Trips and slips are among the most common causes of injuries, especially during the winter season, both in public places, at work, and on private properties. Although often underestimated, they can lead to serious health consequences, such as fractures, sprains, head injuries, and even permanent damage. Therefore, it's important to know what rights injured parties have and how to effectively pursue compensation.
When can you apply for compensation?
You may be entitled to compensation if your trip or slip was caused by the negligence of someone responsible for the premises—such as the owner, facility manager, or maintenance company. Typical situations that may justify a claim include:
a) Slippery surfaces – wet floors in shops, offices, and shopping malls that are not properly marked or secured.
b) Poorly maintained sidewalks and roads – e.g., potholes, uneven surfaces, and sidewalks not cleared of snow or sand in the winter.
c) Inadequate lighting – dark public spaces that impede visibility, increasing the risk of accidents.
Your rights after an injury
People injured as a result of a trip or slip can claim:
a) Compensation for medical expenses, including hospitalization, medical procedures, rehabilitation, medications, and the purchase of orthopedic equipment.
b) Compensation for pain and suffering, compensation for physical and mental discomfort, and reduced quality of life caused by the injury.
c) Reimbursement for lost income if the accident temporarily or permanently prevents work.
d) Compensation for deterioration of life circumstances, such as difficulties in daily functioning, the need for care, or limitations on professional and personal activities.
How to effectively apply for compensation?
To increase your chances of receiving compensation, follow these tips:
a) Secure evidence of the incident – take photos of the accident scene, documenting slippery surfaces, uneven surfaces, or other negligence. Record the contact information of any witnesses who can confirm the circumstances of the incident. Call the appropriate authorities (e.g., municipal police, police) and ask them to prepare a report.
b) Obtain medical records – see a doctor as soon as possible to assess your health and document your injuries.
c) Inform the property owner or facility manager – notify the person responsible for the area (e.g., store owner, road administrator) of the incident. Record the details of the report and the response.
d) Report the damage to your insurer – if the accident occurred in a covered location (e.g., a store or shopping mall), file a claim for compensation.
What evidence is necessary?
To effectively pursue your rights, gather: medical documentation confirming the injury, photos of the accident scene documenting its causes (e.g., slippery surface, unevenness), witness statements confirming the course of the event, invoices and receipts documenting costs incurred, such as treatment, rehabilitation, or transport to medical facilities.
If the insurer or the person responsible for the premises refuses to pay, you have the right to appeal the decision or take the matter to court.
For more information, please contact us. We will assist you at every stage of the process to obtain the compensation you deserve.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Legal status as of November 20, 2024
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