Slipping on an unmarked wet floor, tripping on a broken pavement slab, or falling
on poorly maintained steps might sound like minor mishaps - but the injuries that
result can be serious and long-lasting. Fractured wrists and ankles, knee injuries,
back problems, and head injuries are all common consequences of slip and trip
accidents, and the financial impact of time off work and medical costs can be
significant. Under the Occupiers' Liability (Scotland) Act 1960, the owners and
occupiers of property have a legal duty to take reasonable care to ensure that
visitors are not put at risk of harm. When they fail to meet that duty - whether
through a wet floor left without a warning sign, a cracked pavement that has been
reported but left unrepaired, or inadequate lighting on a staircase - they can be
held liable for the injuries that result.
Scotland Claims handles slip, trip and fall claims against a wide range of
responsible parties - supermarkets, retailers, restaurants, car park operators,
local councils, housing associations, and private landowners. These cases are
pursued as public liability claims, meaning the compensation comes from the
responsible party's insurer rather than directly from the individual or business
concerned. We operate on a No Win No Fee basis with a
market-leading success fee of just 15% + VAT, only payable if
your claim succeeds. There are no upfront costs and no hidden charges at any stage.
The compensation you can claim for covers your pain and suffering, any lost earnings,
medical and rehabilitation costs, and any other out-of-pocket expenses caused
directly by the accident.
Evidence is particularly important in slip and trip claims, and the sooner it is
gathered the better. Hazards are often repaired quickly once an accident has been
reported, which means photographs and witness details can be crucial. If you are
able to do so at the time, take photographs of the exact hazard that caused your
fall, note down the names or contact details of anyone who witnessed the accident,
and report the incident to the relevant manager or authority so that a formal
record is created. If you were not able to do any of these things at the time -
perhaps because of the nature of your injuries - do not worry. Our solicitors are
experienced at pursuing these claims and will advise you on what evidence is still
available and how best to use it.
If you have been injured in a slip, trip or fall in the last three years, call our
freephone helpline on 0800 611 8132,
available 24 hours a day, or complete our short online claim form and a specialist
solicitor will be in touch. Your initial assessment is completely free, entirely
confidential, and carries no obligation whatsoever. Under the Prescription and
Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973, you have three years from the date of the accident
to bring your claim - after that, the right to compensation is lost. Do not put
it off.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can be held responsible for a slip or trip accident?
Responsibility depends on where the accident happened and who is legally responsible
for maintaining that space. Supermarkets and retailers are responsible for the safety
of their shop floors. Local councils are responsible for pavements and public
footpaths. Restaurants and venues are responsible for the condition of their premises.
Landlords and housing associations have duties in relation to communal areas. In each
case, the claim is made against the relevant party's public liability insurer - not
against the individual directly.
What if there was no warning sign?
The absence of a warning sign - for a wet floor, a step change in level, or a
known hazard - is a significant factor in establishing that the responsible party
was negligent. However, the absence of a sign alone does not automatically determine
the outcome of a claim. We will look at the full circumstances, including how long
the hazard had been present, whether it was reported, and what cleaning or inspection
regime was in place. These details matter, and our solicitors know how to investigate
and present them effectively.
What evidence should I try to gather?
If you are able to do so safely at the time of the accident, photographs of the
exact hazard are invaluable. Witness details, a formal accident report lodged with
the business or council, and your medical records will all support your claim.
CCTV footage can also be critical - but it is often overwritten within days, so
the sooner we can request its preservation the better. Contact us as quickly as
you can and we will advise you on what steps to take.
Can I claim if I was partly to blame for the fall?
Possibly. Under Scots law, contributory negligence means that even where you bear
some responsibility for an accident, you may still be entitled to a reduced level
of compensation. For example, if you were distracted or not watching where you were
going, your award may be reduced - but that does not necessarily mean there is no
claim to pursue. We will assess your case honestly and advise you on the realistic
prospects before you decide to proceed.
How long do I have to make a claim?
In Scotland, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to bring
a personal injury claim. This deadline is strict - missing it means losing your
right to compensation regardless of how strong your case might be. If your accident
happened recently, the most important thing you can do right now is get in touch
so we can start protecting your position.
How much compensation could I receive?
The value of a slip or trip claim depends on the nature and severity of your injuries,
how long your recovery takes, and any financial losses you have incurred as a result.
Common injuries such as ankle fractures, wrist injuries, and knee damage can attract
awards ranging from a few thousand pounds to significantly more, depending on the
circumstances. After a free initial assessment, we will give you a realistic estimate
based specifically on your case.