Restaurant owners owe a duty of care to all their customers and staff, meaning there should be no unreasonable risk of harm. If this duty…
Broken chair injury compensation
Find out if you can make a broken chair injury claim, who may be responsible, what evidence you need and how much compensation you could receive.
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Broken Chair Injury Claims
Broken chair accidents are a common cause of preventable harm and can happen almost anywhere, including in restaurants, workplaces, schools, on public transport and in your own home.
If you have been injured by a broken chair due to the negligence of a third party, you may be entitled to claim compensation.
Injuries caused by faulty chairs range from mild cuts and bruising to severe head and back injuries, some of which may have a permanent impact on your life.
To find out if you can make a broken chair injury claim, call 0800 470 0474 today for a free initial consultation or use our contact form to request a call back.
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Table of Contents
Can I make a broken chair injury claim for compensation?
Yes, you may be able to make a claim if you were injured by a broken or unsafe chair and someone else was responsible for its safety.
A free consultation with a specialist personal injury solicitor can confirm whether you have a valid claim. They will take on your case if the following apply:
- The defendant owed you a legal duty of care.
- Their negligence led to your broken chair accident.
- You suffered harm and loss as a direct result.
- You are within the time limit to start a claim (usually 3 years).
Not every accident will lead to a valid chair compensation claim. For example, if there was no negligence or defect and the risk of injury was not reasonably foreseeable, your claim is unlikely to succeed.
Who is responsible for injuries caused by a broken chair?
Responsibility for injuries caused by a broken chair typically depends on who was responsible for supplying or maintaining the chair or the premises where the accident occurred.
Based on the circumstances, possible liable parties for chair injury compensation include:
- The manufacturer or distributor – If the chair collapsed due to a design defect, manufacturing fault or inadequate safety information, you may be able to make a product liability claim under the Consumer Protection Act 1987.
- An employer – If you were injured due to a broken chair at work, you could make a workplace accident claim against your employer under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
- The local council – If the accident occurred on public transport or in a school, leisure centre, care home or other premises owned or maintained by the council.
- A business owner – If you were injured in a bar, restaurant, café, hotel or shopping centre, the occupier of premises may be liable under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957.
- A landlord – If the accident occurred in rented housing with provided furniture, you may be able to claim compensation from the landlord if they were responsible for the chair or failed to meet a relevant legal duty.
Common causes of broken chair accidents
Broken chair accidents in offices, restaurants and other public places are often preventable and caused by manufacturing defects or poor maintenance. Common issues include loose screws, sharp edges, unstable legs, worn materials or faulty repairs.
Broken chair compensation claims are commonly related to:
- Poor maintenance and a lack of inspections.
- Poor quality materials, improper assembly or inherent design flaws.
- Faulty gas cylinders resulting in collapses or violent pressure release.
- Wear and tear, such as loose joints, damaged frames, or sharp edges.
- Failing to repair or replace old, defective furniture.
- Loose or missing screws, bolts or fixtures.
- Overloading chairs beyond their intended weight capacity.
These risks should be identified and addressed by the responsible party before an accident occurs. Failing to do so could give rise to a personal injury claim for compensation.
What injuries can be caused by a broken chair?
A faulty chair can cause many injuries, ranging from minor bruises to severe trauma, including broken bones, head injuries and spinal injuries due to sudden falls.
The most common injuries caused by broken chairs include:
- Cuts, bruises and lacerations
- Soft tissue injuries such as sprains and strains
- Head injuries, including skull fractures and concussions
- Back injuries and spinal injuries
- Broken bones (wrists, ribs, hips or ankles)
- Facial injuries and tooth damage
- Finger amputation injuries
The type and severity of the injury you sustained will determine the amount of compensation you could receive for your claim.
How much compensation can I claim for a broken chair injury?
The compensation amount you could receive will depend on the type of injury you suffered and its impact on your life. Your claim will include compensation for two types of damages:
- General damages – for pain, suffering and loss of amenity
- Special damages – for related financial losses and expenses, such as medical costs, loss of earnings and travel expenses related to treatment
Each case is assessed individually based on medical records and recovery time, in accordance with the Judicial College Guidelines. Examples of potential compensation awards include:
| Injury | Compensation |
|---|---|
| Mild soft tissue injuries to the back or neck | £240 to £12,510 |
| Minor concussion without long-term effects | £2,210 to £12,770 |
| Lacerations causing bodily scars | £2,370 to £22,730 |
| Damage or loss of a front tooth | £2,690 to £4,820 |
| Amputation of the little finger | £10,550 to £14,940 |
| Moderate wrist fractures causing ongoing pain or stiffness | £15,370 to £29,900 |
| Serious head injuries with no employment prospects | £183,190 to £267,340 |
Your solicitor will work to secure the compensation you are entitled to receive for your injury.
What is the time limit for making a broken chair injury claim?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to start a claim under the Limitation Act 1980.
Exceptions include:
- Children – The 3-year limitation period only begins on their 18th birthday, giving them until 21 to start a compensation claim.
- Mental capacity – The time limit does not run while the injured person lacks the mental capacity to make a claim.
- Defective products – Product liability claims may also be subject to a 10-year time limit from when the product was put into circulation.
To improve your chances of success, it is best to start the claims process as soon as possible, while the evidence is easy to access.
How do I make a claim after a broken chair injury?
Making a claim for injuries caused by a broken chair involves taking several simple steps to ensure your legal rights are protected and you secure supporting evidence.
Following your accident, you should:
- Seek medical attention – Prioritise your health and have your injuries assessed, treated and documented by a healthcare professional.
- Report the accident – Inform the business owner, employer or council immediately that you were injured by a broken chair and ensure the details are recorded in their accident book.
- Collect evidence – Take photos of the faulty chair and your injuries, ask for contact details of witnesses and request CCTV footage if available.
- Document losses – Keep receipts, medical bills, payslips, and note down your symptoms, pain and suffering.
- Seek legal advice – A solicitor will assess your eligibility and send a letter of claim to the defendant if you are entitled to proceed.
Most claims are settled through negotiations with the defendant’s insurer. If liability is denied or negotiations fail, your solicitor may issue court proceedings and prepare for a court trial.
Can I make a no win no fee broken chair accident claim?
Yes. If you are entitled to make a claim for compensation, your solicitor will handle your case on a no win no fee basis. This means you pay no upfront costs and will not need to pay your solicitor for their work if the claim is unsuccessful.
If you receive compensation, a success fee capped at 25% is deducted from it and paid to your solicitor.
Frequently asked questions about broken chair injury claims
Useful evidence in faulty chair claims includes photos of the broken chair, CCTV footage, accident report forms, witness statements and medical records confirming your injuries.
Yes. A parent or legal guardian can act as a litigation friend and make a claim on behalf of a child injured by a broken chair. Any compensation awarded must be approved by a judge and will typically be released to the child on their 18th birthday.
Yes, you could potentially claim compensation for a broken chair injury at home if the accident was caused by a faulty product or a negligent landlord. If your own furniture caused the injury due to wear and tear, a claim is unlikely.
No, you do not legally need a solicitor to make a broken chair accident claim, but it is highly recommended to ensure you receive fair compensation. A solicitor will prove liability, gather supporting evidence and negotiate with insurers, which can significantly improve your chances of success.
The timeframe can vary significantly depending on the available evidence, the complexity of the case and any liability disputes. While straightforward cases may settle in a few months, more complex claims can take 1-2 years or longer.
Call 0800 470 0474 today or request a call back if you were injured in an accident involving a broken chair and want to make a claim. You will receive a free case assessment and legal advice, with no obligation.
