Last Updated on May 6, 2026 by tanya

Broken or Defective Bollard Claims in England & Wales

 

About Our Legal Expert: This content is produced under the oversight of Michael Jefferies, First Personal Injury Director, who brings over 30 years of legal experience.

Written by Tanya Waterworth, Digital Content Writer

 

When Is It a Trip Hazard?

If you’ve been injured falling over a broken bollard, broken or defective bollard claims in England and Wales are possible. Bollards exist to protect people. They stop vehicles mounting pavements, separate pedestrians from traffic, and help manage access in busy areas. But when a bollard becomes broken, loose, corroded, or poorly installed, it can be a hazard. People walk into them, trip over them, catch clothing or bags on protruding parts, or suffer harm when a damaged bollard collapses. Therefore, if you suffered an injury because a bollard was broken or unsafe, you may be able to bring a personal injury claim.

If you have been injured by a broken bollard, you may want to find out more about claiming compensation which we cover in our blog below.

 

When Is a Broken or Defective Bollard Unsafe?

A defective bollard is any bollard that fails to remain safe for public use. This may include:

 

• A bollard that has snapped, bent, or partially detached from the ground
• A loose bollard that wobbles or rocks when touched
• A bollard with sharp edges, exposed bolts, or protruding metal
• A bollard that has collapsed or is leaning into a walking route
• A damaged retractable or removable bollard that rises unexpectedly
• A bollard base that has lifted, leaving a raised edge or hole
• A poorly placed bollard that creates a hazard due to lack of visibility

 

Unlike general “trip hazard” cases, broken bollard claims focus on a specific street fixture. That matters because bollards are installed for safety and should be inspected, maintained, and repaired when damaged.

 

Common Causes of Bollard-Related Injuries

Bollards often become dangerous due to preventable failures. The most common causes of bollard related accidents can include:

 

Vehicle impact damage

Vehicles frequently hit bollards, especially in town centres, car parks, and near loading bays. A council or landowner should repair or make safe any bollard damaged in this way.

 

Corrosion and weathering

Metal bollards corrode over time. If rust weakens the structure, a bollard can snap or collapse.

 

Poor installation

If a bollard was not anchored properly, it may loosen and become unstable. Installation faults can also leave exposed fixings.

 

Inadequate maintenance

Some locations go months without inspection. If a defect existed long enough that it should have been noticed, liability becomes more likely.

 

Temporary works and roadworks

Bollards may be removed, replaced, or temporarily installed during works. Poor reinstatement can create serious hazards.

 

Injuries You May Suffer From a Defective Bollard

Broken bollards cause more than minor bumps. Injuries may be severe, especially when people fall awkwardly or strike sharp edges.

Typical injuries can include:

 

• Fractured wrists, ankles, arms, and shoulders
• Knee ligament injuries and torn cartilage
• Facial injuries, dental damage, and scarring
• Head injuries and concussion
• Deep cuts and lacerations from exposed metal
• Back injuries, including disc damage

 

If you suffered serious harm, such as a head injury, facial scarring, or a fracture, it is especially important to seek medical attention quickly and ensure the injury is documented.

 

Who May Be Liable for a Broken Bollard in England and Wales?

Liability depends on where the bollard is located and who controls the land, such as:

 

Local authority (council)

If the bollard is on a public pavement, roadside, or public walkway, the local authority often controls it.

Private landowner or occupier

If the bollard is on private land, such as a supermarket car park, shopping centre, retail park, or office development, the occupier or landowner may be responsible.

Contractor or installer

If a contractor recently installed or repaired the bollard and did so negligently, they may share responsibility.

Management company

In some developments, a management company maintains external areas, including bollards and access controls.

 

Identifying the correct defendant is one of the most important early steps in a broken bollard claim.

 

When Can You Make Broken or Defective Bollard Claims in England & Wales?

To succeed with a claim, you typically need to show:

 

The bollard was defective or unsafe

The defect caused your accident

Your injury resulted from that accident

The responsible party failed to act reasonably

 

The defendant may argue:

 

The defect appeared very recently and they had no time to repair it

The bollard was obvious and you should have avoided it

They had a reasonable inspection and maintenance system

Your injury was unrelated or exaggerated

 

A strong claim is built on evidence that the defect existed long enough that it should have been repaired, or that it was caused by negligent installation or maintenance.

 

Evidence That Strengthens a Broken Bollard Claim

Because bollard defects can be repaired quickly after an incident, evidence matters. The type of evidence you need to gather includes:

 

1. Photographs and video

Take clear photos of the bollard from multiple angles. Include close-ups of the defect and wider shots showing location, lighting, and surroundings.

 

2. Witness details

If anyone saw the incident or commented on the bollard being unsafe, get their name and contact details.

 

3. Accident reports

If the incident happened in a car park or retail area, report it immediately and ask for a copy of the accident report.

 

4. Medical records

Go to your GP or A&E for medical treatment and ensure the injury is recorded. Even a GP visit or urgent care record can be crucial.

 

5. Proof of defect history

If the bollard was damaged before, local residents may have complained. Online reporting portals and maintenance logs can help, so check these out.

 

6. CCTV

Many locations have CCTV. Request it quickly, because systems often overwrite footage within days.

 

Time Limits for Making a Broken Bollard Injury Claim

In England and Wales, the general time limit is three years from the date of the accident.

There are exceptions, including:

 

• Children: time limit starts from their 18th birthday
• Lack of mental capacity: different rules may apply

It is best to start your claim early. Evidence disappears fast, especially where councils or landowners repair the bollard soon after an incident.

 

What Compensation Can Include

Compensation in defective bollard claims can cover two broad areas:

 

General damages

This covers pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life (amenity). The amount depends on the severity of your injury, recovery time, and whether there are any long-term symptoms.

 

Special damages

This covers financial losses, such as:

• Lost earnings and reduced future earning capacity
• Medical expenses, physiotherapy, and prescriptions
• Travel costs to appointments
• Care and assistance from family
• Damage to personal items (phones, glasses, clothing)

 

A proper claim does not just focus on the injury. It also captures how the injury affected your daily life and finances. Your personal injury solicitor will be able to advise an estimate regarding your claim.

 

Take The Next Step

A bollard is supposed to prevent harm, not cause it. When a bollard becomes defective, loose, or dangerous, it creates a risk that is entirely avoidable with proper inspection and maintenance.

If you were injured because of a broken or defective bollard in England and Wales, you may be entitled to compensation. The most important thing is to act quickly, preserve evidence, and ensure your injuries are properly documented.

A solicitor can investigate ownership, request maintenance records, preserve CCTV evidence, and obtain medical evidence to support the claim – as well as calculate the compensation you deserve.

Call us at 0333 3582345 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation.