Slip, Trip & Fall Claims in Scotland

Property occupiers and local councils have duties under the Occupiers' Liability (Scotland) Act 1960 — if they failed, you may be able to claim

Who can claim?

You may be able to claim if a property occupier — such as a shop, council, landlord or employer — failed in their duty of care and that failure caused your accident.

Slips, trips and falls can happen anywhere — in a supermarket, on a pavement, in a car park, or on private premises. If the accident was caused by a hazardous condition that the occupier knew about or should have known about, you may be able to make a claim.

Who Is Responsible?

Under the Occupiers’ Liability (Scotland) Act 1960, occupiers of land and premises owe a duty of care to those who enter their property. This includes:

  • Retailers and supermarkets with wet or uneven floors
  • Local councils responsible for pavement maintenance
  • Employers with hazardous common areas
  • Landlords failing to maintain common stairwells
  • Car park operators

Common Injuries

Slip, trip and fall accidents can cause serious injuries including:

  • Broken wrists, arms and ankles from bracing a fall
  • Hip fractures, particularly common in older adults
  • Head injuries and concussion
  • Knee and shoulder injuries
  • Back and spinal injuries

Gathering Evidence

After any slip, trip or fall, try to:

  1. Photograph the hazard that caused the accident
  2. Note the date, time and exact location
  3. Report the accident to the occupier and request a copy of the accident book entry
  4. Obtain contact details of any witnesses
  5. Seek medical attention and keep records

Time Limits

The Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973 gives you 3 years from the date of the accident to bring a claim.

Start Your Free Claim Check

Our partner solicitors can assess whether you have a viable claim based on the specific circumstances of your accident.

What compensation could cover

  • Pain and suffering
  • Lost earnings
  • Medical and rehabilitation costs
  • Travel expenses
  • Care and assistance costs

Frequently asked questions

Who is responsible for pavement injuries?
Local councils are responsible for maintaining public pavements in a safe condition. If a defect caused your fall, the council may be liable.
What evidence helps a slip, trip or fall claim?
Photographs of the hazard, witness details, incident reports and medical records can all support your claim.
Can I claim if I fell in a supermarket?
Possibly. Supermarkets must maintain safe premises. If a spillage or hazard caused your fall and wasn't dealt with appropriately, you may have a claim.

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