A recent accident I experienced while out with friends has led me to consider pursuing a claim for slipping on a wet floor in a pub. One afternoon last week I was out watching a football match with a few friends when I slipped on a puddle while trying to make my way to the bar. The fall left me with a thumb ligament injury, which as I work with computers has left me unable to earn. Am I eligible to claim for compensation?
Your entitlement to claim compensation depends on who was at fault for your accident – if the pub’s landlord is at fault, you may be able to pursue a claim for slipping on a wet floor in a pub. If it was you however, you yourself may have to shoulder the burden caused by your missed earnings. If the puddle on the floor was caused by a barman, lounge boy or fellow customer and was there for a significant period of time you may be entitled to claim compensation as the pub’s staff’s inaction in not cleaning up the puddle in a timely manner. If it had happened a short time before your accident however, you may not be able claim as it might be found that the pub’s staff were not responsible as it is possible that they did not have had adequate time to spot and clean the spill.
A claim for slipping on a wet floor in a pub also throws up the possibility of alcohol being a factor. If you were drinking at the time of your accident, the negligent party may claim that that caused you to fall and not the spill. For a more thorough breakdown of your individual case, speak to a solicitor at the earliest possible opportunity.
Your missed earnings can be included in your compensation package as part of the special damages portion, which can include any quantifiable expenses incurred as a result of your injury. The loss of amenity – the inability to perform everyday tasks and pursue leisure activities – experienced as part of a thumb ligament injury can also be compensated for; as can any mental trauma. The value of your claim will be assessed by your solicitor using the Guidelines for the Assessment of Damages in Personal Injury Cases.
For a closer look at the specifics of your claim for slipping on a wet floor in a pub, speak with a personal injury solicitor.