It sounds like something from a slapstick comedy sketch; but it’s normally no laughing matter if you are the victim of falling through an open trapdoor. The injuries can be serious if the height of the drop is considerable.
So if you have been the unfortunate victim of falling through a trapdoor, are you entitled to claim for personal injury compensation?
As a member of the public
As a member of the public, whoever is responsible for the trapdoor has the duty to ensure that no one is hurt as a result of it. The common law that applies here is the Occupiers Liability Act which imposes a duty on property owners to take all reasonable steps to ensure visitors are not injured.
Falling down a trapdoor, especially if it is open, does not sound like the owners are taking all reasonable steps.
If it’s a pub or a shop and you fall down an open trapdoor, you can make a claim for compensation and we would be happy to help you out. We operate a 100% compensation agreement for these types of accidents, and we would happily investigate the claim on a full No Win, No Fee basis for you.
At work
If this happens to you at work, we’re looking at The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 which state the following:
12.(1) Every floor in a workplace and the surface of every traffic route in a workplace shall be of a construction such that the floor or surface of the traffic route is suitable for the purpose for which it is used.
Having an open trapdoor is a breach of these regulations; but equally, if the trapdoor is not secured or breaks beneath you, we can still apply the above to claim compensation from your employers insurance.
Even if it was a colleague that had left it unsecured, you can still claim compensation. A colleagues negligence falls on your employer; something known as vicarious liability.
We can also offer a 100% compensation agreement in these circumstances as well.
Making a Claim
If the drop is sufficient, you can easily end up breaking any of your limbs which will likely leave you with having to have time off work and needing a lot of care and assistance from friends and family. You can claim compensation not just for the injury itself, but also for any losses and expenses on your part. We can even put in a care claim for those who have helped you out.
Give us a call on 0800 634 75 75 today for help and advice!
Legislation: www.legislation.gov.uk/regulation/12/made
