I am seeking advice about pursuing a claim for slipping on oil on the ground. My accident happened suddenly one day last week while I was walking down the footpath. I slipped on an oil spill that ran from the road onto the footpath, leaving me with a severe back injury that has kept me bed-ridden since. Am I entitled to claim compensation and if so, from who?
In order to ascertain whether or not you are eligible to claim for slipping on oil on the ground, you must establish whose negligence it was which led to your fall. In your case, the negligent party may be difficult to identify if you have not already done so. It could be the case that the cargo of a passing road tanker leaked onto the road causing the spill; that the oil from a passing car seeped from under their bonnet; or that a pedestrian carrying a container dropped their spilled their oil while crossing the road. Whatever, the case, identifying the negligent party is imperative to being able to seek compensation. It may be possible to use roadside CCTV footage should it be available, or maybe a passing pedestrian saw who was responsible.
Identifying the negligent party should not be your first priority after a fall, however. The first thing you should have done after your fall is seek proper medical attention – this means summoning an ambulance and making a visit to the nearest hospital’s Accident and Emergency department. If you have not already done so, you should visit the hospital immediately, or as you are currently bed-ridden, have your GP make a house call.
Understandably, you are probably stressed as a result of being stuck in bed all day, not being able to go about your daily routine. You should take some satisfaction in knowing that you could be compensated for the loss of amenity you are currently suffering, and may be able to recoup any money you missed out on as a result of not being able to earn. You may also be able to retrieve compensated for any psychological damage your injury has caused – although this has to be quantified by a psychologist – and any other expenses you incurred as a result of your injury.
For a more thorough evaluation of your claim for slipping on oil on the ground, speak to a personal injury claims solicitor at the first available opportunity.