Slip, trip or fall could lead to compensation
It is something that happens all too often and luckily most of the time doesn't result in an injury but sometimes a
slip, trip or fall in the workplace or in a public place can result in
serious injury for those concerned.
Trips and falls that are caused by the negligence of an employer, either through lack of supervision or adequate training, and public liability claims after a slip in the supermarket could well be grounds for a compensation in the event of an injury.
Slips, trips and falls a widespread menace
According to figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) in 2007/2008 there were over 10,000 workplace injuries that were caused by a slip, trip or fall and added together with falls from a height there were over 13,000 in total.
What can be done?
This worrying statistic could and should be reduced by implementing better health and safety procedures for all workers, and particularly those in dangerous sectors such as construction and manufacturing.
Simple measures, including better training and raising employee awareness to the role they play in protecting themselves and their colleagues would continue to make a dent in the figures. But with so many injuries each year, it is vital for those affected to be able to seek restitution for any damage they suffer.
Horror injuries blight lives
A recent case, which demonstrated the vital need for staff training, caused serious injuries to one truck driver. Roy Nelson was unloading his truck of large floor trusses when he slipped and fell from the truck bed.
Nelson suffered horrific injuries in the accident including a fractured collar bone and broken ribs and was ultimately awarded £40,000 in compensation after he hired a no win, no fee lawyer to defend him.
“Most falling injuries occur at heights below 10’. Although a worker may not fall far, he has less time to react and is more likely to land badly. Had the truck bed been long enough, Mr Nelson could have stood to the side of the trusses while unloading, and had adequate training been provided, the injury could have been easily avoided,” said his lawyer John Carr.
It is not just workers who are at risk of serious injuries through slips, trips and falls though, even visiting the local supermarket could result in serious injury. Jeanette Plummer won £27,500 in compensation after slipping on some grapes that had spilled on to the floor in a Bath branch of Marks and Spencer.
Plummer broke her shoulder in the incident that occurred in 2005 and will have to undergo reconstructive surgery.
"The injury was so severe that Mrs Plummer will need to undergo a shoulder replacement operation. It has taken three years to resolve this hotly contested matter but we are pleased to have finally agreed an out-of-court settlement with Marks & Spencer." Said her lawyer Louise Hart.
Negligence
So, if you suffer an injury because of a slip, trip or fall that is not your fault you may well be eligible for compensation and should consider hiring a no win, no fee lawyer to take a look at your case.
Updated on 16/03/2009