A Slip & Fall Case Study

Why Public Liability Insurance Matters for Small Businesses

Slip and Fall Accident

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As a small business owner, you might think that if you run a tight ship, insurance is an unnecessary expense. After all, you’re careful and committed to doing a great job, right? But here’s something many don’t realize: slips and falls are among the most common causes for Public Liability claims.

Even with the best precautions in place, accidents happen. And when they do, the financial repercussions can be overwhelming—especially if you’re responsible for someone else’s injury.

A Real-Life Example

Consider this scenario involving one of our clients at Westminster Insurance. After running their business without incident for years, they were shocked when they received a claim for damages—nearly eight months after the accident had occurred. The claim came seemingly out of the blue, and it was a situation that could happen to almost anyone.

 

The claimant had been walking down a footpath leading to our client’s property when she stumbled on a crack in the concrete. The fall was severe; she shattered her upper arm, required surgery, and spent months in physical therapy before she could work again. The total cost of damages requested was close to £10,000.

 

Even more surprisingly, our client wasn’t initially aware that they bore any responsibility for the footpath. The documentation around property boundaries was ambiguous, which led to hours of investigation and legal work—all handled by Westminster’s Claims Team on behalf of the client.

 

In this case, the client hadn’t knowingly been negligent, yet they were found responsible for the fall. What started as an ordinary day quickly turned into a high-stakes situation with substantial legal costs and compensation claims.

 

Thankfully, they had chosen Westminster Insurance’s comprehensive Public Liability coverage, which made all the difference. With one quick call to us, they were able to hand the entire situation over to our Claims Team, who managed the case from start to finish.

Why Insurance is Essential—Even if You Think You Don’t Need It

Imagine handling that situation alone. Navigating property responsibility laws, managing unexpected legal bills, and negotiating with claimants—all of this could easily spiral without professional support. With a Public Liability policy, small business owners gain the protection, professionalism, and peace of mind needed to operate confidently. Here’s why it matters:

  1. Protection for the Unexpected: No matter how careful you are, accidents are unpredictable. From a spill on a floor to a cracked footpath, a simple oversight can lead to a major financial strain.
  2. Long-Term Liability: Claims don’t always appear immediately after an incident. As we saw in this case, they can arrive months later, long after the event occurred. That’s why it’s vital to keep a “claims-made” policy active even if you plan to take a break from your business or change direction.
  3. Professional Assistance at Every Step: At Westminster Insurance, our Claims Team handles the details, so you don’t have to. This is part of the exceptional customer service we pride ourselves on—friendly, straightforward assistance without automated lines or waiting queues. When you need help, a real person is there to help.

Stay Protected with Westminster Insurance

This case illustrates the importance of having the right insurance in place, particularly for the self-employed. At Westminster Insurance Ltd., we specialise in creating tailored insurance packages to suit the needs of small businesses.

 

Our Public Liability, Professional Indemnity, and Medical Malpractice insurance policies provide comprehensive protection, giving you the peace of mind to focus on what matters most—growing your business.

 

Additionally, we offer flexible coverage options, such as Cyber & Data Insurance, Employers Liability Insurance, and Personal Accident Insurance. These add-ons allow you to customize your policy to cover the unique risks of your business, providing an extra layer of security.

Protect Yourself Today

Even with a spotless track record, unforeseen events can quickly change everything. Investing in the right insurance now means that if you do face a claim in the future, you won’t have to face it alone.

Start by exploring our coverage options or get a personalized quote in minutes. We’re here to ensure that your business is protected, giving you the confidence to operate with complete peace of mind.

If you have any questions call us on 01305 839 939, we are always happy to help.

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