Personal Injury

Personal injury is defined as any physical or psychological injury you sustain as a consequence of an accident. Most cases of compensation award involve an instance of personal injury.

One exception that does not fall under personal injury is an injury sustained during a violent crime. There are specific laws that cover criminal injury compensation.

Cases of Personal Injury:

> Indoor (walkways, hallways)

If you trip over something, or slip on the ground, then end up injuring yourself, you may be eligible for compensation.

This only applies for slips or trips that occur as the direct result of someone’s negligence. In other words, if the accident occurred on a walkway or floor which was someone’s responsibility to keep clear and safe for human traffic, then there is a possibility you might be entitled to compensation.

> Outdoor (sidewalks, footpaths)

If you fall or trip while walking down the street, you might be entitled to a compensation award from the local council that is responsible for ensuring the upkeep of the pavement.

This only applies if the footpath where the accident occurred shows indications of improper maintenance. You may not have a valid case if the surface of the footpath only has minor defects due to normal wear and tear.

> Commercial Areas (shops)

Owners of shops are responsible for making sure that the floors of their business premises are kept reasonably dry and safe for human traffic. Shopkeepers are expected to conduct regular inspections to ensure that potentially unsafe spillages are cleaned up and obstructions are cleared.

Should you suffer an injury from a slip, you might be entitled for compensation if it can be proven that the shop could have taken measures to prevent your accident, provided also that it wasn’t your own fault.

> Other Places (office buildings, farms, etc.)

Individuals and companies that occupy land and structures such as office buildings and farms are responsible for taking reasonable care of their visitors. Any injury that wasn’t your fault, that occurs due to an accident that could have been avoided or anticipated by the party responsible for the area, may be eligible for compensation.