The Problem: Injury from Road Defects
Potholes are a common cause of serious accidents, particularly for pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists. If you suffer injury after tripping over a pothole on a road or pavement, the local authority (Council) responsible for maintaining the highway may be liable for negligence under UK legislation.
At Dorians Solicitors, we focus our expertise on overturning the statutory defences used by local Councils.
The Legal Duty: The Highways Authority
The duty to maintain roads is set out in the Highways Act 1980. The success of your claim hinges on proving that the Council failed its duty by:
Not implementing a reasonable system of inspection for that specific road or path.
Knowing about the pothole/defect but failing to repair it within an acceptable timeframe.
Allowing the defect to exceed the intervention level (e.g., over 25mm on a pavement and 40mm on a road).
Crucial Evidence: Protect Your Claim
The quality of your evidence is paramount in claims against the Council. We strongly advise you to:
Measure the Defect:
Take photos of the pothole with a ruler or tape measure clearly visible to demonstrate its depth and size.
Identify the Location:
Record the precise street name, nearest house number, or a What3Words location for exact coordinate mapping.
Secure Witness Details:
Get names and phone numbers of any witnesses immediately.
Document the Scene:
Take wide-angle photos to show the general area, lighting conditions, and proximity to the kerb.
Why Choose Dorians Solicitors Ltd?
The Council's defence often relies on their complex inspection records. Your experienced lawyer will use legal powers to obtain these records and work with highway maintenance experts to prove the Council was negligent in its system. We fight vigorously to ensure your compensation covers fractures, scarring, mobility costs, and long-term losses. We offer this specialist service on a No Win No Fee basis, and can secure interim payments if liability is admitted.
Your Questions Answered
We know you have questions like “How does the Council prove it inspected the road?” and “Do I have to use a specific type of solicitor?” When you contact us for a no-obligation assessment of your claim you can ask us any questions or raise any concerns you may have. Once you become a client, you will have direct access to one of our lawyers to guide you through the claims process.
Contact Us Today
We understand the impact an injury can have upon you and your family and the urgency to take action. Our team of lawyers is ready to assist you. Ready to find out if you can claim compensation? Contact us for a free, no-obligation assessment. If we can assist, we guarantee a 'No Win, No Fee' arrangement.
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Get the Support You Deserve, Starting Today
Injured in an accident? Our team is here to help you get the compensation you deserve. With over 40 years of experience supporting injury victims, we’ll guide you through every step of the process.
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