When road authority liable for loose pavement stone?

Road authorities have a duty of care for the roads under their control. This means that pavements, cycle paths and roads must be maintained. If pavement tiles are loose, the municipality or province must have them repaired. Regular checks should also be made, such as when it is hot and dry. This is one of the possible causes of pavement tiles coming loose. If the road authority fails to do so, a potentially dangerous situation arises. This dangerous situation can cause injury.

A warning sign for a path with loose paving stones is not enough. Especially if this warning sign has been there for months or years. The road authority is obliged to take action within a reasonable time. Does a road authority fail to fulfil its duty of care and you suffer personal injury as a result? If so, you are entitled to compensation.

When is the road authority not liable?

The road authority is liable in most cases. However, there are some exceptions:

  • If you trip over a paving stone that has just come up. In that case, the municipality has not yet received a report about it or been able to discover it itself.
  • In some cases if the paving stone sticks up less than 3 centimetres. The fact that you fell may then be seen as your own fault. However, this is not always the case.

Every situation is different. Are you wondering whether the municipality is liable in your specific situation? Our lawyers can investigate this for you free of charge and without obligation. Does it turn out that the municipality should compensate your personal injury? If so, we can take up your case immediately.

Roadmap after falling due to a loose paving stone

You have been thrown into the air by a loose paving stone and suffered personal injury as a result. So what is the best thing to do? Follow these 5 steps.

It is important to act quickly because you:

  • will soon have to pay bills following the accident, such as the cost of your deductible
  • want to avoid the insurer questioning the cause of your injury
  • want to avoid your personal injury case being time-barred, which would prevent you from claiming compensation
Step 1In most situations, the road authority is liable if you are injured by a loose paving stone.

Taking photos

Take photos of the loose pavement tile, the street and your injuries.

Step 2Losse Stoeptegel Getuigen 1 Scaled Aspect Ratio 4 3

Approaching witnesse

Gather details of witnesses who can corroborate your story.

Step 3Letselschade Tips Bezoek Een Arts Scaled Aspect Ratio 4 3

Medical aid

Is an ambulance not necessary? Then see your general practicioner immediately or contact him or here by phone. Also in case of scrapes, bruises and bruises. Your general practicioner visit is important evidence in your personal injury case.

Step 4Letselschadejurist Irene van der Linden.

Call in a lawyer

Seek an experienced lawyer to hold the road authority liable.

Step 5Losse Stoeptegel Logboek Scaled Aspect Ratio 4 3

Keeping a logbook

Keep a log of all your damages. Do this from the day of the accident so you don’t forget any important details.

Serious personal injury cused by loose paving ston

A loose paving stone can cause a lot of damage. If the road authority – or someone else – is liable, all your damages should be compensated. All expenses, such as medical expenses, domestic help and damage to personal property. In addition, you are also entitled to compensation for pain and suffering. You will receive this compensation for the shock, your pain and grief.

A client of JBL&G was seriously injured due to a fall over a loose paving stone. He was launched from his scooter, destroying his wrist and breaking his arm. This caused him to suffer serious injuries. The victim also suffered trauma. He did not dare to go to the scene of the accident again until months after the accident. In this case, the road authority was Leiderdorp municipality. JBL&G held the municipality liable. The victim was subsequently compensated for his losses.

What happened?

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Legal assistance after loose paving stone fall

You want to claim compensation after falling due to a loose paving stone. We recommend that you hire an experienced lawyer to do so. By doing so, you will save yourself a lot of unnecessary frustration, precious time and energy. If you engage us, your personal lawyer will take everything off your hands, including:

  • holding the road authority liable by means of a liability claim
  • conducting complex legal discussions with the road authority’s insurer
  • Preparation of a complete damage calculation

JBL&G has already successfully held several road authorities liable for personal injury damages caused by loose paving stones. On average, our clients rate our legal assistance with a 9.7. Contact us today. Leave your name and phone number on the contact form. Tell us your story. One of our lawyers will call you back the same working day.

Frequently asked questions from personal injury victims

What constitutes personal injury?

All physical, mental and material damage resulting from an accident. All resulting damages are eligible for compensation. You will find out more about all possible damages in personal injury here.

How long does it take to get compensation?

How long it takes to receive compensation depends on the other party and your recovery period. If the other party cooperates immediately, the process is faster. In addition, your compensation calculation can only be finalised once you have recovered as much as possible from your injuries. If you seek legal help, your lawyer will demand an advance payment for you in the meantime.

How much compensation can I claim?

Our lawyers can provide you with a very accurate estimate without any obligation. The amount of your compensation will depend on your specific situation. It looks at the accident, your injuries and your personal situation.

Calculate your compensation here in 2-4 minutes

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