Slip on ice compensation claims

If you’ve slipped on ice and suffered an injury, contact us to find out if you can make a slip on ice claim for personal injury compensation.

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slip on ice claims

Slip on Ice Claims

During winter, many public footpaths, pavements and car parks may become slippery and hazardous for members of the public. That is why local councils and private business owners have a duty to keep all the premises they control free of ice and snow to prevent slipping and falling accidents. Failing to do this can result in various injuries ranging from mild bruises to severe brain trauma.

If you were injured due to icy conditions outside a supermarket, on a pavement or at work, you might be eligible to make a slip on ice claim. You could recover damages for your pain and suffering, as well as the financial losses related to your accident.

To find out if you can make a personal injury claim for compensation, call 0800 470 0474 for a free case assessment or enter your details here to request a call back.

Find out if you can claim

Call 0800 470 0474 now or request a call back below:

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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.

    Duty of councils and property owners to clear icy pavements

    Under the Highways Act 1980, local councils have a legal duty to maintain all roads and paths they are in control of. They must ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, that these are safe for public use and not endangered by ice or snow.

    Councils should monitor weather conditions and respond appropriately by salting and gritting all areas where ice may pose a significant danger, such as main roads and areas near schools, hospitals and public transport routes. Failing to do this could make your local council liable for any injury you may suffer from a fall on ice.

    Likewise, owners of public places such as car parks, supermarkets, and shops must ensure that visitors are reasonably safe when using their premises. Their duties are stated by the Occupiers Liability Act 1957 and include:

    • Carry out regular inspections to identify icy paths, entrances and other areas;
    • Take steps to reduce the risk of slipping and falling, such as salting or clearing snow;
    • Place visible warning signs to inform visitors when icy conditions are present;
    • Ensure all footpaths and car parks have proper lighting to ensure icy areas are visible.

    Am I eligible to claim for a slip and fall on ice?

    The easiest way to find out if you could be entitled to compensation for your fall on ice is through a free consultation with a legal adviser. They will ask you a few questions to determine whether:

    • The party you are claiming against owed you a duty of care.
    • They breached their duty towards you and caused a slip or fall on ice.
    • You were injured as a result of their negligence.

    Your solicitor will prove that a duty of care existed based on the above-mentioned legislation. It is essential to remember that you can make a claim even if you are partially responsible for your injuries, as long as another party has more than 50% of the blame. In this case, you would receive a reduced compensation award to reflect your contributory negligence.

    Common injuries caused by slips on ice or snow

    A slip and fall on ice can result in various injuries, some of which can be life-changing and result in a permanent disability. Some of the most common ones include:

    • Fractures. Falling on ice often leads to a broken wrist, arm, or hand as people instinctively reach out to break their fall.
    • Head injuries. Slipping can cause you to hit your head, leading to a concussion, traumatic brain injury, or contusion.
    • Sprains and strains. The ligaments, tendons, and muscles in the ankles, knees, and wrists are susceptible to sprains and strains from the sudden movements experienced when slipping.
    • Back and spine injuries. A hard landing on ice can result in herniated discs, spinal fractures, or muscle strains in the back.
    • Cuts and bruises. Falls can cause less severe injuries, such as lacerations, scrapes, and bruising.
    • Dislocations. Shoulders, knees, and other joints may shift out of their usual position from the impact or twisting during a fall.
    • Hip injuries. Hip fractures and dislocations are common injuries caused by a fall on ice, particularly in older adults.

    You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries if they were caused by another party’s negligence in maintaining their premises.

    Can I make a claim if I was injured from a slip on ice at work?

    Your employer has a legal duty to keep you safe while doing your job, as covered by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. They must take all reasonable measures to reduce or eliminate the risk of accidents, including slipping on ice at work. Their duties include:

    • Regularly assess the dangers posed by outdoor areas in winter to identify where ice and snow could give rise to slippery surfaces;
    • Take precautions to prevent or reduce hazards, such as salting and gritting walkways, entrances and parking areas;
    • Put up warning signs to alert employees to potential slip hazards when icy conditions are present;
    • When necessary, provide proper anti-slip footwear to improve grip on slippery areas;
    • Provide training to employees on safe work practices in icy conditions;
    • Ensure there is adequate lighting and visibility in areas prone to ice to help you see and avoid slippery spots.

    If you fall on ice or snow at work due to your employer’s negligence, you may be able to claim compensation. Your employer cannot sack you or discipline you for taking legal action. If they retaliate, a specialist lawyer could help you make a further claim under employment law.

    What evidence do I need to make a slip on ice claim?

    You will need sufficient evidence to make a compensation claim for a slip or trip on snow or ice. This evidence should prove how the accident happened and how it has affected you. The type of proof you could use includes:

    • Pictures of the accident scene and your injuries as soon as possible following your slip and fall;
    • Visual documentation of your recovery process and any long-lasting consequences such as scarring or deformity;
    • Copies of any relevant footage if your fall was caught on CCTV cameras;
    • Statements from witnesses who can help clarify what happened if liability is denied;
    • Medical evidence from your GP or the hospital that treated you will help prove the extent of your injuries and the treatments you received;
    • A statement from a medical specialist regarding the long-term effects of your injuries and your future care needs;
    • A copy of an accident report filed with the responsible party;
    • Your testimony regarding the occurrence and its impact on your life;
    • You will also need financial records to support your claim for any losses and expenses.

    Can I make a compensation claim on behalf of a loved one?

    If your loved one suffered an injury due to a slip on an icy pavement, you may be able to make a claim on their behalf. For this, you must apply to the court to be appointed as their litigation friend. A personal injury lawyer will help you fill in and file the necessary documents and evidence. This is needed to prove that you are fit for the role and can make fair decisions about the claim.

    Once appointed as a litigation friend, you will have several responsibilities, which include:

    • Sign in legal documents and attend court hearings;
    • Take legal advice and instruct solicitors;
    • Pay any fees requested by the court;
    • Make decisions that are in the claimant’s best interests;
    • Consider any compensation offers from the defendant.

    The litigation friend process is typically used if the claimant is a child under 18 or an adult who lacks mental capacity due to one of the following:

    • A brain injury
    • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
    • An intellectual disability such as autism
    • A neurological disorder like dementia
    • A mental health disease such as schizophrenia

    If you win compensation for a loved one, you must typically go to court, where a judge will look at the available evidence and decide whether the compensation amount agreed is fair. Once approved, the money will usually be kept in a court bank account or a personal injury trust until the injured person becomes an adult or regains mental capacity.

    How long do I have to claim for slipping on ice or snow?

    Under the Limitation Act 1980, you have three years to claim compensation after a slip or fall on ice or snow. This time limit begins on the date of your accident or the date when your injuries were diagnosed, whichever comes first. Once this time expires, the court will no longer accept your case, even if it has merit.

    A few exceptions apply to the standard three-year time limit:

    • Child injury claims can be made at any time by a parent or legal guardian, no matter when the incident took place. Once they turn 18, the injured child will have until the age of 21 to seek compensation themselves.
    • The time limit is suspended if the claimant cannot handle legal proceedings, and a litigation friend can represent them anytime. This could be due to a brain injury caused by the fall or a pre-existing condition such as Down syndrome.
    • If you have had a slip and fall accident abroad, the time limit may vary from country to country and may be shorter than two years.
    • Claims for fatal injuries have a three-year time limit from when a loved one passed away.

    How long will my claim for falling on ice take?

    Each personal injury compensation claim is unique, so the time it may take to settle can range from several months to several years. Your solicitor will work hard to get your compensation as soon as possible, but this will depend on several factors, such as:

    • The availability of evidence when you contact a personal injury solicitor;
    • The circumstances of your accident;
    • The nature and extent of your injuries;
    • Your recovery process and any long-term effects of the harm you suffered;
    • The complexity of the case and whether you know the defendant’s identity;
    • The estimated value of your personal injury compensation;
    • Whether the other party admits liability or you have to go to court;
    • The time it takes to negotiate your settlement.

    As mentioned above, your case can take years to resolve, during which you may be unable to work and incur substantial financial losses. However, if the defendant admits liability or you have compelling evidence, your solicitor can secure interim payments from them for any immediate financial needs you have, such as medical bills or the cost of living.

    How much compensation can I claim for a slip or fall on ice?

    The amount of compensation you could receive for a slip and fall on ice will depend on the circumstances of the accident, the resulting injuries and their impact on your life. The compensation claim for your injuries will consider two types of damages:

    • General damages cover the consequences of the physical and psychological injuries caused by the ice accident. Examples include physical pain, mental anguish, loss of a unique career and any impact on your hobbies and regular activities (loss of amenities).
    • Special damages cover financial losses and expenses stemming from your accident. These could include but are not limited to lost wages during recovery, loss of earning capacity, travel expenses, medical costs and home modifications to accommodate a disability.

    The compensation for special damages is calculated based on financial documents such as receipts and invoices, as they have a precise monetary value attached to them. General damages are based on the type and severity of your injuries and are awarded according to the guidelines from the Judicial College.

    Based on our compensation calculator, you could receive up to £12,010 for mild leg injuries with recovery within several months and over £400,000 for very severe head injuries with loss of independence.

    How much will it cost to make an accident claim for a slip on ice?

    If you have a valid claim for a fall on ice, seeking compensation will not cost you anything. Your solicitor will offer you a no win no fee service, which means that:

    • You do not have to pay them anything upfront, so you can start your claim regardless of your financial status;
    • If you win your compensation claim, your solicitor will receive a success fee that cannot be more than 25% of your settlement;
    • If you lose the claim for slipping on ice, you do not have to pay them anything, meaning you are not taking any financial risks.

    You can also take out After the Event (ATE) insurance before starting the claims process for further peace of mind and reduced stress. This insurance policy will cover all the litigation costs if the defendant wins, including legal fees, court fees, expert witnesses and the cost of medical reports. You only pay the ATE premium if and after you receive your compensation award.

    To find out if you can make a no win no fee claim following a slip on ice, call 0800 470 0474 or use our online claim form to request a call back.