Claims lodged for pedestrian accidents in the last five years.
More than £51,000 has been paid out in compensation to people who have had a trip or other accident on a Milton Keynes pavement in the last five years, a new report has shown.
Compensation specialists Accident Claims Advice obtained figures showing that 167 claims for pedestrian accidents have been lodged against the city’s council since 2020.
But out of all the claims made only seven were settled with compensation, highlighting a large disparity, say the experts. The small percentage of settled claims continues, often due to a lack of evidence against the council.
For someone to claim, they must prove that the local council or authority breached its ‘duty of care’ and that this directly caused the injury.
In 2020, 31 claims were made against the council, the second-lowest number of claims over the past five years. Three years later, this number increased to 41 claims. And MKCC has experienced a drop in claims over the past year, with a total of 35.
Claims have cost the council £51,092.80 over the past five years, with the highest amount coming in 2021 at £25,841.80.
“Pedestrian accidents can result in severe injuries, such as sprains, head trauma, and even broken bones, which means it's essential that highways and footpaths are properly maintained,” said legal expert Lucy Parker.
“These accidents are often caused by preventable factors, such as poorly maintained roads and pavements or inadequate signage and lighting. It is vital that councils are held accountable for their negligence in these cases. Victims of these accidents may face extensive medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and loss of income.”
The Highways Act 1980 places a duty of care on local authorities to maintain many of the public highways within its boundaries.
The legislation requires a good system for regularly assessing roads and another system for repairing any defects identified.
There are many causes for pedestrian accidents, ranging from uneven surfaces to manhole and pothole defects, which can cause injuries such as sprained ankles and broken bones.
www.accidentclaimsadvice.org.uk/pavement-accident-claims/
