No Win No Fee: The law limits our success fee to 25% of the compensation for pain, suffering and loss of amenity and for past financial losses, after any state benefits are repaid. Compensation for future losses is not counted. If you win, our success fee is deducted from your compensation. It is a percentage of our basic charges, and the law limits it as set out above. Any After the Event insurance premium is payable only if you win, and is never charged upfront. Your letter of engagement sets out exactly what you will pay for your type of claim, and we explain it before you sign. If you lose, you pay us nothing. This applies as long as you keep to your responsibilities under the agreement. You may have to pay costs if you end your claim early, fail to beat an offer the other side made, or a court finds your claim dishonest or exaggerated; where we have arranged After the Event insurance, it covers some of these costs if you keep to the policy's terms. See exactly what you pay.
NJS Law supports you through every stage of your pavement accident claim, from evidence gathering to full compensation.
If you’ve been injured because of a poorly maintained pavement or walkway, you may be entitled to claim compensation from the council or property owner. Uneven slabs, cracked pavements, or hidden potholes can cause serious injuries. When councils or owners fail in their duty to maintain safe walkways, you have the right to hold them accountable for negligence.
At NJS Law, our experienced personal injury solicitors guide you through each stage of your pavement accident claim with clarity and care.
Take your first step toward recovery and justice with NJS Law’s No Win No Fee legal support.
Most pavement accidents in the UK fall under the Highways Act 1980, which requires councils to inspect and maintain public walkways.
If a local authority fails in this duty and you’re injured, you can make a public liability claim for negligence.
Our team helps gather crucial evidence. From photographs of defects to medical records to support your claim and secure fair compensation.
Check If You're Eligible With
Our Pavement Accident Claims Solicitors
Discover today if you’re eligible to make a claim. Tell us what happened using the enquiry form on this page.
Types of Pavement Accident Claims We Handle
Pavement accidents can happen anywhere — from public streets to shopping centres and private properties — and often fall under public liability, where those responsible for maintaining public spaces must take reasonable steps to keep them safe. These accidents can result in different types of personal injury, ranging from minor sprains to serious and long-term conditions.
Here are the most common circumstances that can lead to a valid pavement accident compensation claim:
Wet or Slippery Floors: Spills or cleaning residues left without warning signs can cause serious slip injuries on pavements and walkways.
Uneven Pavements or Broken Flooring: Cracked slabs, potholes, or loose surfaces in public areas often cause trip-and-fall injuries. Councils and property owners may be liable under the Highways Act 1980 for failing to maintain safe surfaces.
Poor Lighting: Insufficient lighting in car parks, footpaths, or public areas can obscure pavement defects and increase the risk of falls after dark.
Obstructed Walkways: Objects, loose cables, or construction materials left across pavements can cause avoidable accidents and may constitute negligence if hazards are not clearly marked.
If your accident resulted from poor maintenance, missing warning signs, or breaches of health and safety regulations, our solicitors would gather evidence and build a strong pavement accident claim on your behalf.
Pavement accident claims can involve many other hazards, such as defective manhole covers or raised kerbstones. Whether your fall occurred in a public street, private car park, or retail premises, our personal injury team will identify who is responsible and help you claim fair compensation.
Am I Eligible to Make a Pavement Accident Claim?
You may be eligible to make a pavement accident claim for compensation if the following apply. If you’re unsure what actions to take immediately after your accident, it can help to read what to do after a slip and fall accidentto protect both your health and your potential claim. In general, you may be eligible if:
- Your accident occurred in a public place. For example, a pavement, park, leisure centre, or car park maintained by a local authority or business.
- The incident took place within the last three years, which is the usual time limit for pavement accident claims under UK law.
- Your injury was caused by another party’s negligence. For example, a council failing to repair a defective pavement or a business not signposting hazards.
If you’re unsure who is responsible for the location of your accident, our personal injury solicitors will investigate and determine who is at fault. We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to explain your rights and guide you through your next steps toward a successful pavement accident claim.
To make a successful claim, you must show that the responsible party owed you a duty of care and breached that duty. Under the Highways Act 1980 and Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957, councils and property owners must keep paths and walkways reasonably safe for the public.
Our team reviews inspection records, maintenance logs, and photographs to prove negligence and secure the compensation the law allows for your injury and losses.
What Can You Claim For in a Pavement Accident Claim?
At NJS Law, our personal injury solicitors carefully assess how your injury affects every aspect of your life when calculating compensation. Where injuries are severe or life-changing, specialist support may be required through our Serious Injury Claims Specialists. You may be able to claim compensation for the following losses and expenses:
- Physical pain, psychological distress, and loss of amenity (known as general damages)
- Lost income — including future loss of earnings if your injury limits your ability to work
- Medical treatment, physiotherapy, and rehabilitation expenses required for recovery
- Travel costs incurred for medical appointments, therapy sessions, or legal meetings
- Thecost of care and assistance, including unpaid help from relatives or friends
- Home adaptations, mobility aids, or vehicle modifications needed to restore independence
Our team examines every detail of your pavement accident claim tomake sure you recover the full compensation you’re legally entitled to. If you’re unsure who was responsible for the condition of the pavement or public space, you may find it helpful to read Who Is Liable For Slip, Trip, Or Fall Injuries, which explains how liability is determined.
Compensation for a pavement accident claim is divided into general damages (for pain and suffering) and special damages (for financial losses). The amount awarded depends on the severity of your injury, recovery time, and ongoing care needs. Our solicitors use the Judicial College Guidelines, 18th edition (2026) and past case outcomes to value your claim accurately and ensure no loss is overlooked.
How the Pavement Accident Claims Process Works
At NJS Law, our solicitors make the pavement accident claims process straightforward and stress-free from start to finish. For a helpful overview of how these cases work, you may wish to read our Public Liability Claim Guide, which explains the legal framework behind claims involving accidents in public places.
- Free Consultation. Our free consultation lets you speak directly with a solicitor who assesses your claim and explains your legal rights.
- No Win No Fee. All claims run on a No Win No Fee basis — you pay nothing unless your claim succeeds.
- Evidence Gathering. We collect medical records, witness statements, and accident reports to build a strong evidence file.
- Claim Submission. Your solicitor submits the claim and negotiates with insurers, councils, landowners, or businesses responsible for the pavement defect.
- Compensation Secured. We pursue the highest possible compensation and aim to resolve your case efficiently so you can focus on recovery.
Our claims process follows strict pre-action protocols for personal injury cases in England and Wales. You’ll have direct contact with your solicitor, regular progress updates, and full transparency on costs and timelines.
Whether you’re claiming against a council or a private landowner, NJS Law ensures your case is prepared thoroughly for settlement.
Explore our latest resources to help you understand every aspect of personal injury and public liability law. These guides explain how compensation is calculated, who may be responsible for your accident, and how to start your claim.
Why Choose NJS Law for Your Pavement Accident Claim?
At NJS Law, we combine specialist legal expertise with a genuinely client-first approach to every pavement accident claim. We’ve built our reputation on exceptional service, clear communication, and unwavering commitment to negotiating a settlement on your behalf.
- Clear, jargon-free legal advice from specialist solicitors
- Full support from the initial claim to the final compensation
- Proven success in public liability and personal injury claims
- National coverage —handling cases across England and Wales
- Transparent communication and dedicated client care throughout your case
- Rated 4.7/5 on Google and 4.8/5 on Trustpilot, from 1,667 reviews on the two sites.
We take time to understand your situation and build your case with evidence, so you can focus on recovery while we focus on results.
With more than 200 years of combined legal experience, NJS Law has recovered significant compensation for clients injured due to council or property-owner negligence. We build your case with evidence to maximise your compensation.
Experienced
- More than 200 years of combined legal experience, delivering tailored and reliable personal injury support
What our clients say
- Rated 4.8/5 on Trustpilot from 874 reviews.
Speak to Our Personal Injury Solicitors Today
Our team has more than 200 years of combined legal experience, and we act only for people who have been injured.
Contact us today to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation. Our solicitors are available by phone, chat or our enquiry form at a time that suits you. Tell us what happened using the enquiry form on this page.
Latest Insights on Public Liability and Pavement Accident Claims
Stay informed with our latest articles covering public liability law, council negligence, and pavement accident compensation. These resources explain key legal principles, recent case outcomes, and practical guidance for anyone pursuing a claim.
FAQs for Pavement Accident Claims
Pavement accident claims often raise similar questions about eligibility, evidence, council responsibility, and compensation.
The answers below explain the legal process clearly, from who can claim to how long it takes, so you know exactly what to expect before starting your claim with NJS Law.
How do I know if I have a valid pavement accident claim?
You may have a valid claim if your injury was caused by a pavement, path, or walkway that was unsafe due to a defect, hazard, or poor maintenance. Councils and property owners have a duty to keep public areas safe under the Highways Act 1980 and the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957. If they failed to inspect, repair, or warn about dangers, you could be entitled to compensation.
Who is liable for a pavement accident?
Liability depends on who controls or maintains the pavement where the accident happened. Councils are responsible for public highways, while private landowners and businesses are responsible for their own premises. Our solicitors identify the correct party, obtain inspection and maintenance records, and prove whether reasonable care was taken to prevent accidents.
What evidence do I need for a pavement accident claim?
Good evidence strengthens your claim and helps prove fault. You should gather:
- Photos of the defect with a ruler or coin for scale and multiple angles
- Witness names and contact details
- A report to the council, occupier, or business (keep a copy)
- Medical records confirming injuries and treatment
- Receipts for travel or medical costs
Correspondence or reference numbers from the responsible authority. Our solicitors use this evidence to establish negligence and build a robust claim for compensation.
What are the time limits for making a pavement accident claim?
You normally have three years from the accident date to start your claim. This may extend to the date you became aware that your injury was linked to the incident. If someone lacked mental capacity when the injury happened, the three years do not start until they regain it. If they lose capacity later, the time limit keeps running, so act quickly. We recommend contacting us quickly to protect your right to claim.
How much compensation could I receive for a pavement accident?
Compensation varies depending on your injuries and how they affect your life. Using the Judicial College Guidelines, 18th edition (2026), typical awards include:
- Minor ankle or wrist fracture: up to £18,150
- Serious leg or ankle fracture: £41,370 to £72,440
- Head or facial injury: depends on severity: ask us for an estimate
- Severe multiple injuries: £25,000 and above
You can claim both general damages (for pain and suffering) and special damages (for financial losses). Our team calculates your total accurately based on medical evidence and personal impact.
What are the most common injuries in pavement accident claims?
The most frequent injuries include:
- Fractures to wrists, ankles, and legs
- Soft-tissue sprains and strains
- Shoulder, back, and hip injuries
- Facial or dental trauma from impact
- Head injury or concussion
- Long-term pain or reduced mobility
Even minor injuries can justify a claim if they cause lasting pain, lost income, or medical costs.
Can I make a claim against a private landowner or occupier?
If your accident happened on private property, such as a shop, car park, or residential estate, your claim is covered by the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957. Occupiers must keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors. Failure to fix hazards or display warning signs can make them liable for your injury.
Can I make a claim on behalf of someone else?
Yes. You can claim on behalf of a child or someone who lacks the capacity to manage their own affairs. In these cases, you act as a litigation friend. Our solicitors guide you through the process and ensure the claim is filed within the correct legal time limits.
How long does a pavement accident claim take?
Straightforward pavement accident claims may settle within six to nine months if liability is accepted early. More complex cases involving serious injuries or disputed liability can take 12 to 18 months or longer. We update you regularly and aim to secure compensation as quickly as possible without compromising the value of your claim.
Do I need a solicitor for a pavement accident claim?
You can start a claim yourself, but using a solicitor improves your chances of success and ensures the correct procedures are followed. Our personal injury team:
- Identifies who is legally responsible
- Gathers evidence and expert reports
- Calculates accurate compensation
Negotiates with insurers and councils. Professional representation also protects you from procedural errors. We build your case with evidence to maximise your compensation.
How does a No Win No Fee pavement accident claim work?
Under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), you pay nothing upfront and nothing if your claim is unsuccessful. If you win, a capped success fee is deducted from your compensation. All terms are explained clearly before you begin so you know exactly how costs and insurance work.
What should I do after a pavement accident?
Follow these steps immediately:
- Seek medical attention and keep all treatment records.
- Take photos of the defect and surrounding area.
- Report the incident to the council or property owner and obtain a copy of the report.
- Collect witness details and preserve footwear or clothing.
- Keep all receipts for related expenses.
Contact NJS Law for free advice on starting your claim.
Acting quickly helps preserve crucial evidence and strengthens your case.
What happens if the council denies responsibility?
If the council denies fault, we investigate their inspection and maintenance records to show whether they took reasonable care. We can issue court proceedings where necessary, but most cases still settle before trial once proper evidence is presented.
How long do I have to report a pavement accident to the council?
You should report the defect or incident as soon as possible — ideally within days. Prompt reporting helps confirm the defect existed and prevents the council from arguing that they were unaware of the hazard before your accident occurred.
Can I still claim if I didn’t report the accident immediately?
Yes, you can. While early reporting helps, your claim can still succeed if there is clear evidence of the defect and how it caused your injury. Photographs, witness statements, and medical records often fill this gap.
Will I need to go to court for my pavement accident claim?
Most pavement accident claims settle out of court. Court proceedings are only required if the other side disputes liability or the value of your compensation. If this happens, our solicitors handle everything on your behalf and keep the process as straightforward as possible.
Can I claim compensation if I was injured while pushing a pram or using mobility aids?
Yes. Pavement accident claims cover all pedestrians, including parents with prams and people using wheelchairs, mobility scooters, or walking aids. Councils must ensure pavements are safe and accessible for everyone. Hazards that cause accidents for vulnerable users can lead to higher compensation due to increased risk.
Thinking about a claim? Read about Personal injury claims and how No Win No Fee works, or send us your enquiry.