Slips, trips and falls are some of the most common incidents that occur both in workplaces and in public spaces. While with some falls, it’s just a matter of bruised pride, there are many cases where people will suffer severe personal injuries – such as fractures, breaks, back pain, bruising, swelling and cuts.

As we face the winter months and poor weather conditions, it can be more likely that you might have a slip, trip or fall while out and about, resulting in a personal injury.

If you have been injured as a result of a slip, trip or fall in a circumstance which could have been prevented (or occurred as the result of the actions – or lack thereof –  of someone else), then you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation. 

At Martin A. Harvey, as one of the top personal injury firms in Ireland, we have been successful in securing compensation for clients who have been injured as a result of slips, trips and falls. 

Here’s what you need to know

If you have been injured or had an accident in a public place, you should: 

• Ask the owner of the property or an employee to report the accident and document the exact circumstances, and also to provide you with a copy of this report; 
• Take photos where possible, and if appropriate. Take as many photos as you can, and from as many angles as possible so that a full and clear picture can be captured for review;
• If you have been injured, you should always seek medical help; 
• Speak to a solicitor. 

If your accident occurred in a public place, read our blog on what to do after an accident in a public place for more information. Regardless of whether the property is publicly or privately owned, the owner has an obligation to keep the property safe and you may be entitled to compensation. While every case is different, there are some important points you should consider:

A property owner may not be responsible for your personal injury if

• You were trespassing at the time;
• You were acting carelessly or irresponsibly, and this contributed to the accident;
• An ordinary person would have noticed the danger and avoided it;
• The danger did not exist long enough for the owner to discover or address it; 
• The owner took reasonable steps to prevent your accident from happening. This could be a barrier or warning sign. 

A property owner may be responsible for your personal injury if

• The owner or an employee caused the danger; 
• The owner or an employee were aware of the danger and did not address it; 
• No reasonable steps were taken to prevent an accident occurring. 

Not all of these conditions are necessary for a successful claim, however a good solicitor can help you determine whether your claim is valid for compensation. 

If you would like assistance regarding a personal injury* claim, please contact our team at Martin A. Harvey & Co. Solicitors, and we would be happy to assist you in any way we can. 

*In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement.