Q: I have tripped over and am injured - what do I do?

A: Consult a solicitor. Many people do not realise they can claim compensation, writes Andrew Newton, a personal injury specialist at Maxwell, Entwhistle and Byrne, Solicitors, in Grange Road, West Kirby.

They will need to know the date and time of the accident, the weather, the nature of your injuries, whether or not you consulted your GP and/or attended hospital, details of any witnesses, and information about what exactly caused the trip.

Witness evidence will be important but many people are too distressed to think about taking names and addresses. if you don't have these, don't be put off. Even people who did not see you fall, but who were there afterwards, might have vital information.

What caused your trip is the most important detail. A loose paving stone is normally the most common hazard, but it could have been a hole in the pavement or road, a raised kerb or grid, a hazardous substance on the floor at your local supermarket - even orange juice - and so on.

The depth or height of the hazard is also important. If less than an inch, you may find your chances of a successful claim are reduced. This is because the 'one inch rule' has been used by the courts as a benchmark. But this is not an absolute bar to making a claim. Consult a solicitor, as most will offer a free initial interview.

Photographs of the hazard are important. When possible, take pictures of the site which shows the hazard's location, your approach and the depth or height. Hold a ruler or tape measure next to it. Your solicitor will ask you to draw a plan of the site.

The 'person' who will compensate you for your injuries will depend on where the accident happened. They owe you a duty to ensure you are not injured because of their negligence.

Many solicitors can take your case under a 'No Win, No Fee' agreement. Ask at your first interview.

Converted for the new archive on 13 March 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.