The first step is to get in touch with us for a free, no-obligation consultation. We'll discuss the details of your case, assess its viability, and explain your legal options. This is your chance to ask any questions you may have.

Once we take on your case, we'll start gathering all the necessary evidence, from medical records to witness statements and photographs. We'll also identify who is believed to be liable for your accident.

After establishing the basics of your claim and gathering initial evidence, we'll formally notify the liable party of your intention to claim compensation. This is typically done through a letter of claim, outlining the details of the accident and your injuries.

The defendant will have a set period to respond to the letter of claim. They may accept liability or they may dispute the claim. If they admit liability, we will gather the necessary evidence to value your claim and enter into negotiations. If they dispute it, we’ll gather evidence and build your case to prove liability.

If negotiations don't result in a satisfactory settlement or liability remains in dispute, we may advise taking the case to court. Rest assured, this is often a last resort, and the majority of claims are settled before reaching this stage.

Once liability is accepted, either through negotiation or court proceedings, we'll finalise the amount of compensation you're entitled to. This will cover not only your physical injuries, but also any financial losses and emotional suffering.

This depends on the severity of your injuries, how they have affected your daily life, and any financial losses you have incurred. For example, injuries such as fractures, dislocations or ligament damage may result in higher payouts, particularly if they lead to long-term issues such as reduced mobility or ongoing pain. Compensation also considers the impact on your ability to work, so any loss of income or future earnings is taken into account. Additionally, you can claim for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and travel expenses related to your recovery.

Keeping detailed records, such as receipts and documentation of missed work, will strengthen your claim and help to make sure you are fairly compensated. Speaking with our experienced personal injury solicitors is the best way to understand the potential value of your claim.

If your fall on a road was caused by a hazard such as a pothole, uneven pavement or loose tarmac, you may be able to claim compensation. The local authority responsible for maintaining the area has a legal duty to keep it safe for public use. For your claim to succeed, you’ll need to prove that the defect was dangerous, that it directly caused your injury, and that you were not acting recklessly at the time of the accident.

Evidence is essential for a strong pavement accident compensation claim, so it’s important to take photographs of the defect, seek medical attention, and document your recovery. If the defect was on a privately owned road, the property owner may be held liable instead of the council.

A no win, no fee agreement allows you to pursue a pavement trip compensation claim without the financial risk of paying upfront legal fees. This means you won’t have to worry about covering costs at the start of your claim. If your case is successful, our fees are taken as a percentage of the compensation awarded, which we will agree with you before the claim begins. If the claim is unsuccessful, you won’t be charged for the legal work completed.

Switching solicitors is straightforward, and won't affect your existing claim in any way. If you’re unhappy with the progress or service provided by your current solicitor, you should transfer your case to Switalskis. Many clients come to us after unhappy experiences with other firms. We have extensive experience handling pavement accident claims and can take over your case to make sure it is dealt with properly.

We will need detailed information about the accident, including where and when it occurred, the condition of the uneven pavement or broken pavement, and how it caused your injuries. Photographs of the defect, ideally taken shortly after the accident, are essential, which should include measurements of the defect, such as the height or depth of the uneven pavement or hazard, to help demonstrate that it was dangerous. Using a ruler, tape measure, or a common object for scale (like a 50p coin) can provide clearer evidence of the defect’s size. Medical records documenting your injuries and recovery, along with receipts for any related expenses, will also support your claim. Witness statements from people who saw the accident or are familiar with the defective area can strengthen your case further. When you work with us, we will help you identify and collect strong evidence, so we can present the most compelling case possible for your claim

To be eligible, your accident must have been caused by negligence, such as a broken pavement or other hazard, and the claim must be made within the legal time limit. If you are an adult, this is typically three years from the date of the incident. Eligibility also depends on whether there is sufficient evidence to prove that the defect posed a danger, and that the local authority or property owner failed to address it.

In these cases, a parent, guardian or another legally recognised representative can act as a "litigation friend" to manage the claim. The claims process is similar, but there are important differences to consider. For children, the usual three-year time limit for claims doesn’t start until their 18th birthday, giving them until they turn 21 to pursue compensation. However, acting sooner can help preserve vital evidence, such as photographs of the uneven, slippery or broken pavement that caused the injury.

For vulnerable individuals who may lack the mental capacity to handle their claim, the time limit is usually suspended until they regain capacity. As a litigation friend, you’ll need to work closely with us to provide evidence, including medical records, witness accounts and proof of expenses related to the injury.

Most pavement accident claims are successfully settled through negotiation without the need for court proceedings.. However, if the local authority or property owner disputes liability or challenges the value of the claim, court action may be required. If this happens, our experienced legal team will build the strongest possible case and represent you in court. While the thought of attending court can feel overwhelming, rest assured that we will handle the majority of the preparation and legal arguments on your behalf, allowing you to focus on your recovery and wellbeing.

Local councils in the UK have a legal duty to maintain public pavements and keep them safe for use. This responsibility is set out in various UK laws and regulations, including the Highways Act of 1980. A local council is required to regularly inspect pavements, identify any hazards and take timely action to fix these issues.

Failure to do so can be considered negligence on the part of the council. As such, if you've tripped and fallen due to a poorly maintained pavement, the local council could be held liable for your injuries. It's important to note that the council must have been aware of the defect, or should have been aware through regular inspections for them to be held responsible.

Local councils also have a duty to clear the pavements in severe weather conditions, such as snow and ice, to keep them safe for public use. However, the extent of this responsibility can vary depending on local policies, and the severity of the weather conditions.

Trips on pavements can result in a variety of injuries, ranging from minor scrapes to more severe and life-altering conditions. Here are some of the most common injuries people suffer from such accidents:

• Sprained ankles: one of the most frequent injuries, often caused by tripping over uneven surfaces or stepping into potholes.
• Broken bones: wrists, arms and hips are particularly vulnerable, especially when people try to break their fall.
• Cuts and bruises: these are common, especially on the hands, knees and elbows, as people instinctively try to catch themselves when they trip.
• Head injuries: falling forward can sometimes result in head injuries, which can be particularly severe. Concussions are not uncommon.
• Back and spinal injuries: the impact of the fall can jar the spine, leading to long-term back issues or even spinal injuries.
• Facial injuries: these can include anything from minor scrapes to broken teeth or more severe facial fractures.
• Knee injuries: falls often result in twisted or sprained knees, and in more severe cases, torn ligaments.
• Soft tissue injuries: muscles, ligaments and tendons can be stretched or torn during a fall, leading to longer-term issues like chronic pain.
• Dislocations: shoulders and other joints can be dislocated on impact, meaning they will need immediate medical attention.

Understanding the type and severity of your injury is vital when making a pavement trip claim, as it directly impacts the amount of compensation you could be entitled to.