Slips, Trips and Falls Claims

A slips, trips and falls claim is a legal claim for compensation when you are injured because a property owner, occupier, employer, or local authority failed to keep premises or walkways reasonably safe. If you have suffered a slip, trip or fall accident caused by someone else’s negligence – in a supermarket, at work, on a pavement, or in another public place, you may be entitled to claim compensation for your injuries and financial losses.

What is the average payout for a slip and fall in the UK? Compensation varies widely. Minor soft tissue injuries may attract between £1,000 and £4,000, while serious fractures or head injuries can exceed £40,000. Additional losses – such as lost wages, care costs and rehabilitation — are added separately, so total settlements can be substantially higher.

At Hannah Gold Solicitors, our specialist solicitors handle slips, trips and falls claims across England and Wales on a No Win No Fee basis with a 20% success fee cap – not the 25% many firms charge. Over the last 15 years we have recovered more than £21 million in compensation for injured clients. Your case is handled by a senior solicitor from first contact to settlement, not passed to call centres or junior case handlers.

We act for clients nationwide across England and Wales.
Free assessment. No upfront costs. 20% success fee cap.

Can I Claim for a Slip, Trip or Fall?

Yes — if the accident was caused by negligence.
You may have a valid claim if:

• There was a wet or slippery floor with no warning sign
• A supermarket aisle was not properly inspected for spillages
• Pavements, steps or kerbs were uneven, broken or poorly maintained
• Walkways were obstructed or poorly lit
• Spillages were not cleaned within a reasonable time
• Flooring was defective, loose or unsafe
• Risk assessments and inspection systems were not carried out or followed

Occupiers and employers owe a duty of care to keep premises reasonably safe for visitors, customers, employees and other lawful users. Under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957, property owners and occupiers must take reasonable steps to prevent foreseeable accidents. If that duty is breached and you are injured, you may be entitled to compensation.

If you are unsure whether your accident was caused by negligence, we can assess this for you as part of a free initial consultation.

Where Do Slip and Fall Accidents Happen?

Slip, trip and fall claims commonly arise in:

Supermarket Accidents

Wet floors, leaking fridges or freezers, dropped produce, unmarked spillages and poor inspection systems are common causes of supermarket accidents. Supermarkets must have and follow a robust system of inspection and cleaning to keep aisles reasonably safe.

Workplace Slips and Trips

Spillages, trailing cables, poor housekeeping, unsafe flooring and inadequate lighting at work frequently cause slip and trip injuries. Employers must carry out risk assessments, maintain safe walkways and act on hazards promptly.

Pavement and Public Place Falls

Uneven or broken paving slabs, raised kerbs, potholes, missing manhole covers, damaged steps and poorly maintained public walkways can all cause serious injuries. Local authorities and other responsible bodies must inspect and maintain highways and public footpaths. Claims against councils often turn on inspection records and whether defects met intervention criteria under the Highways Act 1980.

Even if your accident did not happen in a shop or at work — for example, in a car park, shopping centre, hospital, restaurant, bar, or other public venue, you may still have a valid slip or trip claim. We will identify who owed you a duty of care and whether that duty was breached.

How Much Compensation Can You Claim?

Compensation depends on:

• The type and severity of your injury
• How long it takes you to recover
• Whether you are left with long-term symptoms or disability
• The impact on your ability to work and earn
• Your out-of-pocket expenses and future financial losses

Below are typical guideline ranges for general damages (the injury element only):
(Figures correct as of February 2026 and based on the Judicial College Guidelines.)

Injury Type	Typical Compensation Range
Minor soft tissue injury (sprain, bruising)	£1,000 – £4,000
Moderate soft tissue injury (longer recovery)	£4,000 – £11,000
Minor fracture (wrist, ankle, small bone)	£5,000 – £15,000
Serious fracture requiring surgery	£15,000 – £40,000
Hip or pelvis fracture (moderate)	£12,500 – £36,000
Head injury (moderate)	£15,000 – £50,000+
Spinal injury with ongoing symptoms	£30,000 – £150,000+

On top of this, you may also claim:

• Past and future loss of earnings
• Overtime and bonus loss
• Care and assistance (paid or unpaid)
• Medical treatment and rehabilitation costs
• Travel expenses and prescription charges
• Adaptations, equipment and other out-of-pocket expenses

Call 0300 373 5366 — Free consultation. No Win No Fee. 20% success fee cap.

How Is Slip and Fall Compensation Calculated?

Slip and fall settlements are calculated by combining two elements:

• General damages — compensation for your pain, suffering and loss of amenity, using the Judicial College Guidelines and comparing your case to similar decided cases
• Special damages — your financial losses, based on evidence such as payslips, invoices, receipts and care records

Key factors include:

• Independent medical evidence describing your injury, treatment, recovery and long-term prognosis
• The impact on your ability to work and perform daily activities
• The care and support you have needed from family, friends or paid carers
• Any future treatment or rehabilitation you are likely to require

There is no fixed “average” payout. Two people with apparently similar injuries can receive very different settlements depending on their job, income, responsibilities and recovery.

What Is the Time Limit?

You usually have:

• 3 years from the date of the accident, or
• 3 years from your 18th birthday if you were injured as a child

In claims against local authorities or large retailers, CCTV footage and inspection records are often crucial evidence — but these are routinely deleted or overwritten after a short period (for example, 28–31 days). Getting early legal advice helps ensure key evidence is preserved before it disappears.

If you are unsure whether you are still in time to claim, contact us as soon as possible. We can advise on any exceptions that might apply.

Is It No Win No Fee?

Yes.

Slip, trip and fall claims are usually funded by a Conditional Fee Agreement — commonly known as a No Win No Fee agreement.

• No upfront costs to start your claim
• No legal fees to pay if your claim is unsuccessful
• A 20% success fee cap if your claim succeeds — not the 25% maximum many firms charge

Our success fee is deducted from your compensation at the end of the case and is clearly explained before you sign anything.

Why Choose Hannah Gold Solicitors for Your Slip, Trip and Fall Claim?

Typical Personal Injury Firm	Hannah Gold Solicitors
25% success fee (maximum allowed)	20% success fee cap
Claims handled by call centres and case handlers	Your claim handled by a senior solicitor throughout
Focus on quick, early settlements	Focus on full valuation of all losses before settlement
Generic approach to liability	Detailed analysis of Occupiers’ Liability and Highways duties

• Over £21 million recovered for injured clients over 15 years, including many slips, trips and falls claims
• Senior solicitor handling your case from start to finish — you are not passed from person to person
• Clear advice on liability, evidence and likely settlement ranges from the outset
• Strong focus on preserving CCTV, inspection logs and cleaning records before they are lost
• No Win No Fee with a 20% success fee cap — leaving you with more of your compensation
• Acting for clients across England and Wales

This content is reviewed by a senior solicitor regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA No. 560755).

Frequently Asked Questions

Last reviewed by a senior solicitor regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority — February 2026.

What is the average payout for a slip and fall in the UK?

There is no fixed average. Minor soft tissue injuries may settle for £1,000 to £4,000. Serious fractures or head injuries can result in £15,000 to £40,000 or more. Your overall settlement will also depend on lost earnings, care costs and other financial losses.

Can I claim if there was no warning sign?

Yes — if the occupier failed to take reasonable steps to make the area safe. A missing or inadequate warning sign on a wet or slippery floor is a common basis for liability. However, even with a warning sign, the occupier can still be liable if the overall system of inspection and cleaning was inadequate.

How long do slip and fall claims take?

Straightforward claims where liability is admitted early may settle within 6 to 12 months. More complex cases — for example where liability is disputed or injuries are serious — can take 12 to 24 months or longer. We do not recommend settling until your long-term prognosis and financial losses are properly understood.

Who pays compensation in a slip and fall claim?

Compensation is usually paid by the occupier’s public liability insurer or your employer’s employers’ liability insurer — not by individuals personally. The insurer investigates liability and, where negligence is established, pays the settlement to you or your solicitor.

What evidence do I need for a slip and fall claim?

Useful evidence includes accident book entries, photographs of the defect or spillage, CCTV footage (if available), names and contact details of witnesses, medical records, and receipts or payslips showing your financial losses. Do not worry if you do not have everything — we will help gather evidence on your behalf.

Start Your Slip, Trip and Fall Claim Today

Early legal advice strengthens your position and helps preserve vital evidence.

Call 0300 373 5366 (9am–5:30pm, Mon–Fri)
Email: info@hannahgoldsolicitors.co.uk
Or request a callback via our online form.

Hannah Gold Solicitors — specialist slip, trip and fall solicitors. Over £21 million recovered. 20% success fee cap. No Win No Fee. Acting for clients across England and Wales.