Slips and falls at work, in short
Slipped on a wet floor, tripped over stock or fell from a height at work? Workers compensation covers you, whoever was at fault. United Legal is a Canberra firm based in Fyshwick. We work on a No Win, No Fee basis and your first conversation is free.
Slip and Fall at Work: what you need to know
Slips, trips and falls cause a large share of workplace injuries in shops, kitchens, warehouses, offices and building sites. Injuries range from sprains to fractures, head injuries and back injuries.
Because workers compensation is a no-fault scheme, you do not need to prove your employer did anything wrong to claim weekly payments and medical costs. If a hazard should have been fixed, you may also have a common law claim.
Common causes of falls at work
- Wet or slippery floors
- Cluttered walkways and trip hazards
- Poor lighting
- Unsafe ladders and steps
- Falls from heights
- Uneven surfaces in car parks and loading areas
Slips, trips and falls at work
Wet floors, loose cables, poor lighting, cluttered walkways and missing handrails cause thousands of workplace injuries. A fall can lead to broken wrists, knee and ankle injuries, back injuries and head injuries.
If you were on a work errand, a break or travelling between work sites, you may still be covered. Report the fall, take photos of what caused it, and get the names of anyone who saw it.
What workers compensation can pay
Under the Workers Compensation Act 1951 (ACT) you do not have to prove anyone was at fault. You can usually claim weekly payments while you cannot work, medical and rehabilitation costs, and a lump sum for permanent impairment. If your employer or someone else was negligent, a common law claim for damages may be worth much more.
Read more about workers compensation claims.
Evidence that helps your claim
You do not need to have everything before you call us, but these records make a workers compensation claim stronger. Keep copies of anything you have:
- Your claim form and the date you reported the injury
- Certificates of capacity from your doctor
- Payslips and tax returns showing your earnings
- Incident reports, photos and witness names
- Emails or messages about your injury or duties
How much could a slips and falls at work claim be worth?
Every claim is different. The amount depends on what you earned before the injury, how long you cannot work, your medical needs, your level of permanent impairment, and whether a common law claim is available. We give you an honest estimate once we understand your situation, and we prepare every claim to get its full value rather than settling early.
Why people choose United Legal
- Three lawyers on every case. Your claim is checked by more than one experienced lawyer, start to finish.
- A local Canberra firm since 2004. We know the ACT schemes, insurers, doctors and courts.
- No Win, No Fee. No upfront costs, and you get a written costs agreement before we start.
- Serious injury experience. Our results include a $20m+ settlement and a $1.4m workers compensation claim.
Watch: slips and falls at work
What to do now
- Report the injury to your employer as soon as you can, and make sure it is recorded.
- See a doctor and ask for a workers compensation certificate of capacity.
- Lodge your claim form with your employer, and keep copies of everything.
- Get advice before you sign anything from the insurer or agree to a settlement.
Slips and falls at work: FAQs
I slipped at work but nobody saw it. Can I still claim?
I fell in the car park at work. Is that covered?
I fell in the car park at work. Is that covered?
Do I have to prove someone else was at fault?
How much does a workers compensation lawyer cost?
Is there a time limit?
Find out where you stand.
Free claim check · No Win, No Fee