COUNCILS SET £16M ASIDE FOR ACCIDENT COMPENSATION CLAIMS DUE TO PAVEMENT TRIPS AND SLIPS

July 3rd, 2008 Hinchliffes

New research by Help the Aged claims that local councils are setting aside at least £16 million to cover accident compensation claims where pavement falls cause injuries.

The research suggests that some councils who fear the consequences of legal action are actually setting aside more funds to deal with potential claims than they make available to deal with pavement repairs, even though they have a legal duty to keep safe the areas that the public have access to.

For those aged 75 plus a fall could be fatal. However, even though the effects of a fall on their physical and mental health might be devastating, that age group is less likely to seek compensation than younger people.

COMMENT:-

Current statistics indicate that more than 2,300 elderly people fall due to poorly maintained pavements every day. Councils may wish to consider whether the funds they hold back might be better spent in making the pavements safer and therefore removing the possibility of an accident claim arising.

Local Government groups put the blame for the high costs in dealing with claims on “No Win No Fee” agreements and personal injury claim solicitors. However, under this type of agreement the solicitors only get paid if claims are successful, and success only follows where the council is found to be at fault. This argument is therefore unsustainable.

PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM SOLICITORS:-

If you have been injured in any type of accident, contact personal injury specialists Hinchliffes Solicitors for immediate legal advice, to find out if you are entitled to make claims for injury compensation. All cases are dealt with on a No Win – No Fee basis and successful Clients keep 100% of the compensation recovered.

Call now on 0800 138 1348 to speak direct to a personal injury lawyer or go to our Start Your Claim Now page to submit details of your personal injury claim online.