Specialist Solicitors for Public Liability and Occupiers’ Liability Claims
A slip, trip, or fall can happen in an instant but lead to painful and sometimes serious injuries — from fractures and soft tissue damage to head injuries or long-term mobility issues. These accidents often occur in public places, shops, workplaces, or on poorly maintained pavements, leaving you with medical costs, time off work, and uncertainty about what to do next.
At Essex Personal Injury Lawyers, we support individuals across Essex who have been injured in slips, trips, or falls due to someone else’s negligence. We handle both public liability and occupiers’ liability claims with clear, practical advice and a focus on securing the compensation you need for recovery and any ongoing effects.
Contact our slips and trips solicitors today for a confidential, no-obligation discussion on 01702 443 472.
Public Liability and Occupiers’ Liability Explained
Public liability refers to the legal responsibility owed by organisations (including local councils) to members of the public to ensure that their operations, land, or public spaces do not pose an unreasonable risk of harm. This typically applies to accidents on highways, pavements, parks, and other public areas maintained by the local authority.
Occupiers’ liability, governed primarily by the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957, imposes a duty on the person or organisation in control of premises (the “occupier”) to take reasonable care to ensure that lawful visitors are reasonably safe when using the premises for the purpose they were invited or permitted. This usually applies to private or commercial properties such as shops, supermarkets, restaurants, car parks, or business premises.
In practice:
- A claim against a council for a defect on a public pavement is generally a public liability claim.
- A claim after slipping on a wet floor in a supermarket is usually an occupiers’ liability claim.
Both are based on the principles of negligence, and many businesses and councils hold public liability insurance to cover such claims.
Contact our serious injury solicitors today
What Makes a Trip or Fall “Actionable”?
Not every slip or trip will lead to a successful claim. To succeed, you must prove negligence — that the defendant owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and that the breach caused your injury.
An actionable trip hazard is typically one that a reasonable occupier or authority should have identified and addressed. For pavement defects against a council, a height difference of around 25mm (1 inch) or more is often considered a benchmark, though courts assess the full circumstances (location, visibility, duration of the defect, and the authority’s inspection system). Smaller defects in high-traffic areas may still be actionable if the authority had a poor system of inspection and repair.
Defendants can defend claims by showing they had a reasonable system of inspection and maintenance in place. This is why gathering strong evidence early is crucial.
Common Causes of Slips, Trips & Falls Claims
We assist with claims arising from:
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- Wet or slippery floors in shops, supermarkets, or public buildings (without adequate warnings or cleaning).
- Uneven pavements, potholes, or raised paving slabs on highways or footpaths.
- Obstructions, trailing cables, or poor lighting.
- Spillages or inadequate cleaning in commercial premises.
- Poorly maintained private car parks or business entrances.
- Icy or snowy conditions where reasonable gritting or warnings were not provided.
The Wider Impact of Slip, Trip & Fall Injuries
Even seemingly minor incidents can result in significant injuries to the back, hips, wrists, or head. Clients often face lost earnings, physiotherapy costs, and psychological effects such as anxiety about going out. We ensure compensation reflects both immediate losses and any long-term consequences.
What to Do After a Slip, Trip or Fall
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- Seek medical attention — Visit your GP, a walk-in centre, or A&E as needed. Keep all medical records.
- Report the incident — Notify the occupier (e.g., shop manager or council) promptly and ask for an incident report.
- Gather evidence — Take clear photographs of the hazard (including measurements if possible), the scene, your injuries, and any warning signs (or lack of them). Note the time, date, weather conditions, and details of any witnesses.
- For council claims — You can make a formal complaint directly to the local authority’s highways or customer services department. This creates a paper trail and may prompt an investigation. If you do not receive a satisfactory response, you can escalate the complaint to the Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman (LGSCO), which provides an independent review of council services (including highways matters, subject to their criteria).
Our Slips, Trips & Falls Claims Process
We handle these claims efficiently and transparently.
Initial Consultation
Free discussion of your accident and honest advice on prospects.
Evidence Gathering
We secure photographs, witness statements, CCTV (where available), maintenance records, and medical evidence.
Liability Investigation
We assess breach of duty and causation, often obtaining expert reports on the hazard and the defendant’s inspection system.
Claim Notification
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- For lower-value claims (typically under £25,000), we use the MOJ Portal for streamlined handling with strict insurer response times.
- For higher-value or complex claims, we send a formal Letter of Claim.
Negotiation and Resolution
Most cases settle without court proceedings, but we are prepared to litigate where necessary.
Settlement
Full valuation of all losses, with interim payments where appropriate.
Contact our serious injury solicitors today
Time Limits and Funding Your Claim
You generally have three years from the date of the accident (or the date you first knew the injury was significant and caused by negligence) to start a claim. Different rules apply for children (until their 21st birthday) and adults lacking capacity.
We act on a No Win, No Fee basis for most eligible claims, so there is no upfront financial risk.
Serving Clients Across Essex and Further Afield
We proudly support clients throughout Essex, including Southend, Chelmsford, Basildon, Brentwood, Colchester, Rayleigh, Rochford, and Billericay. Our expertise also extends to clients injured anywhere in England and Wales, including those who have travelled from further afield.
If you or a loved one has suffered a serious brain or spinal injury, early legal advice can transform the options available for recovery and financial stability.
Specialist Support When the Future Feels Uncertain
Speak to a specialist catastrophic injury solicitor today.
Contact Essex Personal Injury Lawyers on 01702 443 472 or complete our online enquiry form for a confidential discussion. We are here to help you navigate this difficult time with clarity and confidence.
Compensation for Slips, Trips & Falls
Compensation can cover:
- Pain, suffering, and loss of amenity
- Past and future loss of earnings
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Care and assistance
- Travel expenses and other out-of-pocket costs
Even moderate injuries can attract significant awards when combined with financial losses.
