A recent study by personal injury law firm Simpson Millar has highlighted the escalating risk of uneven pavements across the UK, with Somerset recording 184 claims per 100,000 people.

This research underscores a growing concern about pedestrian safety, particularly following a high-profile incident where Vanessa Feltz's daughter suffered severe injuries from a fall on a defective pavement.

The nationwide analysis conducted by Simpson Millar involved Freedom of Information requests to district and county councils, aiming to uncover the extent of compensation claims related to pavement injuries over the past five years.

The results indicate a sharp increase in such incidents, with enquiries for compensation rising by an astonishing 350% within the last year alone.

Cambridge emerged as the worst area for uneven pavements, registering the highest number of claims at 265 per 100,000 residents. The city, known for its historic cobbled streets, continues to see significant pavement repairs due to ongoing damage.

Other areas with high claim rates include Middlesbrough with 192 and Exeter with 179 claims per 100,000 people.

Residents in these areas have expressed concerns, with some describing the state of their local pavements and roads as akin to a 'warzone'.

The study also revealed that councils could face payouts of up to £30,000 per claim, as evidenced by a recent case handled by Simpson Millar. A client received this amount in compensation after sustaining a fractured wrist and a Lisfranc fracture to her left foot due to an uneven pavement in a car park.

In response to the findings, a Somerset Council spokesperson outlined the council's approach to maintaining safer pedestrian pathways: "We carry out regular inspections across our network, including pavements in our towns and villages. With 4,172 miles of roads to cover, our Highways team has to prioritise and order maintenance works based on need and relative risk. This is not based on specific measurements only but also on position and prominence of the issue, and specifically if it has been reported as causing problems by the public or local partners such as the parish or town council. Any problems identified from site inspections or notification from the public will be programmed for repair accordingly as quickly as possible. Residents and businesses owners have a key role to play and if you spot a problem you can report it quickly and easily by visiting our online 'Report a problem on the road' portal at somerset.gov.uk/roads-travel-and-parking/report-a-problem-on-the-road."

The findings raise questions about the potential negligence of local councils in maintaining safer pedestrian pathways. With the cost of claims and the rate of injuries rising, the pressure is mounting on municipal authorities to address these hazards more effectively.

For further details and the full study, visit Simpson Millar's official website linked here.