Q. I was working in an office building that is rented but not owned by my employers. It had been raining earlier in the day. Upon exiting the building there are five steps leading down from the main entrance. I was walking down the steps when I slipped. The steps were green with moss and filth and I landed heavily - a colleague who was with me at the time was convinced I had broken my leg. I managed to get to my feet but was aware of a pain in my leg and lower back. I have suffered the pain ever since. I am still in agony and have reported the accident to my boss. Can I claim?
A. The owners and occupiers of the premises are under a responsibility to keep them safe. This includes the day to day maintenance of the steps.You would need to establish that the steps were hazardous and that they had not been maintained in a safe condition. Assuming they were not and assuming that the slip wasn't your own fault (i.e. you did say it was raining and you would be expected to be extra careful) then you would have a claim.
Q Do I sue the Landlord or my employer?
A. As your employer has day to day control of the premises, it is likely they would be primarily liable and they will probably have insurance cover. However, if they aren't covered, you could bring a claim against the landlord of the property too; it is possible to sue them both at the same time.
We suggest that you immediately contact our personal injury expert, Tony Ward, on 231 7043 in order that he can arrange to take further details from you. He will also then visit the site to inspect the steps (and to take photographs) and to take a statement from your colleague who witnessed the accident.
