Slipped on ice in Scotland? Can you make an injury claim from falling on ice at work or in public?
If you have suffered an injury as a result of a slip on ice at work or in public in Scotland, you may be entitled to compensation. In winter months, as temperatures drop, it is common for people to slip on ice. The risk of suffering injury can be heightened if the owner or occupier of the land has failed to take adequate steps to reduce the risk of slipping.
This article will discuss these types of accidents as well as answer some key questions you may have.
Accidents in a public place caused by ice
If walking in a public place, and you slip on ice, you may be entitled to bring a compensation claim against the party responsible. The first step is to identify the correct party. Public places include, but are not limited to:
· Public paths or walkways;
· Supermarkets or supermarket carparks;
· Retail and shopping parks;
· Train or bus stations;
· Hospital or GP surgery grounds; and
· school grounds
Accidents in a workplace caused by ice
Your employer ultimately has a duty of care towards you, meaning they must do what is deemed reasonable to prevent you from slipping on ice in the workplace. This includes all areas such as work yards, carparks, pathways, and general grounds. These areas require to be kept clear of ice.
Furthermore, it is illegal and unjust for your employer to sack or to treat you differently as a result of making a compensation claim. Any dismissal on those grounds would result in unfair dismissal.
The law in Scotland
In order to be eligible to claim, you must have suffered an injury as a result of slipping or tripping on ice within the last three years.
This means they must, during inclement weather, have recognised procedures in place to minimise the risk of you slipping. If it is proven that an occupier fails in this duty and does not adequately address a potential hazard of ice, any claim is likely to be successful.
What you should do after slipping and injuring yourself on ice?
Firstly, if required, seek medical attention as soon as you can. This can be done by either attending Minor Injuries, Accident and Emergency, or your general practitioner. If possible, take photographs immediately after your fall to show the location of your accident.
Take contact details for any witnesses that may have observed your fall or, if not, can speak to the area where your accident occurred and/or the conditions that day. Keep a record of any expenses you have such as pain relief, travel costs, physiotherapy costs etc.
Injury claims advice for slipping on ice in Scotland
If you have been injured as a result of a slip on ice in Scotland and wish to discuss the matter, it is important to contact an experienced personal injury solicitor to get the help and support you need.
Enquiries: