Tripping on a pavement might sound minor, but these accidents often lead to serious injuries and long recovery periods. A pavement trip claim is a type of personal injury claim made when someone is hurt due to poorly maintained or hazardous walking surfaces. If you were injured in this way, and it wasn’t your fault, you could be eligible for compensation.
In a rural town like Church Stretton, known for its scenic hills and older residential areas, pavement maintenance is vital. Uneven paving stones, raised kerbs, and cracks in the path can easily go unnoticed until it’s too late. If you’ve had a fall in this area, understanding your legal rights is the first step to recovery.
Can I claim compensation if I tripped on a pavement in Church Stretton?
Yes. If your fall was caused by a defect that should have been fixed or properly signposted, you may be able to claim. The responsible party is usually the local council, though in some cases it could be a business or private property owner.
In Church Stretton, the local authority in charge of pavement maintenance is Shropshire Council. They are legally obliged to keep public pathways safe for pedestrians. If they fail to repair dangerous defects within a reasonable timeframe, and you get injured as a result, they could be held liable.
What are the most common causes of pavement trip claims?
Pavement hazards vary, but certain issues crop up again and again in compensation claims. In Church Stretton, the changing weather and natural tree root growth can accelerate wear and tear. Some of the most common causes include:
- Loose or raised paving slabs
- Cracks or potholes wider than 1 inch
- Tree roots lifting the pavement
- Uneven kerbs
- Lack of visibility due to poor lighting
Such defects are particularly risky in residential areas and near amenities like Church Stretton Medical Practice or the Mayfair Community Centre, where foot traffic is regular and includes vulnerable individuals.
What injuries are typical in pavement trip accidents?
Tripping over an uneven path might seem like a small issue, but the injuries can be serious. Many of our clients in Church Stretton report:
- Broken wrists, arms, or ankles
- Head injuries and concussion
- Facial cuts or dental injuries
- Dislocated shoulders
- Back pain or spinal issues
Elderly individuals are at even greater risk of long-term harm, with falls sometimes leading to hospital stays or permanent mobility issues. After such an incident, you may need to visit the Royal Shrewsbury Hospital or your local GP to receive treatment.
What evidence do I need to support a claim?
Strong, clear evidence is essential to a successful pavement trip claim. Here’s what you should try to gather:
- Photographs of the defect (include a ruler or object for scale)
- Medical records detailing the injury
- Witness statements from anyone who saw the accident
- Proof of expenses, including prescriptions, travel, or time off work
- Incident reports, especially if reported to the council or emergency services
If the pavement defect was in a public space, such as outside the Coop or near the train station, make sure to record the exact location. Street names and landmarks can be helpful for your legal team to build your case.
How do I make a pavement trip claim?
At Marley Solicitors, our process is designed to be simple and stress-free. We understand that you’re likely in pain, frustrated, and unsure of what to do next. Here’s how it works:
- Contact us for a free consultation
We’ll listen to your story and assess whether your claim is likely to succeed. - We gather evidence
Our legal team will assist you in collecting records, witness statements, and photographs. - We submit your claim
The claim will be sent to the responsible party, whether it’s Shropshire Council or another property owner. - Negotiation and resolution
Most claims are settled out of court. We’ll work hard to secure the compensation you deserve.
Best of all, most cases are handled on a no win, no fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront, and you won’t owe us a penny if your claim is unsuccessful.
What compensation can I expect?
Compensation amounts depend on the severity of the injury and how it has impacted your life. In a pavement trip claim, you can typically claim for:
- Pain and suffering
- Medical costs
- Loss of income
- Travel expenses
- Assistance and care, including help from friends and family
For example, a fractured wrist might result in a payout of £2,000–£5,000 depending on recovery time, while more serious head injuries could result in much higher awards. Each case is different, and our solicitors will ensure your claim reflects the full impact of your injury.
Local support after a pavement injury
If you’ve been injured in Church Stretton, you don’t have to recover alone. You may want to access help from:
- Church Stretton Medical Practice for follow-up care
- Royal Shrewsbury Hospital for scans and specialist treatment
- Mayfair Community Centre for rehabilitation support and community services
- Local pharmacies such as LloydsPharmacy for pain relief and advice
Attending all appointments and keeping receipts can help strengthen your claim and support your recovery at the same time.
How long do I have to claim?
In most pavement trip cases, the time limit is three years from the date of the accident. This is known as the limitation period. There are a few exceptions:
- If the injured person is under 18, the time limit starts from their 18th birthday
- If the individual is mentally incapable, no time limit may apply
Even if you’re unsure whether you still qualify, it’s worth speaking to us as soon as possible. Waiting too long may make it harder to gather evidence and reduce your chances of success.
Why choose Marley Solicitors?
Marley Solicitors has years of experience helping clients across the UK, including small towns like Church Stretton. We know the local landscape, understand how councils operate, and have built a reputation for compassionate, client-focused service.
Our legal team is committed to making your recovery process smoother by handling the legal burden for you. We aim to secure compensation that reflects both your physical suffering and the practical impact of your injury.
We’re proud to offer a personalised, efficient service backed by local knowledge and national expertise.
FAQ
Can I claim if I didn’t report the defect at the time?
Yes, although reporting the issue can help strengthen your case. We may still be able to prove negligence based on photographs, medical records, and witness statements.
Will I have to go to court?
In most cases, no. The majority of pavement trip claims are settled out of court. If your case does go to court, we will support you every step of the way.
Contact Marley Solicitors today
If you’ve tripped on a pavement in Church Stretton, you may be entitled to compensation. Whether the fall happened outside a shop, on your way to the GP, or near a bus stop, you deserve to know your rights.
Contact Marley Solicitors today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll guide you through the process, explain your options, and fight to secure the compensation you deserve – all on a no win, no fee basis.
