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On trips away from home, some people choose to go walking along Britain's coast and this might sometimes involve being near cliffs. If there are no signs to warn an individual of erosion or loose rubble, which may cause them to have a fall from height accident, then a personal injury claim could be made after an incident.
Some councils in coastal areas, who are aware that people may want to walk where they can get a view of the sea, publish leaflets on personal safety measures and the code of conduct which should be followed while on coastal walks in the area. However, it may be that not all visitors pick one of these safety leaflets up, and at that point they may rely on warning signs placed along the walks by the council.
If the council has not put up warning signs to make tourists aware of coastal erosion and other risks of walking near the cliff-edge, and an individual then suffers serious injury in a fall from height accident, then the council might be found liable.
Coastal walks and risks
Without signs present to warn visitors to a coastal area of the dangers around them, they could slip, trip or fall due to rubble, or fall if the cliff ledge crumbles beneath them.
In 2010, 17% of Britain's coast-line was subject to erosion, and although this may not seem a large amount, some areas, such as the Holderness Coast on the east coast of England, was retreating two metres every year.
Rough seas wear away the surface of cliffs and make them unstable. Certain types of rock will erode quicker than others, but it is never wise to take a chance and stand on a cliff-edge, however strong it might look. One individual's weight could be enough to cause the ledge to collapse.
Visitors to coastal sites should take note of any warning signs present, wear appropriate footwear, and also remain conscious of safety risks. Children and pets should be kept well away from cliff edges and under control for their own safety.
Not only is coastal erosion a danger to those who are walking nearby, but it is also a danger for those below. Walkers on the top of cliffs can decrease the risk of people below suffering personal injury from falling rocks, by keeping far from the cliff edges.
Liability
Authorities in charge of the coast and any possible cliff-side walks, which may also be in charge of general tourism or environmental safety in the area, should take responsibility when warning visitors, who may not be aware of the dangers, of the personal safety hazards.
Ideally, relevant authorities will provide a leaflet and also post warning signs in relevant areas. Some individuals may still suffer a personal injury, but it may not be possible to make a claim if all possible warnings were given to them.
However, individuals who have suffered a fall from height accident in an area where no leaflets were available or no warning signs have been placed, may be able to claim negligence on the part of authorities in charge of that region or the region's coastal walks.
Have you suffered a fall from height accident?
If you would like to claim compensation for a personal injury after falling down a cliff-side during a coastal walk, then contact one of our team members who can give you advice on your case and begin the legal process for you.
Should your claim be successful, you will receive 100% compensation, and our services won't cost you a penny, even if your claim is unsuccessful.
Phone us on 0800 10 757 95, use live help over the internet, or fill in our short online claim form and we will get back to you about your case at a time specified by you.
