--- title: Pothole claims | How to Claim description: Dorians Solicitors specialises in proving Council negligence and supporting you through the claims process on a No Win No Fee basis. --- [01332 680585](tel:01332680585) [![Dorians\_Solicitors\_Logo\_500](https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Dorians_Solicitors_Logo_500.png?width=500&height=139&name=Dorians_Solicitors_Logo_500.png "Dorians_Solicitors_Logo_500")](https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/) [![Dorians\_Solicitors\_Logo\_500](https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Dorians_Solicitors_Logo_500.png?width=500&height=139&name=Dorians_Solicitors_Logo_500.png "Dorians_Solicitors_Logo_500")](https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/) - About - [Your Claim](https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/your-claim) - [Our Firm](https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/our-firm) - [Our Solicitors](https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/our-solicitors) - Personal Injury - #### [Road Traffic Accidents](https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/road-traffic-accidents) - 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[Our Solicitors](https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/our-solicitors) - Personal Injury - [Road Traffic Accidents](https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/road-traffic-accidents) - [Accidents at Work](https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/work-injury-lawyers) - [Accidents in Public Places](https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/public-liability-claim) - [Defective Product Claims](https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/defective-product-claims) - [Serious Accidents](https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/serious-accident-claims) - [Holiday Accidents & Illness Claims](https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/holiday-illness-claims) - [Inquests](https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/inquest-solicitors) - [Criminal Injury](https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/criminal-injury-lawyers) - Resources - [Blog](https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/dorians-solicitors-limited-blog) - [Contact Us](https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/contact-us) [Request A Callback](https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/personal-injury-lawyer-callback) 01332 680585 # Pothole Claims [![Start A Claim](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/146840946/interactive-275836028099.png)](https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKOmN2vGPOOqxK4e5fpCYIM97M7MPuXa4O44XgkXxtAVWkddLIZ64v4qwYlql5fm5hixU6DANnsyV9e9tBvD9MRvR3yOJlz3zmKK0WsVvSYT10w4%2FJbkM29fGR%2FZlFqWzZly44g1qWspw8pp9iMMXjWobBYZlJdaAp90TVi%2BGcSNMcWXi6XHAl8OBxnF7mzTXZINLNmzxcZNyn0S10GFN%2FfdY68%2BPmBRQ%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=275836028099&portalId=146840946) ## 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. ![Dorian Solicitors Images (15)](https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Dorian%20Solicitors%20Images%20(15).webp?width=600&height=400&name=Dorian%20Solicitors%20Images%20(15).webp) ## **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. 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. 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). 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. [![Speak To A Lawyer](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/146840946/interactive-275836027108.png)](https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLL9LuqRh2kBki%2BRof%2BAGe7684pDLlix3UtXGUMifcmcE8tLAQJBg2v36omGD%2FGzcMEWQ4NXXeGOrgtkYcI384tqctnc%2FVI2dPBm0%2F9M0VFhrMI8WrODZIPq8HCNROXjhrE%2BeUBuau%2BbEFeBS3biq7AamAuMzzq7lBdUStM%2F3nAhwOcuM%2F%2Bcfqcj6rIBbuTP8SFX5v6y5RLHDCW%2BlhnKTe5dCTwmVA%3D%3D&webInteractiveContentId=275836027108&portalId=146840946) ## 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. [![Request A Callback](https://hubspot-no-cache-eu1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/146840946/interactive-275833446596.png)](https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/hs/cta/wi/redirect?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKelcIOZJz15UenToTT1vpE%2FH2MfPEDChxXjLC%2B%2Bg%2BLpQPlfHnWlzgJSe1%2Fhicrb9vnwBjDX9ldFUEp8pXIcjoIznligfumTG1bfzGSfDyHKGjcaDkoGPgjWKkKDKXaXjvmPYqGZndPsavVPygeE9rV0K0NN9Jgag8WCL3Vh6y%2BijvHIxZv3ajyPTcazIqzwjpLuEBt7zxsfjipr%2BkZQQLk411h6XlRuYyS7fiD&webInteractiveContentId=275833446596&portalId=146840946) ## 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. ## Trusted by Injury Victims Nationwide Real experiences from people we’ve helped every step of the way ![google1](https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/hubfs/google1.svg) Reviews 4.3 ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 58 reviews ❮ ❯ ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ Really good service from Gavin fox really well communicated and is happy to answer all questions would highly recommend Dorians solicitors — Jack Warwick ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ An Absolute Lifesaver – Gavin Fox is Exceptional! After a long two-year journey with my personal injury claim, I can honestly say that Gavin Fox was an absolute lifesaver, and I couldn't be happier with the outcome. From start to finish, Gavin was extremely helpful.. — neil hawkins ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ If you want a down to earth, patient and incredibly efficient claim process - look no further than Gavin Fox and his excellent assistant Lisa Lindsay! My claim had a great outcome and was completed within 6 months of my accident ... — lottie sherry ## 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. Fill out the form, and one of our lawyers will get back to you as soon as possible. Your consultation is free, and we operate on a **No Win, No Fee** basis, so there’s no risk in reaching out. ## Regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority The [Solicitors Regulation Authority](https://www.sra.org.uk/) set the Principles and Code of Conduct that we have to abide by in order to provide legal services. ![Dorians\_Solicitors\_Logo\_500](https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Dorians_Solicitors_Logo_500.png?width=237&height=66&name=Dorians_Solicitors_Logo_500.png)   About - [Your Claim](https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/your-claim) - [Our Solicitors](https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/our-solicitors) - [Our Firm](https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/our-firm) Quick Links - [Blog](https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/dorians-solicitors-limited-blog) - [Start Your Claim](https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/start-a-claim) - [Contact Us](https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/contact-us) Personal Injury - [Road Traffic Accidents](https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/road-traffic-accidents) - [Accidents At Work](https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/work-injury-lawyers) - [Accidents In Public Places](https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/public-liability-claim) - [Defective Product Claims](https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/defective-product-claims) - [Serious Accidents](https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/serious-accident-claims) - [Accidents Abroad](https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/holiday-illness-claims) Copyright © 2026 Dorians Solicitors VAT: 558484692  |   Company: 07318571 - [Terms](https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/terms-and-conditions) - [Privacy](https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/privacy-policy) - [Cookies](https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/cookie-policy) - [Transparency Notice](https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/transparency-notice) - [Complaints Procedure](https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/complaints-procedure) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "LocalBusiness", "address" : { "@type" : "PostalAddress", "addressCountry" : "UK", "addressLocality" : "Derby", "addressRegion" : "Derbyshire", "postalCode" : "DE21 6BF", "streetAddress" : "Wyvern Business Park, Stanier Way" }, "alternateName" : "Dorians Solicitors", "contactPoint" : { "@type" : "ContactPoint", "areaServed" : "GB", "availableLanguage" : "en", "contactType" : "customer service", "telephone" : "+44 133 268 0585" }, "geo" : { "@type" : "GeoCoordinates", "latitude" : 52.9225, "longitude" : -1.4386 }, "image" : "https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Dorians%20Placeholder%20Blogs.webp", "logo" : "https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Dorians_Solicitors_Logo_500.png", "name" : "Dorians Solicitors Limited", "openingHours" : [ "Mo-Fr 09:00-17:00", "Sa Closed", "Su Closed" ], "priceRange" : "£", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.linkedin.com/company/dorians-solicitors-limited/" ], "telephone" : "0133 2529 934", "url" : "https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "WebPage", "description" : "Dorians Solicitors specialises in proving Council negligence and supporting you through the claims process on a No Win No Fee basis.", "inLanguage" : "en-GB", "name" : "Pothole claims | How to Claim", "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Dorians_Solicitors_Logo_500.png" }, "name" : "Dorians Solicitors Limited", "url" : "https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/" }, "url" : "https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/pothole-claims" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement" : [ { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/", "name" : "Home", "position" : 1 }, { "@type" : "ListItem", "item" : "https://www.dorianssolicitors.com/pothole-claims", "name" : "Pothole claims", "position" : 2 } ] } ```