Personal injury caused by unsafe walking surfaces or poor maintenance is a frequent issue across County Durham, including Consett. These incidents can result in serious physical and emotional harm, especially when they’re due to hazards that could have been prevented. If you’ve been injured because someone failed to maintain a safe environment, you may be entitled to claim compensation.
Whether your accident occurred on damaged paving outside a shop, in a poorly lit stairwell, or in an icy car park, it’s vital to understand your rights and take appropriate steps. Acting quickly and securing the right legal support can make a real difference to your case outcome.
Can I claim compensation for an accident in Consett?
Yes, you may be eligible to make a personal injury claim if your fall or injury was caused by someone else’s negligence. This means the person, business, or local authority responsible for maintaining the area failed in their legal duty of care.
Common examples include:
- A supermarket failing to put up a wet floor sign after cleaning
- The council not repairing broken or uneven pavement in a timely manner
- A landlord or property manager ignoring hazards in a communal hallway
Injury claims are not just for physical damage. Psychological trauma, anxiety, or a loss of confidence in going out independently can all be factored into your compensation.
At Marley Solicitors, we take a detailed look at your situation to determine whether the legal threshold for liability is met. If so, we guide you through each step of the claims process with clear, personalised advice.
Example: Recent accident near Front Street, Consett
In one recent case, a Consett resident suffered ligament damage after falling due to a loose flagstone near a bus stop on Front Street. The area had been reported previously, but no repairs had taken place. Marley Solicitors handled the claim, gathered witness statements, arranged an independent medical assessment, and secured over £8,000 in compensation within nine months. This case highlights how local knowledge and swift action can strengthen a personal injury claim.
What to do immediately after a fall or accident in Consett
Your health and safety come first, but the steps you take afterwards can also affect your legal case:
- Seek medical attention
- Visit Shotley Bridge Hospital, or arrange a GP appointment as soon as possible
- Injuries such as sprains or fractures may not show immediate symptoms but need to be documented
- A medical report will form an essential part of your claim evidence
- Report the incident
- Inform whoever is responsible for the location—this might be a shop manager, a building supervisor or the local council
- Request written confirmation where possible and make a note of the date and time you reported it
- Gather evidence
- Take photographs of the scene from multiple angles, including any specific hazards
- Speak to witnesses and get their contact details
- Record any environmental factors—wet weather, poor lighting, or construction works—that may have contributed
- Record your personal experience
- Keep a journal documenting your symptoms, pain levels and any disruption to your usual routine
- Retain receipts for travel, medication, medical equipment, or cancelled plans
- If you’ve missed work, keep a record of your loss of earnings and any official sick notes
- Speak to Marley Solicitors
- The sooner you speak to a personal injury specialist, the better
- We’ll advise whether you have a valid claim and explain the next steps, including how long the process is likely to take
Understanding who is responsible for your accident
Liability depends on where the incident occurred. Different parties have different responsibilities:
- Local councils (such as Durham County Council) must maintain pavements, kerbs, pedestrian crossings and other public walkways to a safe standard.
- Businesses are legally obliged to keep commercial premises safe and clean for visitors, customers, and staff.
- Employers must take precautions in all workplaces, particularly where wet surfaces, uneven flooring or manual labour increase the risk of injury.
- Landlords and housing associations must maintain communal areas, such as stairwells, car parks, and entrances in rented accommodation.
If these parties fail in their duties, for example by ignoring complaints or skipping inspections, they may be held responsible for resulting injuries.
How much compensation could I receive for a fall in Consett?
The compensation amount is tailored to your individual case. Factors taken into account include:
- The severity and nature of the injury
- How long it takes to recover
- Time taken off work or permanent loss of earning ability
- Physical pain and emotional suffering
- Medical bills, travel expenses and care needs
- Any ongoing disability or future complications
Some guideline compensation ranges include:
- Minor soft tissue injuries or bruising: £1,000 – £3,000
- Moderate injuries with temporary movement restriction: £3,000 – £7,500
- Fractures or dislocations requiring treatment: £7,500 – £15,000
- Long-term or surgical injuries: £20,000 – £35,000+
At Marley Solicitors, we provide realistic advice on what you can expect based on similar claims in the area and current legal guidelines.
The Marley Solicitors process: how we help
Our approach is straightforward and tailored to each individual:
- Initial consultation
- We’ll assess your case free of charge and let you know if it meets the legal threshold
- Evidence gathering
- We’ll assist you in compiling medical records, incident reports, photographs, witness statements and more
- Medical assessment
- We arrange an independent medical exam to confirm your injuries and prognosis
- Claim submission
- We’ll file your claim against the responsible party or their insurer and handle all correspondence
- Negotiation or court proceedings
- Most claims are settled out of court, but if necessary, we’ll take the case forward with full legal representation
- Settlement and support
- Once compensation is agreed, we’ll help ensure you receive it promptly and without unnecessary deductions
We work on a no-win, no-fee basis, so there’s no upfront cost to you.
Common causes of fall-related injuries in Consett
In our experience, the most frequently reported causes of accidents in Consett include:
- Wet or recently cleaned floors in local cafés, supermarkets and retail shops
- Loose or broken paving slabs around the town centre, especially near car parks and bus stops
- Lack of lighting in stairwells, alleyways, and rear entrances
- Spilt substances left uncleaned in hospitality venues
- Icy public footpaths not gritted during winter
- Workplace hazards such as unsecured cables, unsafe steps or poor maintenance
Identifying the cause is the foundation of a successful claim.
What if I was partly responsible for the accident?
You can still pursue compensation even if you were partially at fault. This is known as contributory negligence. For example, if you were distracted by your phone when you tripped but the hazard was still deemed dangerous, the other party may be found mostly liable.
In such cases, your compensation may be reduced by a percentage based on shared responsibility. If you’re found to be 20% at fault, your total award would be reduced by 20%. Marley Solicitors ensures this assessment is handled fairly, based on solid evidence.
What is the time limit for making a claim in Consett?
The general time limit for personal injury claims is three years from the date of the accident. However, some exceptions apply:
- Children have until their 21st birthday to bring a claim through a parent or guardian
- Individuals lacking mental capacity may be exempt from the time limit entirely
- Injuries discovered later, such as internal damage or psychological effects, may reset the timeline from the date of diagnosis
We always recommend acting quickly, while evidence remains fresh and accessible.
FAQs
How long does the claims process take?
Straightforward cases may settle in as little as six to nine months. More complex claims involving serious injuries or disputed liability can take longer.
Can I make a claim if the fall happened on private property?
Yes. Property owners, landlords and occupiers all have legal responsibilities. We’ll help determine who is liable and how to proceed.
Do I need to go to court?
Most cases settle before reaching court, especially when there is strong evidence. If a trial is necessary, Marley Solicitors will provide full legal support.
Call Marley Solicitors today
If you’ve suffered an injury from a fall or accident in Consett, speak to Marley Solicitors today. We’ll offer honest advice, local insight, and dedicated support from start to finish.
Your initial consultation is free and confidential, and with our no-win, no-fee policy, you won’t pay anything unless we win your case.
