Slipping on ice can lead to painful injuries and unexpected challenges, especially if the accident could have been prevented. At GLP Solicitors, we’re here to help you understand your legal rights and whether you might be entitled to compensation.
Who is responsible for clearing ice?
Responsibility for preventing slips on ice depends on where the accident occurred. Here’s a general breakdown of the legal framework:
Public places
Local councils and highway authorities have a duty under the Highways Act 1980 to ensure roads and pavements are reasonably safe. However, this doesn’t mean they must clear all ice or snow immediately. They are required to take “reasonable steps” to reduce risks, such as gritting major walkways during freezing conditions.
Private property
Businesses, landlords, and property owners owe a duty of care under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957 to keep their premises safe for visitors. This may include clearing ice and snow from entrances, car parks, and paths. Failure to do so could result in liability if someone is injured.
Workplaces
Employers have a duty under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to ensure employees are not exposed to avoidable risks, including icy walkways or access routes at work.
Top 10 tips for proving a claim for a slip on ice
If you’ve slipped on ice and sustained an injury, pursuing a claim for compensation requires careful planning and evidence. Follow these tips to strengthen your case:
- Seek medical attention immediately: Your health is the priority. Seek medical treatment for your injuries and ensure the incident is recorded in your medical records. This documentation will support your claim by linking your injuries to the slip.
- Gather evidence at the scene: Take photos of where you slipped, including any icy patches, lack of gritting, or hazards. Capture the surrounding environment to show the conditions clearly.
- Identify witnesses: If anyone saw your accident, take their contact details. Witness statements can corroborate your account of the incident.
- Report the incident: Notify the responsible party, such as the local council, property owner, or business manager, about the accident. If you’re on private property, ask for a copy of the accident report form.
- Keep records of expenses: Document all expenses related to your injury, including medical bills, travel costs, and lost earnings. These can be claimed as part of your compensation.
- Check maintenance records: If your claim involves a public space or workplace, ask to see gritting or maintenance logs. These may reveal if the responsible party failed to take reasonable precautions.
- Act quickly: Claims must typically be made within three years of the date of the accident. Don’t delay in seeking legal advice, as evidence is easier to collect shortly after the incident.
- Be honest about the circumstances: Provide accurate and consistent details about the accident. Any inconsistencies in your story could harm your credibility and weaken your case.
- Consider contributory negligence: Be prepared for the responsible party to argue that you were partially at fault—for example, by wearing inappropriate footwear. A solicitor can help counter these arguments.
- Seek legal advice: Working with a specialist personal injury solicitor is vital for navigating the complexities of a slip-on-ice claim. At GLP Solicitors, we’ll assess your case, gather evidence, and fight for the best outcome on your behalf.
Defences to ice-related claims
You should also know that even if you can prove a fall on ice happened, and say that someone breached their duty to you, the Defendants may argue:
- They took reasonable steps to address the icy conditions (e.g., followed gritting schedules).
- Adverse weather conditions made it impossible to prevent the hazard entirely.
- Contributory negligence, claiming the injured party was not acting cautiously given the conditions.
This may provide them a valid defence to a claim.
How GLP Solicitors can help
Our expert personal injury team has extensive experience handling slip-and-fall claims, including those involving ice and snow. We’ll assess your case during a free initial consultation, help gather evidence and guide you through the legal process.
If you’ve been injured due to a slip-on ice, don’t suffer in silence. Let GLP Solicitors help you secure the compensation you deserve, covering medical expenses, lost income, and more.
Contact us today!
Reach out to our specialist team at GLP Solicitors by calling 0800 111 6370 or filling out our contact form. We’re here to help you move forward with confidence.