Tripped on an uneven pavement and hurt yourself? You’re not alone.
Pavement accidents happen more often than you might think, from loose paving stones to uneven slabs; these hazards can cause real, lasting injuries. If a poorly maintained pavement caused your accident, you may be entitled to compensation.
So, how much compensation can you get for tripping on a pavement? The answer depends on several factors, including the severity of your injuries and the financial impact on your life. This guide explains everything you need to know.
Is the Council Responsible if I Trip on the Pavement?
It depends. Your local council is responsible for maintaining public pavements and keeping them safe to walk on, under the Highways Act 1980.
This law requires local highway authorities — including county councils — to maintain highways that are “maintainable at public expense.” This includes pavements (known as footways), but does not cover private roads.
You may be able to make a pavement accident claim if you can show that:
- The council owed you a duty of care (which they do for public pavements)
- The council breached that duty by failing to maintain the pavement to a reasonable standard
- That breach directly caused your injury
Can You Sue the Council for an Uneven Pavement?
Yes, if the above conditions are met, you can make a compensation claim against the council for an uneven or poorly maintained pavement.
Many people are unsure whether suing the council for an uneven pavement is realistic, but it is a well-established area of personal injury law. Councils have a legal duty to inspect and repair pavements within a reasonable timeframe. If they fail to do so and you’re injured as a result, they can be held liable.
It’s worth noting that the council may try to rely on a “section 58 defence”, essentially arguing they had a reasonable system of inspection in place. This is why having an experienced solicitor on your side makes a real difference.
How Much Compensation for Tripping on a Pavement?
Compensation for tripping on a pavement is calculated in two parts: general damages (for your injury, pain, and suffering) and special damages (for your financial losses). The table below gives a general guide to general damages, based on the Judicial College Guidelines (17th edition) — the standard reference used by courts and solicitors across England and Wales.
| Type of Injury | Example | Estimated Compensation |
| Minor injuries | Sprained ankle, cuts and bruises | £1,000 – £16,770 |
| Moderate injuries | Broken wrist, minor fractures | £16,770 – £47,840 |
| Serious injuries | Broken leg, long-term soft tissue damage | £47,840 – £117,410 |
| Severe injuries | Spinal injuries, permanent disability | £117,410 – £344,150 |
| Head injuries | Concussion, brain damage | £1,000 – £493,000 |
| Psychological impact | Anxiety or PTSD resulting from the fall | £1,000 – £141,240 |
| Loss of earnings (if applicable) | Time off work, loss of future income | Calculated based on actual loss |
These figures represent the full range from minor to severe injuries, based on the Judicial College Guidelines (17th edition). Your actual payout may be higher or lower depending on your personal circumstances.
Want a quick estimate of what your claim could be worth? Use our personal injury compensation calculator for a free, no-obligation indication.
Can I Claim Special Damages?
Yes. On top of compensation for your injury itself, you may also be able to claim special damages — designed to reimburse you for financial losses that resulted directly from your accident.
Special damages can include:
- Lost wages due to time off work
- Travel costs to and from medical appointments
- Prescription or treatment costs
- Future loss of earnings if your injury prevents you from returning to work
Special damages are calculated separately and require evidence such as receipts for medical treatment, invoices for care, or payslips showing lost income. Our expert personal injury solicitors can help you pull this together.
Can I Claim If the Fall Was Partly My Fault?
Yes, you may still be able to claim even if you feel you were partly to blame. For example, if you were distracted when you tripped and fell on an uneven pavement, you could still have a valid claim.
However, your compensation may be reduced to reflect your share of responsibility. This is known as contributory negligence.
If there was no defect, such as a raised slab, pothole, or other hazard, then it’s unlikely you’d have a valid claim, as negligence must be proven. But if the condition of the pavement contributed to your fall, even in part, you may still have a case.
How Do I Make a Pavement Trip Claim?
1. Seek medical attention. Your health comes first, and medical records will also serve as important evidence for your claim.
2. Gather evidence. Take photographs of the defect, note down any witness details, and record everything you can about the accident while it’s fresh in your mind.
3. Report the incident. Let your local council or the relevant authority know what happened. This creates an official record and is an important step before making a formal claim.
4. Get legal advice. Our team at CEL Solicitors will assess your case, help you build your evidence, and guide you through the full personal injury claims process from initial assessment through to negotiations and, if necessary, court proceedings.
How Long Do I Have to Make a Pavement Trip Claim?
You have three years from the date of your accident to bring a pavement trip claim. Don’t leave it too long. The sooner you act, the easier it is to gather strong evidence.
There are some exceptions:
- If you were under 18 at the time, the three-year limit starts from your 18th birthday
- If you lack mental capacity, different rules may apply
- If your claim involves a criminal injury, separate time limits can apply
Frequently Asked Questions
How much compensation for a fall on a pavement? This depends on the nature and severity of your injuries, and whether you have any financial losses to claim. Minor injuries such as sprains and bruising may result in payouts of £1,000 to £4,000, while more serious injuries can attract significantly higher sums. Use our compensation calculator for a quick estimate.
Can you sue the council for uneven pavement? Yes. If the council failed to maintain a public pavement to a reasonable standard and you were injured as a result, you may have grounds to claim compensation against them. A solicitor can advise you on the strength of your case.
How much compensation for a slip or trip claim? Compensation for slips and trips varies widely depending on the injuries sustained and the financial impact on your life. Our slips, trips and falls page covers this in more detail.
What if the pavement defect was small? Councils often argue that a defect below a certain size — typically 25mm — does not constitute a danger. However, this is not an automatic defence, and other factors such as the location of the defect and footfall in the area are also taken into account. A solicitor can help you assess whether your claim is viable.
Make a No-Win, No-Fee Pavement Trip Claim with CEL Solicitors
We know how distressing a pavement trip can be — especially when it affects your ability to work and get on with everyday life. You are not alone, and you shouldn’t have to face it without support.
All of our slips, trips and falls claims are handled on a No-Win, No-Fee basis. You won’t pay anything up front, and there’s nothing to pay unless we win your case.
Whether your injury is minor or severe, our expert team is here to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Ready to start your claim? Call us on 0151 909 8212 or fill in our online form for your free, no-obligation consultation today.
