If you've slipped, tripped, or fallen because of a defect or hazard on a public footpath, you may have the right to claim compensation even if the injury didn't seem serious at first. There are no upfront fees.
These claims arise when a person is injured due to poorly maintained or unsafe public walkways.
In Northern Ireland, public footpaths are maintained by DfI Roads, part of the Department for Infrastructure, not the local council. Claims for falls on public footpaths are made against DfI Roads, which looks at each claim and doesn't pay out automatically. On private land, the claim is usually against the owner or occupier.
Take photos of the defect, with something next to it for scale, and note exactly where it is. You can claim for your injury, treatment costs and lost earnings.
Even if you didn't report the injury at the time, you could still have a valid claim. Most claims must be started within three years of the fall.
You pay nothing to start your claim and nothing while it runs.
We only handle personal injury and clinical negligence claims, from first advice through to court if it comes to that.
If your claim succeeds, the other side pays your legal costs and you keep 100% of your compensation.
Our legal insurance covers the costs if your claim doesn't succeed.
We'll look at what happened and tell you honestly whether you have a claim. There's no pressure to go ahead.
We'll tell you plainly how your claim looks, and keep you updated as it moves.
We help clients across Northern Ireland, in person or by phone, email or video.
It's a legal claim for compensation if you're injured due to unsafe or poorly maintained walkways, such as cracked paving, potholes, or obstructions in a public place.
Yes. If the defect was hazardous and the responsible authority (DfI Roads for public footpaths, or the landowner on private land) failed to fix it, you may be entitled to claim.
Public footpaths in Northern Ireland are the responsibility of DfI Roads, part of the Department for Infrastructure. In some cases, private landowners may also be liable depending on where the accident occurred.
We'll help gather evidence such as photos, witness statements, medical records, and inspection logs to show they failed in their duty of care.
Broken bones, wrist fractures, head injuries, twisted ankles, facial injuries, and psychological trauma such as anxiety or fear of falling again.
Even minor defects can cause serious injuries. The key factor is whether the hazard posed a foreseeable risk to pedestrians.
Yes. If possible, report the defect to DfI Roads, or to the property owner if it was on private land, and ask for written confirmation. This strengthens your case.
That's okay. We may still be able to investigate the scene, request CCTV, or obtain inspection records to support your claim.
Yes. Witnesses help, but a lack of them doesn't mean you can't claim. Medical records and photos of the scene are also important.
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident. Exceptions apply for children and those lacking mental capacity.
Yes. Parents or legal guardians can make claims for minors, and carers or relatives can assist vulnerable adults with the process.
You may claim for pain and suffering, medical costs, time off work, travel expenses, ongoing care needs, and emotional distress.
That depends on the severity of your injuries, how they impact your life, and the financial losses you've suffered. We can give you an estimate after reviewing your case.
Most claims settle without going to court. If yours does go to court, we represent you.
We'll work to challenge their defence with strong evidence. If they failed to carry out proper inspections or repairs, they may still be liable.
Yes. Poor lighting can actually strengthen your case, especially if the area was already dangerous and visibility was low.
Possibly. Even if you were partly at fault, you may still be able to recover partial compensation under contributory negligence.
There are no upfront fees. If your claim succeeds, the other side pays your legal costs. If it doesn't, our legal insurance covers the costs.
If your claim succeeds, the other side pays your legal costs and you keep 100% of your compensation.
We only handle personal injury and clinical negligence claims. There are no upfront fees, our legal insurance covers the costs if your claim doesn't succeed, and if it succeeds you keep 100% of your compensation.
Kearney Law Group Ltd is a solicitors' practice regulated by the Law Society of Northern Ireland. Registered in Northern Ireland, company number NI663222. Registered office: Bishop Street Chambers, 26–28 Bishop Street, Derry BT48 6PR.
Kearney Law Group specialises in legal services relating to Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence. We are committed to achieving the best results for our clients.
Contact us today to arrange your FREE initial consultation relating to any of the above matters.
Belfast: Scottish Provident Building, 7 Donegall Square West, Belfast BT1 6JH
02890 912 938
Derry: Bishop Street Chambers, 26–28 Bishop Street, Derry BT48 6PR
02871 362 299
Email: [email protected]
Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday 8am – 8pm
Friday 9am – 5pm
