.