Slips, Trips and Falls (Workplace) Claims

A slip or fall at work can turn your day—and your plans—upside down. One moment you’re on the job, the next you’re dealing with pain, time off, and uncertainty about what to do next. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we understand how overwhelming that can feel. And we’re here to help—calmly, clearly, and with the care you’d expect from your local legal team.

With over 20 years’ experience supporting individuals in Tallaght and across Dublin, we’ve helped countless people after workplace accidents—always with the same personal, down-to-earth approach. We’re proud to be part of the community we serve. When you contact us, you’ll speak directly to a solicitor who knows the area, understands how these injuries happen, and will take the time to listen.

You won’t find legal jargon or sales talk here—just straight answers, thoughtful advice, and a firm commitment to doing right by you. If your fall could have been prevented, we’ll guide you through your options and help you take the next step with confidence.

If you’ve been injured in a slip, trip or fall at work, contact John O’Leary Solicitors LLP today to arrange a friendly consultation with a solicitor who’s firmly on your side.

Understanding Workplace Falls and Why They Matter

A slip, trip or fall at work might seem like something that “just happens”—a minor accident, maybe even your own fault. But for many people across Tallaght and Dublin, a workplace fall can mark the beginning of a difficult, often overwhelming journey. Whether you’ve twisted an ankle in a stockroom or suffered a more serious injury from a fall on-site, the effects ripple far beyond the initial incident.

These kinds of accidents are unfortunately among the most common causes of injury in Irish workplaces. From busy construction sites and retail floors to hospital corridors and school halls, hazards can present themselves quickly—and if they’re not properly dealt with, the results can be serious. A wet surface left unmarked, a broken step left unrepaired, or a cluttered walkway not cleared in time can all lead to unexpected harm.

But what many people don’t realise is this: if your employer or someone else responsible for the premises failed to make things safe, and that led to your injury, you may be entitled to compensation. Not as a windfall—but as a way to help cover the real costs you’re now facing: missed wages, physio appointments, maybe even support with daily activities while you recover.

At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we’ve seen first-hand how these accidents affect people. Over the last 20+ years, we’ve helped individuals and families in Tallaght and across South Dublin pick up the pieces after a fall at work—providing practical, personal advice and guiding them through their options at a pace that suits them.

If you’ve experienced a workplace slip, trip or fall, it’s important to know that you’re not overreacting. And you’re not alone. These incidents matter—not just because of what’s been lost, but because of what you still deserve moving forward: support, accountability, and a fair path to recovery.

Common Causes of Workplace Slips, Trips and Falls

Slips, trips and falls in the workplace often come down to overlooked hazards—issues that seem small but create serious risk when left unaddressed. These accidents can happen anywhere, from busy kitchens and shop floors to quiet office corridors or healthcare settings.

What we often hear from clients across Tallaght and Dublin is something along the lines of:
 “I didn’t see it coming.”
 “I thought someone else would have sorted it.”
 “I wasn’t warned.”

These experiences matter. They point to the most frequent and recognisable causes of workplace falls:

Physical Hazards You Can See or Trip Over

  • Wet floors without a sign nearby
  • Loose tiles, torn carpets or broken steps
  • Cables or wires stretched across walkways
  • Boxes or cleaning equipment left out in busy areas

Flooring and Surfaces That Aren’t Fit for Purpose

  • Smooth tiles with no grip in wet zones (like kitchens or toilets)
  • Sloped areas without matting or traction
  • Outdoor walkways not treated for frost or moss

Lighting and Visibility Issues

  • Burned-out bulbs on stairs or in back hallways
  • Workspaces with shadows hiding hazards
  • Sudden changes from bright to dark with no adjustment time

Environmental Conditions

  • Spills that aren’t cleaned up promptly (e.g. oil, drinks, detergents)
  • Poor drainage after rain in warehouse loading areas
  • Condensation leaks from freezers or air conditioning units

These aren’t legal definitions—they’re real-life conditions you may have encountered right before your accident. If any of these sound familiar, you may have grounds for a workplace injury claim.

What matters is not whether someone meant to cause harm, but whether the hazard should have been anticipated and dealt with. In many cases, the problem was obvious—just left unchecked. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we’ll help you pinpoint what went wrong and whether that falls within your employer’s responsibility.

What Employers Are Legally Required to Do

In Ireland, employers have a clear and well-defined duty to protect their staff from harm at work—including accidents caused by slips, trips and falls. These aren’t optional guidelines—they’re legal obligations set out in health and safety legislation like the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work Act 2005.

What does that mean in practical terms? Your employer must take “reasonably practicable” steps to identify hazards and reduce the chance of someone being injured. That includes:

  • Carrying out regular risk assessmentsto spot slip and trip dangers before they lead to harm
  • Fixing hazards promptly, such as broken tiles or faulty lighting
  • Putting clear safety policies in place, tailored to the nature of the job and the workplace
  • Providing proper trainingon how to work safely in that environment—especially for high-risk tasks
  • Supplying appropriate safety equipment, like anti-slip shoes, high-visibility gear or handrails where needed
  • Ensuring good housekeeping standardsare maintained at all times, not just during inspections

This duty doesn’t mean every single accident can be prevented—but it does mean employers must act proactively, not just after the fact. If they knew (or should reasonably have known) about a hazard and didn’t act, they may be found liable.

Importantly, these responsibilities also apply to temporary staff, agency workers, and trainees—not just full-time employees. And where outside contractors are working on-site, your employer must make sure safety is coordinated across everyone involved.

At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we examine not just the accident, but what should have been done to prevent it. If your employer fell short of their legal duties—and that contributed to your injury—you may be entitled to bring a claim for the harm you’ve suffered.

Types of Injuries from Workplace Falls

A slip, trip or fall at work might seem like a minor incident at first—but the injuries that follow can be anything but. Even a low-level fall can result in long-term pain, missed work, and significant disruption to daily life. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we’ve supported clients across Tallaght and Dublin with a wide range of fall-related injuries, many of which didn’t seem serious until symptoms worsened over time.

Here are some of the most common injuries we see in workplace fall claims:

Sprains and Strains

  • Twisted ankles or knees from slipping on smooth surfaces
  • Wrist or shoulder sprains from bracing a fall
  • Back strains caused by landing awkwardly or jarring a muscle

These can seem mild at first but often lead to recurring pain, reduced mobility, and time off work—especially in physical roles.

Fractures and Breaks

  • Broken arms, wrists, or collarbones from falling forward
  • Fractured hips or tailbones after landing on a hard surface
  • Stress fractures in the feet or ankles from repetitive slips in unsafe footwear

These injuries typically require hospital care, sometimes surgery, and can have long recovery periods.

Head and Brain Injuries

  • Concussions after striking the head on the ground or nearby object
  • Lacerations to the face or scalp
  • In severe cases, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) that may require ongoing medical support

Head injuries are especially concerning as symptoms like confusion or nausea may not appear right away.

Spinal and Nerve Injuries

  • Herniated discs or compressed nerves
  • Whiplash-type injuries from sudden movement
  • Reduced sensation, chronic pain, or loss of strength in limbs

These can interfere with everyday tasks and often require physiotherapy or rehabilitation.

Psychological Impacts

  • Anxiety about returning to the workplace
  • Sleep disturbances or flashbacks after a traumatic fall
  • Emotional distress from feeling unsupported or blamed

At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we recognise that every injury—physical or psychological—deserves to be taken seriously. Your recovery matters, and so does your right to seek help when it’s been disrupted by a preventable accident.

What to Do After a Slip, Trip or Fall at Work

If you’ve been injured in a fall at work, the steps you take in the hours and days that follow can make a real difference—to your recovery, your rights, and your ability to make a successful claim. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we often speak to clients who weren’t sure what to do straight after their accident—and that’s perfectly understandable. Here’s a clear, calm guide to help.

1. Prioritise Your Health

Your first step should always be to seek medical attention—even if you think the injury is minor. Many serious conditions (like concussions, spinal injuries or internal bruising) may not cause symptoms straight away. Go to your GP or A&E, and make sure your injury is properly documented in your medical records.

2. Report the Accident Immediately

Tell your supervisor, manager or whoever is responsible for health and safety at your workplace. Ask that the incident be recorded in the company’s accident report book. This creates a written record and can support your case later. If the company doesn’t have an accident log, email or message someone in writing as proof.

3. Preserve the Scene If You Can

If you’re able to do so safely, take photos of:

  • The location where the accident happened
  • Any visible hazards (e.g., spills, broken flooring, clutter)
  • The lighting, signage or lack thereof
  • Your injuries or torn/damaged clothing

This kind of visual evidence can be very powerful. If you can’t take pictures yourself, ask a colleague or family member to help.

4. Collect Witness Information

If anyone saw what happened—co-workers, customers, cleaning staff—make a note of their name and contact details. Their account may support your claim if there’s a dispute about the cause.

5. Keep a Personal Record

Write down everything you remember about the incident as soon as you’re able:

  • The time and place it happened
  • What caused the fall
  • Who you spoke to afterwards
  • Any symptoms you noticed in the hours or days that followed

Also keep track of all expenses—GP fees, hospital costs, medication, transport—and any days you miss from work.

Even if you’re unsure about making a claim right now, gathering this information means you’re ready if and when you decide to take the next step.

Who Is Liable—And What If You’re Partly to Blame?

One of the most common concerns we hear from clients is this:
 “I’m not sure if it was really their fault. What if I’m partly to blame?”

It’s a fair question—and the good news is that even if you had some role in the accident, you may still have a valid claim.

Who Could Be Held Responsible?

In most workplace fall cases, the responsibility lies with the employer, particularly if they failed to:

  • Maintain safe flooring or lighting
  • Act on known hazards
  • Provide proper safety equipment
  • Offer adequate training or supervision

But liability isn’t always limited to your employer. In some situations, responsibility may also rest with:

  • Property owners or landlords(for leased workspaces)
  • Maintenance companies or contractors(e.g. cleaners, repair staff)
  • Third-party workerswho left a hazard behind (e.g. delivery staff, subcontractors)

A careful investigation can reveal who had the duty of care—and whether they failed in it.

What If You Were Partly Responsible?

Irish personal injury law allows for contributory negligence. That means you can still receive compensation, even if:

  • You weren’t wearing appropriate footwear
  • You walked through an area you shouldn’t have
  • You didn’t notice a hazard that others might have avoided

In these cases, your compensation may be reduced based on your share of responsibility—but that doesn’t eliminate your right to claim. For example, if it’s determined that you were 25% responsible, your award would reflect that, but you’d still be entitled to 75%.

At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we’ll help you understand where the responsibility lies—and we’ll always be honest about your options. Even if things seem unclear now, a conversation with us could bring clarity and reassurance.

Risks in Specific Work Environments

Not all workplaces carry the same level of risk when it comes to slips, trips and falls. The layout, pace, and nature of the work can all increase the likelihood of an accident occurring—especially if basic safety steps are overlooked. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we’ve helped clients from a wide range of industries, each with their own unique hazards.

In retail and hospitality, for instance, the pace is fast, and the risks are constant. Spilled drinks, freshly mopped floors, and stock left in walkways are all common triggers—particularly in places like cafes, restaurants, supermarkets or hotel kitchens.

In construction or warehouse settings, uneven ground, debris underfoot, and temporary surfaces are frequent dangers. Falls from height are also a concern, especially where scaffolding or ladders are involved. If safety rails or protective barriers are missing, the consequences can be severe.

Healthcare environments such as hospitals and care homes bring their own challenges. Spilled fluids, trailing equipment wires, and urgent movement of patients or trolleys can create sudden hazards, especially for staff moving quickly under pressure.

Even offices—which may seem low-risk—pose dangers when maintenance is poor. Loose carpeting, exposed cables under desks, or cleaners leaving wet surfaces unmarked have all led to serious claims.

What these environments all have in common is that employers must adapt safety measures to suit the space. A one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work. If your workplace failed to take the right precautions for its setting, and that led to your injury, it’s worth exploring your legal options.

Protecting Your Job While Making a Claim

Many people who’ve been injured at work hesitate to come forward—not because they don’t have a valid case, but because they’re afraid of “rocking the boat” or losing their job. It’s a very real fear, especially in close-knit workplaces where you don’t want to cause trouble. But the law in Ireland is clear: you have the right to make a claim, and doing so should never put your job at risk.

Making a personal injury claim isn’t a personal attack. It’s not about blaming colleagues or causing embarrassment. It’s about addressing what went wrong—so you can recover, and others can avoid the same harm. Most employers understand this. In fact, they’re required by law to have insurance in place specifically for situations like this. The process is handled professionally and often doesn’t disrupt day-to-day operations.

If your employer were to take negative action against you—such as reducing your hours, changing your duties unfairly, or dismissing you—that could amount to unfair dismissal or penalisation under employment law. You’re entitled to fair treatment, and that right doesn’t disappear just because you’ve made a claim.

At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we handle claims discreetly and respectfully. If you’re still working with the same employer, we’ll help you handle the situation with care. If you’ve left the job, we can still pursue your case with full attention to your rights.

The most important thing to know is this: you don’t have to choose between your health and your job. You’re entitled to both.

What to Expect from a Claim: Compensation and Closure

When you’ve had a fall at work that’s left you hurt, out of pocket, or shaken up, it’s natural to ask: “What’s the point of a claim?” You may be wondering how much compensation you could receive—or whether the process will give you any real peace of mind. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we believe in being honest about both.

Let’s start with what a claim can offer you.

Financial Compensation: Supporting Your Recovery

A successful claim is first and foremost about covering what you’ve lost because of your injury. That might be physical, emotional, or financial. Every case is different, but you may be entitled to claim for:

  • Medical expenses– GP visits, A&E fees, physio, scans, surgery, prescription costs
  • Loss of earnings– past wages you’ve missed due to time off work
  • Future loss of earnings– if your injury affects your ability to return to the same job
  • Out-of-pocket expenses– travel costs, home aids, mobility supports
  • Pain and suffering– compensation for the physical and emotional distress caused
  • Loss of enjoyment– if your injury has stopped you from engaging in hobbies or activities you once enjoyed

Your final settlement is based on several factors: how serious your injury is, how it’s impacted your life, and how long your recovery is likely to take. Claims are not about punishing employers—they’re about restoring balance where something has been taken from you unfairly.

Timelines and Realistic Outcomes

Some cases settle quickly—within a few months—especially where the facts are clear and liability is accepted. Others, particularly where more serious injury is involved or responsibility is disputed, can take longer.

We will always:

  • Give you a fair sense of how long things may take
  • Keep you informed at every stage
  • Avoid making promises we can’t stand over

Compensation isn’t instant, but it can make a lasting difference.

Emotional Closure: More Than Money

It’s not just about the financial side. Many people we speak to feel a sense of frustration, betrayal, or helplessness after a workplace accident—especially when they’ve worked hard, followed the rules, and still ended up hurt.

What a claim also brings is recognition. It says:

  • Your experience was real
  • It should have been prevented
  • Someone is accountable for what happened

This alone can be deeply reassuring, even for clients who weren’t initially sure whether they wanted to “go down the legal route.”

For many, bringing a claim also helps close a chapter. It’s a structured way to address the fallout from the injury and move forward—both practically and emotionally.

At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we know compensation can’t undo what’s happened. But it can help you feel steady again anc ready to take the next step—on your own terms.

Speak to a Solicitor

If you’ve suffered a fall at work, you don’t need to face it alone. At John O’Leary Solicitors LLP, we’re based right here in Tallaght and have over 20 years’ experience helping people across Dublin get the support they deserve. We offer straightforward, no-pressure consultations.

Contact us today to speak directly with solicitors who understand your situation and will guide you every step of the way.