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:
- Photograph the hazard that caused the accident
- Note the date, time and exact location
- Report the accident to the occupier and request a copy of the accident book entry
- Obtain contact details of any witnesses
- 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?
What evidence helps a slip, trip or fall claim?
Can I claim if I fell in a supermarket?
Related
Other claim types
Useful guides
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