Am I entitled to financial compensation if I slip or fall on the street?

Slipping and falling on the street are common accidents that can lead to serious injuries, including fractures, sprains, and even long-term disabilities.  

In Bulgaria, according to data from the National Statistical Institute (NSI), falls from a single level account for a significant percentage of all accidents resulting in absence from work for more than three days. In the event of slip or fall incidents that result in injuries, it is important to know what our rights are and how to claim financial compensation for the damages caused, what are the deadlines for filing a claim and what amount we could receive. 

Who is responsible for the incident?  

The responsibility for the maintenance of sidewalks and streets in populated areas lies with their owner. In cases where sidewalks and streets are outside private property, the municipality is responsible in the event of a slip or fall incident. Building owners are responsible for the sidewalks in front of their properties when the law explicitly requires it. 

If the slip or fall incident occurred due to uncleaned snow, ice, or damaged pavement, the relevant institution or owner may be held liable for the damages caused. 

What to do immediately after the accident?  

Seek medical attention. It is important to consult a doctor to determine the extent of the injuries. Keep all medical records and epicrisis. 

Gather evidence. Take photos of the scene of the accident showing the cause of the fall – for example, ice, snow, damaged pavement, problematic manhole, etc. Contact witnesses, if any, and get their contacts. 

Document your expenses. Keep all receipts and invoices related to the costs of treatment, medications, physiotherapy and other services resulting from the slip and fall incident. These documents may serve as the basis for your claim for financial compensation. 

How to claim monetary compensation?  

By law, the person who caused the damage is obliged to compensate the victim for the losses and pain suffered. The type and amount of compensation is determined based on the two main types of damage that the victim may have suffered in a fall or slip - property and non-property damage. 

• Property damage include costs for treatment, medicines, transportation and more. 

• Non-pecuniary damages cover compensation for pain and suffering that the court assesses fairly. 

 Time limit for claiming compensation after a slip or fall accident

According to Bulgarian law, the deadline for filing a claim for compensation in accidents such as slipping or falling is up to 5 years from the date of the incident. This means that you have plenty of time to prepare the necessary documents, gather evidence and file a claim for monetary compensation. However, it is important not to delay taking action, as over time it may become more difficult to establish all the circumstances surrounding the case and ensure the collection of evidence. 

Practical examples 

There are numerous cases in Bulgaria where injured persons have received compensation after accidents on uncleaned sidewalks. For example: 

• A woman in Sofia receives compensation of 25,000 leva for a fractured leg after falling on an icy sidewalk. 

• A man in Plovdiv managed to sue the municipality for 20,000 leva due to a sprained ankle caused by an uncleaned snow surface. 

Slipping and falling on the street can have serious consequences, but your rights are protected by law. If you have suffered such an incident, gather evidence, seek medical attention and consult an experienced lawyer. Timely action is extremely important to ensure a successful claim for compensation for all damages suffered. However, remember that you can claim compensation for slip and fall incidents that occurred up to 5 years ago.Contact the Delikti.bg team, to help you seek fair compensation and protect your rights. 

You can learn more about slip and fall compensation here. from here.