Usually, when you enter a building, home or any organisation, the first thing you step on is a doormat. It is such a normal fixture that we often don’t pay much attention to it, apart from using it to wipe our feet. However, if this item isn’t fixed properly, it can cause you to fall and injure yourself. The injuries could be minor, such as soft-tissue damage, or serious, such as fractures, leading to varying recovery periods and treatments. If the negligent actions of another caused your accident, we could help you through the doormat injury claims process to compensate you for your physical, psychological and financial harm.
At Legal Expert, our expert solicitors have years of experience working across a variety of different types of compensation claims across the country. We promise to handle all the complexities of a claim and to strive to ensure the most suitable compensation payout for you. Call us now to find out how to claim for any kind of personal injury.
4.8 (466 reviews) Can I Claim Compensation For Tripping On A Doormat?
Yes, you can claim compensation for tripping on a doormat if the accident and subsequent injuries suffered were caused by the negligent actions of another. All personal injury claims, including doormat injury claims, must meet the following criteria in order to be deemed as eligible:
- Someone owed you a duty of care (this is a legal responsibility regarding your health and safety)
- They breached their duty of care
- This breach of duty led to you suffering an injury
There are various instances where you are owed a duty of care, and we explain these below in relation to doormat accident claims.
Doormat Injury Claims In A Public Place
Those in control of a public space, such as a supermarket, cafe, restaurant, etc., are referred to as an ‘occupier’. All occupiers under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957 have a duty of care to ensure the reasonable safety of visitors to said public space. Part of their duty of care could include performing regular risk assessments and removing any known hazards.
Therefore, if you injure yourself due to a doormat in a public place, you may have a public liability claim against the occupier.
- For Example: You try to enter a hotel, where the mat hasn’t been fitted properly, and you trip and fall, breaking your nose upon impact with the floor, as well as a wrist injury when trying to break your fall.
Claiming For A Doormat Injury At Work
An employer has a duty of care to ensure the well-being and safety of their employees by taking reasonable steps, such as minimising risks and providing safety training, as stated under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974.
Therefore, if you injure yourself at work due to a doormat, you may have a valid accident at work claim.
- For Example: You enter your workplace on a rainy day. Your employer has put down a doormat, but it is not slip-proof. This causes the doormat to slide when you step on it due to the rainwater, and you suffer a back injury in the fall.
To discuss your particular case and see whether you may have an eligible compensation claim, you can contact our advisors.
What Injuries Can Be Caused By A Doormat Slip Or Trip?
Some injuries that can be caused by a doormat slip or trip include fractures, head injuries, sprains and dislocation. A more detailed list of injuries which may lead to doormat injury claims includes:
- Concussions
- Traumatic brain damage
- Knee injuries
- Ankle injuries
- Sprains and soft tissue injuries
- Strains and dislocations
- Wrist injuries
- Hip and pelvic injuries
- Fractures and breaks
If you have suffered an injury that is not listed above, don’t worry, you still may be able to claim. Contact our team today to discuss your case.
What Amount Of Doormat Slip and Fall Compensation Could I Get?
The amount of doormat slip and fall compensation you could get depends on the types of injuries suffered, the intensity of said injuries and the resulting financial losses.
Your compensation for the physical and psychological injuries resulting from the doormat slip would be awarded under general damages. These will usually be calculated by legal professionals referring to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG). This provides guideline compensation brackets for various injuries.
Our table below provides possible compensation ranges for doormat injury claims. Please understand that the top row hasn’t been quoted from the JCG, and the entire table is only to provide guidance.
| Injury | Compensation Guidelines | Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Multiple Severe Injuries and Special Damages | Up to £1,000,000+ | Many injuries and medical expenses, physiotherapy and counselling. |
| Brain Damage | £267,340 to £344,150 | Moderately Severe- Serious disability with a dependence on others |
| £183,190 to £267,340 | Moderate (i)- Moderate to severe intellectual D deficit | |
| Pelvis and Hip Injuries | £95,680 to £159,770 | Severe (i)- Extensive Hip Fractures and Other Effects |
| £75,550 to £95,680 | Severe (ii)- Dislocation of the Pelvis | |
| Arm Injuries | £47,810 to £73,050 | Permanent and Substantial Disablement |
| Leg Injuries | £47,840 to £66,920 | Severe (iii) Serious- Compound Fractures or Joint Injuries |
| Back Injuries | £33,880 to £47,320 | Moderate (i)- Compression or Crush Injuries to the Spine |
| £15,260 to £33,880 | Moderate (ii)- Soft Tissue Injuries or Disturbed Muscles | |
| Ankle Injury | £16,770 to £32,450 | Moderate - Fractures or Ligament Tears |
What Types Of Damages Can Doormat Injury Claims Cover?
Doormat injury claims can cover general damages for your injuries as well as special damages, for the financial losses resulting from the doormat injury, such as medical expenses, loss of earnings and physical aids. We will now elaborate on these examples:
- Loss of earnings due to time taken off from work.
- Medical expenses, such as prescription fees.
- Travel costs, such as taxi fares to medical appointments.
- Modifications to your car or home due to a resulting disability.
- Psychiatric treatment and therapy due to the trauma from the doormat accident.
- Physical aids, such as bandages, plasters and crutches.
- Rehabilitation and physiotherapy fees.
- Care costs, both professional or gratuitous.
- Childcare costs if you are unable to care for your child due to your injury.
You will have to prove these financial losses through receipts, payslips and bank statements if you wish to include special damages in your doormat injury claim.
Use our compensation calculator now to get your potential doormat compensation figure instantly.
4.8 (466 reviews) How Can I Prove Someone Else Was At Fault For A Doormat Injury?
You can prove someone else was at fault for a doormat injury by reporting the accident and collecting evidence in support of your claim. We will explain how to do this, besides the other important steps involved in making doormat injury claims:
- Seek immediate medical attention by visiting your GP or the nearest A&E. This will prevent your injuries from getting worse and create a medical record, which will serve as evidence.
- Report the accident to your employer or the manager of the public place. Make sure that the details of the incident are recorded in the accident book, as this will also form part of your evidence.
- Start compiling evidence to establish the other party’s liability. This can include medical reports, witness contact details, photographs, and personal diary entries.
- Maintain a personal record of your daily symptoms after the doormat accident, such as the effects of the medication, psychological trauma and physical pain due to the injuries.
- Consult a personal injury solicitor to assess your potential claim and to seek advice on how to proceed. If you get in touch with our team, our advisors will assess your claim’s eligibility for free and then connect you with an expert personal injury solicitor.
- It is also essential to start your claim within the time limit. This is generally 3 years, and we discuss this in more depth in our next section.
If you have any questions, such as ‘how many personal injury claims go to court?’ or ‘what evidence should I gather for my specific case?’, call us now to find out.
How Long Will I Have To Claim For A Doormat Trip Or Slip?
You will have 3 years to claim for a doormat trip or slip under the Limitation Act 1980. This time limit applies from the date of your accident, and you have to start your claim within this period.
Exceptions apply to this time limit for minors and for individuals lacking mental capacity. You can learn more about these and the time limits applicable to your case in our public liability claim time limits and workplace accident claims time limit guides.
To discuss your case and receive free advice, you can contact our advisors.
Why Should You Choose Our No Win No Fee Doormat Injury Claims Solicitors
You should choose our No Win No Fee doormat injury claims solicitors since they will use their expert knowledge and immense experience to guide you throughout the entire claims process. Some of the expert services they can offer their clients include:
- Ensuring your claim is submitted within the time limit
- Gathering evidence, such as witness statements, to support your case
- Providing regular updates on the progress of your claim.
- Calculating your potential compensation amount.
- Handling all communication and negotiations with the defending party.
Our No Win No Fee solicitors offer these services through a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), which means:
- No ongoing or upfront solicitors’ service fees.
- If you lose your claim, there will be no payment for your solicitor’s services.
- If the claim wins, you will pay your solicitor a small percentage of your compensation. This is the success fee, and there’s a legal limit on the percentage to ensure you receive the majority of your payout.
Contact Legal Expert
Contact us here at Legal Expert today to see if one of our solicitors could help you through the doormat injury claims process. Our friendly team can also answer any questions you may have and offer free advice on your case.
- Call on 0800 073 8804.
- Contact us online.
- Speak to us through live chat.
More Information
You can read some of our other guides:
- Our guide for claiming for falling on the street.
- Details on swimming pool accident claims.
- Information on ferry accident claims.
You can also check out these resources:
- Advice from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) on preventing slips and trips at work.
- Information from the HSE on slips and trips.
- Details from the NHS on when to provide first aid.
Thank you for reading our guide on doormat injury claims.
