When someone trips on a pavement the injuries they sustain can often mean that any thoughts about making a claim and getting compensation fall to the bottom of a very long list of priorities. But there are some basic steps which can be taken to help recover compensation.
Simply falling or tripping on a defective pavement does not mean that you will automatically get compensation.
It is important therefore that some basic steps are carried out since very often the Council will repair the defective pavement after the accident has taken place.
This does not mean that the Council will admit negligence and by repairing the defective pavement it destroys the basic evidence which you need to prove your case - i.e. the size of and location of the defective area.
As soon as practicable following a tripping accident you must:
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Take close up photographs showing a tape measure/ruler demonstrating the height and length of the defective pavement. Advancements in the quality for camera phones have made this easier than ever before.
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Try to take additional photographs showing the defective pavement in its general surroundings of the pavement area.
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Ask shop owners or people who live near to the defective pavement to state how long the pavement has been defective
These quick and easy steps will help in the event of a claim - to speak to one of the members of the team about a recent trip or fall you've had, and to find out if you could have a claim, please contact Kevin Bostock at [email protected] or call 0114 266 6660.