Accidents caused by slipping and tripping are very common in Devon, and frequently result in serious injury. There are two main categories of tripping and slipping claims. First, there are the trips and slips that occur in the street and on the public highway. Second, there are tripping and slipping accidents that occur on private premises such as shops or hotels.

Tripping and slipping accidents that occur on the public highway in Devon are normally made against the local council. If the accident happened on private premises then the claim is made against the occupier of the building or the land on which the accident occurred.

DUTY OF CARE

The occupier of premises has a legal duty to take reasonable care to ensure the safety of people visiting those premises. This means that the occupier is legally obliged to keep the premises in good order and that includes external steps and pathways as well as the interior of buildings.

The legal duty for local authorities is slightly different. With injuries arising from a trip on a pavement, the defect causing the accident should normally be around an inch or more in height for a successful claim to be made. It is always a good idea to photograph the defect using an everyday object to give some idea of the scale. A 50p coin is commonly used for this as it measures about an inch (or 2½cm).

EVIDENCE

As with all accidents, it helps if you have independent witnesses. It’s therefore important that you get the name and address of anyone who sees the accident occur.

If the accident happens on private premises such as a shop, a hotel, a railway station or an office then you should report the incident to the owner or manager. Ask them to make an entry in their accident book. Check what is written and request a copy.

If anyone admits liability for the accident then make a careful record of what is said and again make a note of names and contact details.

LOCAL DEVON SOLICITORS CAN MAKE THE DIFFERENCE

Being a local firm of accident claim specialists Slee Blackwell Solicitors have the advantage of local knowledge. We have dealt with numerous claims against Devon County Council as well as the various Devon District Councils.

An early inspection of the scene of the accident is often very important in helping to establish liability, so with our network of accident claims offices across Devon (Barnstaple, Bideford, Braunton, Exeter and South Molton) we are ideally placed to visit the scene before important evidence is lost.

We cover the whole Devon area including: Axminster, Barnstaple, Bideford, Braunton, Brixham, Chumleigh, Crediton, Dawlish, Exeter, Exmouth, Holsworthy, Ilfracombe, Kingsbridge, Lynton, Newton Abbot, Okehampton, Ottery St Mary, Paignton, Plymouth, Sidmouth, South Molton, Tavistock, Tiverton, Torbay, Torquay, Torrington

So, if you have been the victim of a tripping or slipping accident and would like us to assess your potential claim free of charge then contact us now. We are always happy to review any photographs that you have taken or inspect the scene of the accident, again without charge .