You’re walking through a shop, maybe eyeing the special offers or just trying to get in and out quickly, when suddenly, you lose your footing. One unexpected slip, one awkward step, and you’re on the ground. It’s painful. It’s shocking. You’re left wondering what just happened. If that sounds familiar, you could be entitled to a slip and fall accident claim, and what you do next could make all the difference.
It’s surprising how fast a normal day can turn into a stressful one. A fall can result in missed work, medical expenses, and weeks (or even months) of recovery. It’s more than just a bump or a bruise. But the good news? You don’t have to figure it out on your own.
32% of non-fatal workplace injuries in 2022–23 were caused by slips, trips, and falls, which is the most common reason for accidents on ground level.
In the broader UK economy, slips, trips, and falls cost up to £1.1 billion annually, with a break or fracture every 25 minutes.
In this guide, we’ll go over everything you need to do right away following a slip trip or fall. Making a claim doesn’t have to be difficult.
Now is the moment to take charge, and we’re here to support you at every turn.
Let’s get started.
Prioritise your health and safety after a slip and fall accident claim
Before anything else, make sure you’re okay. If you’re seriously hurt, call 999 or ask someone nearby for help. Even if the injury seems minor, it’s still a good idea to visit A&E or your doctor as soon as possible. Certain injuries, like concussions or soft tissue damage, may not show up for hours or days.
Why it matters: Seeking prompt medical attention not only ensures your safety but creates an official medical record, which becomes vital evidence for your slip and fall accident claim.
Report the incident immediately to make your slip and fall accident claim stronger
Whether your fall happened in a supermarket, car park, shopping centre, or another public space, report the accident to the management of the premises or owner right away. Request a copy for your records and ask them to log the incident in their accident book.
In cases involving a public place accident claim, such as a council-owned path or park, notify the local authority.
Getting the incident formally documented strengthens your claim.
Gather evidence on the spot
Your mobile phone is your best tool for gathering evidence
Take detailed pictures of:
- The area where you fell (such as a wet floor, uneven surface)
- Any warning signs (or lack thereof)
- Your injuries
- Your shoes (to rule out the cause of improper footwear)
Also, get the witnesses’ names and contact information. This firsthand evidence can make or break your case.
Advice: If you had to pay for painkillers, taxis, or any related expenses, save your receipts. These receipts can later be submitted as evidence.
This is the evidence needed for a fall injury claim that supports the amount of your compensation and helps establish liability.
Understand your rights in a supermarket or shop
If you slipped in a retail environment, like a supermarket chain or local shop, you might be entitled to make a slip and fall claim in a supermarket. Retailers are required by UK law to make sure their premises are safe for customers.
Common causes include:
- Spilled liquids with no warning signs
- Loose floor tiles or rugs
- Poor lighting
- Recently cleaned floors without notices
You may have grounds for a strong claim if their negligence caused your injury. We can evaluate your case at this point and assist in demonstrating that the business breached its duty of care.
Avoid speaking to insurers before getting legal advice
After a fall, you might be contacted by the store’s insurer or legal team. They might request a statement or make a quick settlement.
Be cautious.
Never accept an offer or acknowledge fault without consulting a personal injury solicitor.
Insurance companies are adept at minimising claims. A skilled slip and fall claim solicitor will make sure your rights are protected and you don’t get taken advantage of.
Fall injury cases are the area of expertise for Claim Time Solicitors. From collecting evidence to negotiating the best settlement, we’ll guide you through every step. Additionally, there are no up-front costs to get started because we operate on a no-win, no-fee basis
Slip and fall accident claim payouts: What you could be entitled to
You might be wondering: how much is a slip and fall claim worth? While every case is different, your claim could cover:
- Medical expenses (including private treatment)
- Lost earnings (if you’ve had to take time off work)
- Travel expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Future care needs
Compensation can range from £1,000 to over £130,000, depending on the area and the severity of your injury and its impact on your life.
Deadlines matter: Don’t miss the limitation period
In the UK, you usually have three years from the date of the accident to start a claim. However, there are exceptions:
- If the injured person is under 18, the 3-year clock starts on their 18th birthday.
- There might not even be a time limit for mentally incapable people.
Acting early strengthens your case. CCTV may be erased, memories fade, and witnesses become more difficult to contact.
Pro tip: Get the CCTV footage as soon as possible if your injury occurred on council or retail property. The majority of systems remove recordings after 30 days.
Essential checklist: What to do after a slip and fall accident claim
Here’s your quick-reference guide for what to do after a fall:
- Get medical help
- Report the incident
- Take photos and gather evidence
- Speak to witnesses
- Keep receipts and injury records
- Don’t engage with insurers before getting legal advice.
- Contact us for free legal advice
Your chances of a successful claim can be significantly increased by taking these actions early.
Ready to take the next step?
A caring team will work tirelessly for you, take care of the legal complexities, and put in endless effort to get you back on your feet both financially and physically.
The fall wasn’t your fault.
But the recovery? That’s yours to own.
Let’s help you move forward with expert legal guidance and a claim that gets results.
Call us on 0800 970 2727 or request a free call-back for a free initial consultation.
From slip to strength, your path to justice starts here.
