Between 2020 and 2024, Croydon Council has disbursed over £400,000 in compensation related to pedestrian injuries on roads and pathways. Legal requirements under the Highways Act 1980 compel local authorities to maintain these public spaces. Despite receiving 342 claims since 2020, only a fraction resulted in compensation, raising concerns about road safety. Issues like potholes and uneven surfaces are prevalent. Legal expert Lucy Parker emphasizes the need for accountability in councils to ensure proper maintenance, which can prevent serious injuries, reduce medical bills, and promote safer environments for pedestrians.
Lucy Parker, a solicitor at JF Law, stressed the importance of proper maintenance, saying, 'Pedestrian accidents can lead to serious injuries like sprains, head trauma, and broken bones. Properly maintained roads and footpaths are essential.'
Parker emphasized the need for councils to be held accountable, as victims face hefty medical bills and lost wages. Claims not only help victims get compensation, but they also push local authorities to create safer public spaces, she said.
In 2020, Croydon saw 69 claims, its second-lowest annual total in the past five years. By 2023, this number rose to 88 claims, though the council saw a decrease in 2024, with just 36 claims filed.
Research from 2018 shows that nationwide, pedestrians who tripped on pavements were awarded over 2.1 million in compensation. Yet, out of 10,572 claims made against councils, only 8% were successful, highlighting how difficult it is to secure compensation.
Collection
[
|
...
]