i was walkin my dog and tripped on a sunken pavement..about 2" deep....I went to hospital, have bruised my knees, hurt my shoulder and broken my ankle....Should I make a compensation claim, and if so, how!? how much would I be expected to be paid out, or would it just a waste of time...I was supposed to start a new job on Monday, so all this is so upsetting to me.
2007-04-13 09:38:50 · 8 answers · asked by tizzy 5 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Injuries
oh and for all the people out there who wish to put me down on not looking where I was going, or should go out to work...I am a single parent of three children, have ALWAYS worked full time, due to the childrens 'father' leaving 10 years ago and never paying a penny, abd the reason I fell is the street light was not working, and if anyone over the age of 60 would fall in the same place, I doubt it would just be a broken bone. I am now in a cast up to my knee and cant move my shoulder...tell me...who would like to look after 3 children alone in that position?....so any other BRIGHT ideas about milking compensation...keep them to yourselves...thank you to all others who have given advice that doesnt involve being rude or judgemental.
2007-04-13 09:58:23 · update #1
Yes you can. You need to find out who owns the area of pavement (likely to be the local council). You need medical confirmation of your injuries in writing, either from your Doctor or the hospital that treated you. You can then proceed in either of two ways. You can write to them directly explaining your case and providing them with copies of your medical report. You should also photograph the area of paving (preferably with a camera that records the date) where you had the accident. Any witness reports of the accident should be included. You can let them offer you compensation or you can give an idea of the compensation you had in mind. Include time off work/activities, cost of travel to seek medical advice/treatment, expenses for medical report etc. Other than that approach you can see what they offer you, or finally seek advice from a solictor (it's just they'll probably eat up your compensation). If you do go by the solicitor route, telephone them and ask them for advice first. They don't charge for this and some are happy (and honest enough) to tell you whether it's worth it with their fees or if you are entitled to legal aid. Hope that helps.
PS - For the people that are moaning at you about claiming, it is generally the councils responsibility to maintain a safe street to walk on. Roads and pavements should be safe and this is what our council tax money goes on. If they are not appropriately monitoring the situation that is their fault. If you do not complain (and compensation claims seem to make them think a bit more as it costs them) then maybe they'd like to think about how they'd feel if it happened to them or their child. So don't feel bad. I think you have just cause. In your case it led to a broken ankle. Next time it could be a broken hip for an elderly person, or a fractured skull for a child!
2007-04-13 10:54:35 · answer #1 · answered by Katy 2 · 2⤊ 1⤋
Yes, it is the councils responsibility to maintain pavements.
Take some photo's as proof - both of the pavement and your injuries.
Take everything to a local lawyer.
He'll advise you, the service might be free depending on your financial situation.
2007-04-13 09:47:11 · answer #2 · answered by Froggy 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It depends if the pavement has been reported to to the council as being faulty , than yes you can , if the council are unaware of the the pavement being faulty than the answer is no , as to how much compo than that depends on lose of earnings , cost of going to hospital etc. Hope this helps and hope you feel better soon
2007-04-13 09:55:07 · answer #3 · answered by mitch 2 · 1⤊ 3⤋
Get a friend to photograph in detail the area where you injured yourself. When you put a claim in the council will repair the pavement, so you need evidence to show they are responsible.
2007-04-13 09:44:43 · answer #4 · answered by Nexus6 6 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Visit a solicitor, no win no fee. In any high st. Dont use the one who advertise on TV
2007-04-13 09:42:44 · answer #5 · answered by John S 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it wasn't your fault so claim compensation @injury lawyers 4 u do it over the internet it will be well worth it.
xx
2007-04-13 10:07:15 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 3⤋
you fully deserve money for this atrocity! its an outrage.
I would expect at least 3 million pounds.
Its not your fault, why should you look where you are going?
sue the local authority! then they can tax you more.
2007-04-13 09:44:34 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 4⤋
Are you sure it was 'sunken' before you fell on it?
2007-04-13 10:49:43 · answer #8 · answered by ╬ Wrath Of The Tyrant ╬ 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋