Local authorities are responsible for maintaining and repairing footpaths and roads. They will have failed in this duty if there are large potholes, protruding tree roots or uneven paving stones. If any of the above causes you to trip or fall, you should photograph the offending object and contact the local authority. They may wish to settle your claim. If they do not, you will have the photograph as evidence for when your case goes to court.
The duty to maintain paths extends to removing ice and snow when it is reasonable to do so. If the snow has just fallen and you slip, it may be decided that it was not practical for the local authority to have cleared the path. However, if snow or ice has been gathered on a main route for several days, it is unlikely that the local authority will be able to claim it was not practical for them to deal with it. If you slip or fall on snow or ice you should again contact your local authority.
Local authorities and private owners of public places owe a duty of care to those with whom they have a proximate relationship. Another common cause of slipping is wet floors. Whether the wet floor comes from rain or a spill, the occupier will be liable for any injury caused by it if they were negligent in the way they dealt with the situation.
The occupier of the public place will be negligent if they fail to do something that a reasonable person would have done in the same circumstances. For example, if the public place has a floor that will be slippery when it is wet, a reasonable person adhering to health and safety guidance, would put up a wet floor sign. Similarly, if something is spilled in a shop it should be cleared up and a wet floor sign erected.
For help at this stage please call 01252354412, or fill out the form at the top of the page./p>