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If you’ve tripped on a pavement defect and suffered an injury, we can help you make a pavement accident compensation claim with a No Win No Fee service.

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Pavement Injury Claims

If you have suffered an injury due to an accident on a pavement, you could be entitled to make a pavement injury claim for compensation.

A heavy fall on a pavement can cause serious head and facial injuries. Broken bones are also common, especially in areas of the body such as the hands, wrists, elbows and ankles.

If you’ve suffered an injury that wasn’t your fault, our nationwide team of personal injury solicitors can help you get the compensation you deserve for your pain, suffering and financial losses.

To find out within minutes if you are entitled to claim compensation, call 0800 470 0474 or arrange a call back today to receive a free case assessment.

Key points about pavement accident claims

Can I claim?
You may be able to claim if you tripped on a damaged or uneven pavement and were injured as a result.
Who is liable?
The local council or landowner may be responsible for failing to maintain the pavement in a safe condition.
What is the time limit?
Claims must generally be made within 3 years of the accident date, with exceptions for children and people who lack mental capacity.
How much can I claim?
Payouts vary depending on the type of injury, severity, recovery time, and any loss of earnings.
How much will it cost to claim?
Your solicitor will handle your case on a no win, no fee basis – so if they don’t win your claim, you won’t pay a penny.

If you would like to speak to a legal adviser about making a claim, call free on 0800 470 0474 or click here to request a call back.

Find out if you can claim

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By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy. With no win no fee you typically pay 25% of your compensation if your claim is successful, but the fee can vary. Termination fees may apply if you fail to co-operate with your solicitor.

Table of Contents

Can I make a pavement accident claim for the injuries I have suffered?

Yes, if you have suffered an injury due to a pavement accident, you may have a valid claim against the council or highway authority responsible for the area where you had your fall.

Keeping pavements completely flat and risk-free would be an almost impossible task, so not every accident will lead to a valid claim. To be awarded compensation, you must prove that:

The pavement defect that caused you to trip and fall was a minimum of 2.5cm deep or high.
You were owed a legal duty of care by the party in control of the pavement.
This duty was breached through negligence, which led to your accident.
You suffered an injury or injuries as a result, within the last three years.

Who is responsible for maintaining pavements in the UK?

In the UK, the responsibility for maintaining pavements typically falls on the local government or council, under the Highways Act 1980. Their duties include:

Inspect the condition of public pavements regularly.
Repair any defects or hazards on pavements within a reasonable timeframe.
Remove any obstructions that may pose a danger.
Clearly signpost any hazards or risks.
Promptly respond to any complaints about defects or hazards.
Restrict or control access to pavements when necessary.

If the pavement is located on private property, the responsibility for its maintenance falls on the property owner under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957.

How much time do I have to start my pavement accident claim?

You usually have 3 years from when the pavement accident happened to start a personal injury claim. Exceptions include:

Lack of mental capacity – The time limit is suspended permanently or until recovery.
Injured children – Claims involving children can be made by a parent at any time before the child’s 18th birthday.

What steps should I take to make a pavement accident compensation claim?

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident while walking on a pavement within the UK, there are a number of steps you should take:

Visit your GP or the hospital to have your injuries assessed as soon as possible.
Take photos of the cause of the accident, using everyday objects (such as coins) to show the size of the defect.
If anybody witnessed your accident, ask for their names and contact information.
Report the incident to the local council that is responsible for the area and ask for a signed copy of the report.
Keep details of your injuries, how they have affected your life and any related financial losses.
Speak to a specialist solicitor to find out if you can start a claim.

How much compensation can I claim for a pavement accident?

The amount of compensation for a pavement accident will take into account:

Pain and suffering – This is known as general damages and is an amount of compensation based on the type of injury or injuries you have sustained.
Medical expenses – The cost of any treatments needed to aid your recovery, such as painkillers or rehabilitative therapy.
Care costs – Help and assistance with daily tasks, even if provided by friends or family.
Travel costs – Expenses related to medical appointments and alternative transport if you can no longer drive.
Loss of earnings – Lost income by having to take time off work or reducing your hours as a result of your injuries.

Compensation Calculator

Use our compensation calculator to find out how much compensation your pavement accident could be worth. It only takes a couple of minutes.

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Can I make a personal injury claim with a no win no fee service?

Yes, all valid accident claims are taken on a 100% no win no fee basis, including those for pavement trips and falls. This means:

There are no upfront costs to start your claim and no financial risks.
You won’t pay your solicitor if they cannot win your pavement accident claim.

You will only pay a fee to your solicitor if they successfully win your compensation claim. This is called a success fee and is capped at a maximum of 25% of the compensation that you are awarded.

What are the main causes of pavement accidents?

Some common causes of pavement accidents that may entitle you to make a pavement injury claim for compensation include:

Poorly maintained pavements – Pavements that are in disrepair, with cracks, potholes, or uneven surfaces, causing you to sustain injuries from a trip and fall.
Poor weather conditions – Rain, snow, and ice can make pavements slippery, increasing the risk of falls.
Obstructions – Objects or debris on the pavement, such as tree roots, rubbish or building materials.
Poor lighting – Poorly lit areas can make it difficult to see hazards on the pavement, increasing the risk of falls.
Lack of safety measures – Pavements with no warning or safety measures in place, such as no barriers, signs or cones to warn of hazards.
Damaged street furniture – Benches, bicycle racks, manholes, or posts found along pavements could also potentially cause accidents and injuries.

Common injuries caused by trips or falls on a pavement

Pavement accidents are common and can cause moderate to serious injuries, including:

Broken bones – Fractures to various bones in the body, which can require a long time to heal and may cause permanent mobility issues.
Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) – A brain injury can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including memory loss, difficulty concentrating or permanent disability.
Back and spinal cord injuries – This can range from minor rib bruising to severe spinal cord trauma, which can lead to temporary or permanent paralysis.
Soft tissue injuries – Injuries to the ligaments, muscles and tendons, such as sprains, strains, whiplash injuries and contusions.
Lacerations and abrasions – Falling on debris, broken glass, or the pavement itself can cause laceration injuries and permanent visible scars.
Internal injuries – Internal injuries, such as organ damage and internal bleeding, may occur in some severe accidents.

No matter how severe your injuries are, as long as someone else was to blame, you might be entitled to make a pavement accident compensation claim.

Can I make a pavement injury claim on behalf of someone else?

Yes, you could make a pavement injury claim on behalf of someone else by becoming their litigation friend. This could be the case if they are:

A child under the age of 18.
An adult who lacks the mental capacity to handle a claim.

You may need to provide evidence of your relationship with the person, your understanding of their needs and wishes, and your ability to make decisions in their best interests. Your solicitor will help you fill out and file all the necessary documents.

Find out if you have a valid pavement trip claim

If you have suffered a slip, trip or fall on a pavement and feel that the council or somebody else was responsible, call 0800 470 0474 today or request a call back for free legal advice.

You will be connected with an experienced solicitor to assess the circumstances of your accident and determine if you have a valid claim. During this assessment, you will also receive answers to any questions you may have.

As mentioned above, your injury solicitor will provide a 100% no win no fee service if you have a valid claim. This means there are no upfront costs, and you will have nothing to pay if you don’t win compensation.

Last edited on 4th Dec 2025

With over 15 years’ experience in the legal sector, Nicholas Tate (LLB Hons, LLM in Health Law) has extensive experience across all areas of personal injury and medical negligence claims.