Slips and trips in Winter: What you need to know
As temperatures drop, so does the likelihood of a safe footing. Icy pavements, wet floors and muddy entrances are all too common at this time of year.
We’ve all had that moment; walking through a shop, across a car park, or into a building, and suddenly your feet go out from under you. It’s embarrassing, painful, and sometimes downright dangerous. If you’ve slipped or tripped and ended up injured, you might be wondering whether you just have to chalk it up to bad luck.
If you’ve been injured in a slip or trip that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation.
Why do slips and trips happen?
Many slips and trips occur because someone has failed to take reasonable care to ensure a space is safe. In winter, risks are often higher due to wet weather and icy conditions, but hazards can appear anywhere. Common causes include:
- Wet floors from rain or melted snow without warning signs
- Icy or untreated paths, steps and car parks
- Loose or uneven flooring, mats or tiles
- Poor lighting in areas where hazards exist
- Obstacles left in walkways, such as cables or clutter
- Low shelving or bins that obstruct paths
- Construction or maintenance areas without proper signage.
These hazards can happen in a variety of places, from shops and restaurants to offices and public spaces.
What should you do if you’ve been injured?
If you’ve had a slip or trip, your health and safety should always come first. Seek medical attention for your injuries, even if they seem minor at first. Once you’re safe, try to gather evidence of the incident. This might include:
- Photos of the hazard that caused your fall
- Measurements. If possible, take photos with measurements using a coin, string etc if you do don’t have a tape measure to hand.
- Contact details of any witnesses
- A record of the incident reported to the property owner, manager, employer or relevant authority
- Keep a journal of how the fall is affecting you including details of expenses (with receipts) incurred and any help you receive from friends or family.
These details can be invaluable if you decide to pursue a claim.
How can a claim help you?
Making a claim isn’t just about compensation for your injury. It’s about helping you get back on track. Compensation can cover things like medical treatment, lost earnings, and any other costs you’ve faced because of your injury. It can also encourage those responsible to take steps to prevent similar accidents in the future.
We are here to help
At VWV, we understand how overwhelming it can feel to deal with the aftermath of a slip or trip, especially during the busy winter months. That’s why we’re here to guide you through the process, step by step. We’ll take the time to understand your experience, evaluate your circumstances, and guide you through the options available to you.
If you’ve been injured in a slip or trip, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re here to help you get the support and compensation you deserve.