Out of all the common types of workplace accidents resulting in major injuries in NI and the UK, slips, trips and falls make up the majority. Lacey Solicitors are often asked whether a person is eligible to make a claim for compensation after a tripping fall at work.
While it may be true that not every workplace trip or fall is caused by negligence, there are some instances where bringing a workplace injury claim is correct, justified and a necessary course of action. If your accident resulted from an unsafe work environment, employer negligence, or a failure to follow safety protocols, you may be entitled to compensation. Pursuing a claim can help you recover the costs associated with medical bills, lost wages, and other damages related to your injury.
Trips and Falls at Work are Extremely Common
According to the Health and Safety Executive, statistics show that slips, trips, and falls, are the cause of most major injuries in the workplace. Reports say that a staggering 31% of all accidents reported to the HSE are caused by slips, trips, and falls. HSENI agree with statistics of their own reporting that over 95% of all major slips result in broken bones.
What Causes Slips, Trips and Falls?
Whether you are in the workplace or out walking in public, slips, trips, and falls have common causes.
Slips
Slips are common in bad weather. Lacey Solicitors acted on behalf of a lady from Downpatrick who slipped on a metal manhole cover in Strangford, County Down, outside her place of work.. The manhole cover had, over time, become worn and smooth which posed a significant slipping risk in the wet that our client’s employer ought to have been aware of. Our client slipped on the surface during work and suffered a significant injury.
Trips
Tripping accidents are often caused by items left in unexpected places. You might be walking down an aisle in the office and trip over a pile of mail, boxes, or a wire which should not be there. Lacey Solicitors acted on behalf of a lady in Belfast who tripped on a plinth outside her place of work. The plinth was essentially a damaged boundary that the employer neglected to remove when renovations were being carried out.
Falls
Falling off steps which don’t have a handrail or falling over unannounced steps can leave you beaten and bruised. Lacey Solicitors are currently acting on behalf of a construction worker from Ballymoney who, whilst working in Dublin, was caused to fall from temporary stairs erected by his employer at the time.
What Types of Injuries are Caused by Slips, Trips, and Falls?
Slip, trip and fall accidents are among the most common causes of personal injury across workplaces and public spaces in the UK. These incidents can lead to serious—sometimes life-changing—injuries, particularly for older adults who face a greater risk of complications following a fall.
If you’ve suffered an injury due to a slip, trip or fall, it’s important to understand the types of injuries that may occur and how they can affect your health, mobility, and ability to work. Common injuries in slip and trip claims include:
- Broken or Fractured Bones – Often affecting the wrists, ankles, arms or legs.
- Hip and Knee Fractures – Especially dangerous for elderly individuals.
- Head Injuries and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – Even a minor fall can result in a concussion or more severe brain damage.
- Spinal Cord and Back Injuries – These may cause chronic pain, restricted movement, or in some cases, permanent disability.
- Dislocated Joints – Including shoulders, elbows and ankles.
- Bruising and Contusions – Frequently occurring on the hips, back or legs.
- Soft Tissue Damage and Muscle Strains – These can develop over time and may not be immediately noticeable.
Slip and trip injuries can vary in severity—from minor bruises to life-altering trauma. In more serious cases, individuals may face prolonged rehabilitation, lost income, or reduced quality of life.
How to Claim Compensation for a Slip, Trip, or Fall?
If you suffer from a slip, trip, or fall at work then you should report it to your supervisor, who ought to record it in the accident book. You should seek medical attention and speak with a personal injury solicitor shortly thereafter.
If you are injured in a slip, trip, or fall in public, then you should ensure your safety, seek treatment, and contact our personal injury solicitors’ firm in Northern Ireland. From tripping on a loose paving stone in the High Street to slipping on spilled coffee left lying on the floor in the staff room – seeking compensation is simpler when you have our professional help.
If your injury was caused by unsafe conditions—whether at work, in a shop, or on public property—you may be entitled to claim compensation. Our expert personal injury solicitors are here to help you understand your rights and guide you through the claims process, with the aim of securing the compensation you deserve.
