Winter in the UK can bring magical scenes of frost and snow, but one wrong step on the icy path can make it a painful memory. If you’ve ever asked whether you could claim for slipping on ice, you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of people suffer injuries due to icy conditions, and many are unsure about their rights or whether they can claim compensation.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know, who’s responsible, how personal injury claims work, key deadlines, and real UK stats to help you understand the risks and your legal options.
Slips, trips, and falls are among the most common causes of workplace injuries in the UK. During the winter periods of 2017-20, an estimated 971,000 working days were lost due to such injuries.
Each year, over 7,000 people in the UK are admitted to hospital after falling on snow or ice, according to the NHS Information Centre.
UK councils spend over £100 million each year on gritting roads and pavements to reduce accidents.
Why do so many people slip on ice in winter?
Slipping on ice isn’t just annoying, it can be really dangerous. According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), injuries from slips and falls shoot up during the winter because of icy conditions. Over 38,000 people in the UK end up in hospital each year after slipping on ice or snow.
Hospitals also see a big jump in emergency visits during cold weather, with people coming in for everything from twisted ankles to broken bones and head injuries. NHS England backs this up, showing that icy conditions lead to thousands more A&E trips every winter, which puts extra pressure on the health system.
And it’s not just walkers at risk. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) says workplace accidents rise by about 50% in icy months, especially when businesses don’t properly grit or clear paths.
Can you claim if you slip on ice? Know your rights
Slipped on ice and wondering if you can claim?
The answer is yes, if someone else is responsible. In the UK, you might be entitled to compensation if your fall was caused by someone not doing what they should have to keep things safe.
Who can be held responsible?
1. Local councils: ( Streets, pavements, and public paths)
Councils are in charge of keeping public footpaths and roads safe, especially in icy weather. They’re expected to take “reasonable steps”, like gritting busy pavements and roads.
But here’s the deal: they don’t have to clear every patch of ice- that’s just not realistic in heavy snow. If you slipped on a well-used path or road that should’ve been gritted (but wasn’t) and the council knew about the risk, you might have a claim on your hands.
Example: The council ignored icy weather warnings and didn’t grit a known trouble spot, which equals potential liability.
2. Shops and businesses: (car parks, entrances, and more)
If you slipped outside a shop or in a business’s car park, they might be responsible. Businesses must keep customers safe- that includes putting salt or grit down and putting down warning signs when it’s slippery.
The key question here is, should they have known it was dangerous?
Example: If other people had slipped in the same spot before and nothing was done, that’s a big red flag.
3. Employers (Workplace accidents)
Your boss has a legal duty to keep your workplace safe, even outdoors. That includes gritting entrances, walkways, or car parks used by staff.
If you slipped on untreated ice at work, you could have a strong case. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is clear: employers must assess risks and take action to stop slips.
Example: No grit, no signs, no plan equals no excuse.
Slipped on ice on the path—Can I claim?
Slipping on ice might seem like just bad luck, but if someone else was meant to keep things safe and didn’t, you could’ve a right to claim compensation. The law requires councils to take “reasonable care” but doesn’t demand perfection. They aren’t expected to remove all ice and snow, but must act where risks are clear and significant.
Courts will look at factors like:
- How busy the path or road is?
- Whether the council had a gritting plan in place?
- If the council had prior knowledge of the dangerous condition
If you fell in an area the council should have treated but didn’t, you could be entitled to compensation.
How long do I have to claim for slipping on ice?
If you’ve slipped on ice and want to make a claim, you usually have three years from the date of the accident to get things started. If you miss that deadline, you might lose the chance to claim compensation, even if the fall wasn’t your fault.
For children, the clock doesn’t start ticking until they turn 18, so they’ve got until their 21st birthday to claim. And for people who aren’t able to make decisions for themselves due to some mental incapability, the time limit can be extended.
It’s best not to leave it for too long. The sooner you get advice, the easier it is to gather things like photos or witness details that could strengthen your case. So if you’re thinking about claiming, we recommend acting promptly.
The personal injury claim process explained
Wondering what happens once you decide to claim? Here’s a simple step-by-step:
1. Get checked out first:
Your health comes first. Always. Whether it’s a bruised ego or a broken bone, see a doctor right away. Plus, your medical records will help back up your claim later.
2. Snap some pictures and take notes:
If you can, grab a few photos of where you slipped, the icy patch, lack of warning signs, anything that shows what happened. And if anyone saw you fall, get their name and number. That kind of information is golden.
3. Report the accident
Let the right people know what happened. That might be your local council, a shop manager, or your employer, depending on where the accident took place. Reporting it early makes your case stronger.
4. Get legal advice from experts
Reach out to a personal injury solicitor (don’t worry, we offer free chats to see if you have a case). We’ll let you know your options, no pressure.
5. Let the pros take it from there
If you’ve got a claim, your solicitor will do the heavy lifting. We’ll gather evidence, talk to insurers, and even go to court if needed- all while keeping you in the loop.
How much compensation could I receive?
Compensation depends on several factors, including:
- Minor injuries (like bruises or a sprained wrist): around £1,000 to £4,000
- Moderate injuries (broken bones or longer recovery): around £4,000 to £12,000
- Serious injuries ( like head injuries or permanent damage): anything from £12,000 up to £100,000+
But that’s not all, your personal injury solicitor will also look at extra costs, like
- Time off work and lost wages.
- Medical bills
- Travel to appointments
- Care or support if you needed help at home
The more your injury has messed with your life, the more your compensation could be.
What if my slip claim ends up in court? Don’t panic- here’s the deal
Let’s be real, the word “court” can sound a bit scary. But here’s the good news: most slip and fall claims don’t even get that far. The majority are settled through negotiations before you ever see a courtroom.
But if your claim goes to court, don’t stress- you won’t face it alone.
We at Claim Time Solicitors will prepare everything, walk you through the process, and advocate for you every step of the way. Think of us as your legal bodyguard.
Why choose Claim Time Solicitors for your winter injury claim?
We have helped hundreds of people just like you get the compensation they deserve after slipping on ice or getting hurt during winter sports. We are friendly, experienced, and ready to fight for you. We don’t charge you a penny unless we win.
Here’s why people across the UK choose us:
- No win, no fee: you don’t pay a penny unless we win your case. Zero risk, all reward.
- Free- no pressure advice: just want to chat and see if you’ve got a case? No problem. We’re here to help.
- Nationwide support: from big cities to quiet towns, we’ve got you covered wherever you are.
- Friendly, expert help: our team knows their stuff and they will guide you every step of the way.
At Claim Time, we believe getting justice shouldn’t be complicated or stressful, especially when you’re already dealing with an injury. So if you’ve had a winter wobble and it wasn’t your fault, let’s talk.
Ready to start your claim?
Drop us a message or give us a ring- 0800 970 2727. We are here to help you land on your feet again. Remember, time is limited, so don’t delay in seeking advice.
