While walking on the pavement I tripped over an unsecured cable and injured my shoulder. Can I claim compensation?

Pavement accident in the UK – what are your rights?

All public areas should be maintained in a safe condition. The City Council is responsible for pavements and other public spaces. If your accident was caused by their negligence, you may be entitled to claim compensation for your injuries and loss of earnings.

City Council’s duty of care

The local authority must ensure that public infrastructure is safe. Failure to do so, resulting in an accident, gives the injured person the right to pursue a compensation claim.

What evidence do you need?

• Witness statements – people who saw the incident can confirm what happened,
• Photographs of the site – pictures showing the hazard are strong supporting evidence,
• Medical records – proof of your injuries and how they affect your ability to work.

Gathering such evidence will increase your chances of successfully obtaining compensation for both health damages and financial losses.