If you’ve slipped on ice at work, you may be wondering whether you’re entitled to claim compensation. Whether the icy surface was caused by adverse weather conditions or a lack of appropriate safety measures, your employer has a legal duty to ensure the workplace is safe. This includes taking reasonably practicable steps to prevent workplace accidents caused by slipping on ice.
This guide explains who could make a personal injury compensation claim after a fall accident at work, what evidence could support a valid claim, and how compensation may be calculated. We’ll also look at employer negligence, common fall injuries, and how a No Win No Fee claim works.
If you want to know if you can seek compensation for injuries caused by ice at work, our panel of solicitors are ready to assist you. Get in touch by:
- Completing our contact form
- Calling us on 0333 000 0729
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- I Slipped On Ice At Work, Can I Sue For Compensation?
- The Average Payout For Slipping On Ice At Work
- How Employer Negligence Can Lead An Employee To Fall On Ice
- Common Injuries Sustained From Slipping On Ice
- Is There A Time Limit To Making An Accident At Work Claim?
- What Evidence Will I Need To Support My Claim?
- Can I Claim On A No Win No Fee Basis?
- Learn More
I Slipped On Ice At Work, Can I Sue For Compensation?
If you slipped on ice at work and suffered an injury, you may be eligible to claim compensation if your employer failed to uphold their legal duty. Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, employers are required to take all reasonably practicable steps to protect the health and safety of their employees.
In icy weather, this includes carrying out proper risk assessments, applying grit or salt to icy surfaces, installing warning signs, or offering safe alternative routes. However this said, an employer can only achieve these steps in areas in which they control. If an employer failed to act and you were injured as a result, this could constitute negligence. To make a successful claim, you must show:
- You were owed a duty of care
- The employer breached that duty
- The breach caused your injuries
If you believe your injury was caused by employer negligence, contact one of our advisors for support.
Can I Claim If I Fell In The Car Park?
Yes, it may be possible to claim compensation if you slipped on ice in your workplace car park. Employers are typically responsible for maintaining safe access routes to and from their premises. This includes outdoor areas like pathways, steps, and parking spaces.
If they failed to manage icy conditions in the workplace, such as by not gritting surfaces or failing to place warning signs, you may have a valid personal injury claim.
Contact our team today to discuss whether your ice claim qualifies for compensation.
The Average Payout For Slipping On Ice At Work
When you make a personal injury claim after slipping on ice at work, compensation is typically split into general and special damages.
General damages compensate you for the physical pain, emotional suffering, and loss of amenity caused by your injuries. The amount awarded will depend on the severity of your injuries, how long it takes to recover, and whether you experience any long-term or permanent effects. As part of your claim, you will be invited to attend an individual medical assessment to determine the extent of your injuries. The findings will then be combined with The Judicial College Guidelines (JCG) to help assess an appropriate compensation amount. The JCG is often used by those responsible for valuing compensation claims, this publication contains a list of injuries, physical and mental, coupled with guideline compensation brackets.
Below is a table that consists of common injuries that may be sustained after a slip on ice at work. This also provides compensation brackets from the JCG for each injury.
Please note that this table is for guidance purposes only and all slipped on ice at work claims are unique. Please note that the first entry in the table is not from the JCG.
| Injury | Severity | Notes | Compensation Guideline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiple severe injuries and special damages | Very severe | Settlements may include compensation for more than one severe injury and related costs, e.g. cost of care | Up to £1,000,000+ |
| Paralysis | Paraplegia | Awards will be affected by the amount of pain suffered, the impact on dependence, the impact on age or life expectancy and affect on sexual function. | £267,340 to £346,890 |
| Head injury | Moderate (i) | The impact of the injury results in an impact on intellect, changes of personality, impairment of sight, speech and other senses, increased risk of epilepsy and inability to work. | £183,190 to £267,340 |
| Back injury | Severe (i) | Spinal cord and nerve roots damages, resulting in severe pain and disability. Injury impairs function of bladder, bowel and sexual. | £111,150 to £196,450 |
| Arm Injury | Injuries Resulting in Permanent and Substantial Disablement | Serious fracture injuries resulting in permanent cosmetic or functional disability. | £47,810 to £73,050 |
| Pelvis and hip | Moderate (i) | Substantial injury to the pelvis or hip where disability is not considered major and future risk is not classed as great. For example, where a hip replacement was needed. | £32,450 to £47.810 |
| Shoulder injury | Severe (i) | Injury resulting in serious disability, linked to neck injuries and brachial plexus damage. | £23,430 to £58,610 |
| Arm Injury | Less Severe Injury | The disability caused by injury is expected to recover. | £23,430 to £47,810 |
| Leg Injury | Fractures From Which an Incomplete Recovery is Made or Serious Soft Tissue Injuries | Injured person will recover, but will be impacted by lasting issues such as metal implants, impaired mobility and discomfort. Also included are soft tissue injuries to one or both legs, impeding function and.or nerve damage. | £21,920 to £33,880 |
| Knee Injury | Moderate (i) | Meniscus, dislocation or cartilage tears resulting in weakness, wasting, instability and other forms of lesser disability. Also includes injuries that exasperate pre-existing conditions. | £18,110 to £31,960 |
What Will Affect My Final Settlement Amount?
In addition to general damages, your final settlement may include special damages. Special damages cover financial losses and expenses directly related to your injury, such as:
- Loss of earnings. For example, if your injuries leave you unable to work whilst you recover.
- Medical expenses. For example, if you need to attend physiotherapy due to your injury.
- Travel expenses to and from medical appointments. For example, taxi fares or the cost of parking in a hospital
- Damage to personal property. For example, if your phone screen smashed as a result of your fall.
- Care costs for help around the home. For example, if a loved one has had to provide care for you whilst you have been injured.
To recover these costs, you’ll need to provide evidence such as bank statements, receipts, and invoices.
Contact our advisors if you have slipped on ice at work, and learn more about how your compensation may be calculated.
How Employer Negligence Can Lead An Employee To Fall On Ice
Employer negligence must be established to make a workplace injury claim involving ice or snow. When employers fail to prepare for icy conditions or respond appropriately, employees can suffer serious injuries.
Here are some of the most common ways employer negligence leads to slipping on ice at work:
Failure To Identify The Ice
Employers must carry out regular inspections of work premises during winter weather. If no risk assessments are performed and ice hazards go unnoticed, they may be held liable for any injuries sustained.
Lack Of Warning Signs
Warning signs alert employees to hazardous conditions. If your employer failed to place clear warning signs near icy surfaces, this could be considered a breach of their duty of care.
Failure To Clear The Ice
Employers must take steps to treat ice, such as gritting or applying salt to walkways. Failing to do so could be seen as neglectful, especially if icy conditions were forecast.
Not Providing Employees With Diversions
If ice made certain walkways unsafe, your employer should have provided safe alternative routes. If you were injured because no diversions were in place, this could support a personal injury compensation claim.
Common Injuries Sustained From Slipping On Ice
Fall injuries caused by ice at work can range from minor to severe. Common injuries include:
- Fractures (e.g., wrist, ankle, hip)
- Head injuries and concussions
- Back and spinal injuries
- Cuts and bruises
- Soft tissue injuries
In serious cases, injured persons may require surgery, physiotherapy, or long-term care. If you’ve sustained injuries after slipping on ice at work, speak with our experienced panel of solicitors today to explore your options for a claim.
Is There A Time Limit To Making An Accident At Work Claim?
Yes, strict time limits apply when making an accident claim. Under the Limitation Act 1980, you typically have 3 years from the date of the accident to begin legal proceedings.
There are exceptions to this 3-year rule to ensure that justice can still be served in situations where the injured person cannot reasonably bring a claim within the normal time limit. These exceptions exist to protect vulnerable individuals and ensure they still have an opportunity to seek compensation.
Exceptions apply for:
- Under 18s: A minor cannot legally make their own claim, so the time limit is paused. If no claim has been made before they reach the age of 18, they have until age 21 to make one.
- Lack of mental capacity: If the injured party lacks the mental capacity to make a claim, the time limit is suspended until they regain mental capacity.
In both cases, a litigation friend can claim on behalf of the injured party while the time limit is paused. This is typically a parent, close relative, or trusted adult who acts in the best interests of the claimant.
If you are unsure of your eligibility to claim after you slipped on ice at work, please contact our trusted advisors. They can help to answer any questions you have about the validity of your claim.
What Evidence Will I Need To Support My Claim?
To strengthen your compensation claim, it’s important to gather strong evidence. The following can help prove negligence and support your case:
- Photographic evidence of the icy surface
- Medical records and assessments from a medical professional
- Get witness contact details so that a statement can be taken later on
- Incident report in your employer’s accident book
- Receipts for medical expenses, travel expenses, and lost earnings
This evidence can be used to help support your claim. It is also recommended that you write down the events as they happen, in case you forget some details later on in the process.
Can I Claim On A No Win No Fee Basis?
Yes, our panel of solicitors may offer representation under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), a type of No Win No Fee arrangement. This means:
- No upfront legal fees
- No legal fees during the claims process
- No fees to pay if your claim is unsuccessful
If your claim succeeds, a small success fee percentage will be deducted from your compensation. This fee is capped by law and agreed upon in advance.
Contact Our Advisors
Our panel of specialist solicitors are highly experienced in workplace injury claims. If you slipped on ice at work, we can help determine if you have a valid claim and connect you with legal professionals ready to act. Our friendly advisors are ready to support you with free advice and clear next steps.
To find out more, you can:
- Fill out our contact form
- Call us on 0333 000 0729
- Message us on our live chat
Learn More
Thank you for reading our guide discussing slipped on ice at work claims. For further information, please see more of our helpful resources:
- Learn more about accident at work claims.
- Find out what percentage do No Win No Fee solicitors take.
- Read our guide on how much compensation for a slip, trip or fall.
Or visit trusted resources like:
- An NHS guide on when to go to A&E.
- An HSE guide on slips and trips at work.
- This Met Office guide on clearing snow and ice.
Slipped on ice at work? Don’t delay. Speak with Legal Helpline today to find out how much compensation you could claim for your injuries and losses.
