By Mary Hightown. Last updated 24th June 2025. In this guide, we will explore the process of claiming compensation for an injury if you were drunk. If you suffer an injury when drunk, you may think you have to shoulder the blame and deal with the consequences on your own. However, accidents are sometimes unavoidable and the fact that you had enjoyed a drink may simply be irrelevant.
An obvious case where someone else might be at fault is if you were injured after slipping on a spilt drink inside a nightclub. The establishment would be responsible if they failed to place ‘wet floor’ signs or ensure that the spillage was wiped up promptly. In such a situation, you might be eligible to seek compensation for your injuries.
In this guide, we’ll explore what the criteria are for pursuing compensation, together with other aspects of the claims process. You will also read about the most common injuries suffered when drunk and the circumstances in which you might be able to claim for them. Towards the end of this guide, we’ll reveal how you can claim with one of our specialist solicitors.
Here at Legal Expert, we are waiting to discuss your options in detail and help you get started with making a personal injury compensation claim. You can get in touch with our team of advisors at any time as you read our comprehensive guide by using the details listed below:
- Ring up on 0800 073 8804
- Contact us to see whether you have a case
- Get an instant answer via live chat
Select A Section
- What Are The Types Of Accident Or Injuries Which Can Happen When Drunk?
- Assaults And Criminal Injuries On A Night Out
- Can I Claim Compensation For A Pedestrian Accident When Drunk?
- Slip, Trip And Fall Claims When Drunk
- How To Get Started Claiming Compensation For An Injury If You Were Drunk
- Compensation For A Personal Injury Sustained While Drunk
- No Win No Fee Drunk Accident Injury Claims
What Are The Types Of Accident Or Injuries Which Can Happen When Drunk?
There are various types of accidents and injuries which can happen when drunk, but many eligible compensation claims will be for slips, trips, and falls. These kind of accidents might be caused by the following:
- Poor lighting for example in stairwells or where the floor is uneven
- Faulty stairs, worn and uneven flooring or unexpected obstructions
- Food and drink spillages not being dealt with promptly
- Damp floors, for example in toilets or near entrances
You may also suffer an accident as the result of the behaviour of others. As a drunk pedestrian, you could be jostled into the path of oncoming traffic. And if you are hit by a drink driver, UK legislation is likely to be on your side.
What Is The Most Common Alcohol-Related Injury?
There is no definite answer to what the most common alcohol-related injury is because it may vary depending on the situation. However, some of the more frequently encountered in compensation claims include:
- Head injuries, including damage to the brain
- Dislocations, sprains, and strains
- Broken and fractured bones, such as to the hands and wrists
- Injuries affecting the back, neck, and shoulders
There are also some instances where you could experience psychological harm. For instance, if you had your drink spiked and were assaulted, you may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety. Less frequently, you may get burnt from hot plates or succumb to food poisoning as a result of eating out during your night out.
If you have experienced a similar incident and would like to know whether you’re eligible to claim, please get in touch using the details above.
Assaults And Criminal Injuries On A Night Out
If you suffered an assault and criminal injury on a night out, you may be able to make a claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA). This government-funded executive agency exists to compensate individuals who are victims of violent crime in Great Britain. Through the CICA, you can pursue compensation even if you do not know who was responsible for your assault.
In order to ensure that your claim is valid, it is important that you meet the CICA’s eligibility criteria. Your personal injury lawyer can guide you through the process and make sure your claim satisfies the CICA’s requirements. Get in touch with our advisory team today to find out more.
Can I Claim Compensation For A Pedestrian Accident When Drunk?
Yes, you may be able to claim compensation for a pedestrian accident when drunk. Simply being drunk is not enough to prevent you from making a compensation claim. You may be less aware of your surroundings and, therefore, more at risk of having an accident, but most accidents occur when a set of unfortunate circumstances come together – not as the result of one fact.
If you have suffered a pedestrian accident when drunk, then the precise circumstances of the accident can be very important. If you are hit by a drink driver, UK law is likely to be on your side – but if you are also intoxicated and, for example, stepped out into the road, leaving no reaction time for the driver, then you may have to take some responsibility for your own injuries.
There are some steps you should take before you search the internet for “I got hit by a drunk driver, what am I entitled to? UK personal injury claim” or similar. First, make sure you get proper medical attention. Not only can this speed up your recovery, but it will also ensure that there is an official record of your injuries.
As soon as you can, write down when, where and how your accident happened. If you or your friends have photographs of the incident and of your injuries, then keep hold of them as they may strengthen your claim.
You can get further guidance on claiming compensation for a pedestrian accident by speaking with an advisor. They’re here day and night to answer your queries and provide a free case assessment.
Slip, Trip And Fall Claims When Drunk
When legal professionals are evaluating eligibility for fall claims, whether the person was drunk when slipping or tripping may be considered. If you suffer an accident or injury while drunk, you may assume that you’ll be considered at fault because of your condition. However, this is not always true. Sometimes, a drunk person may be injured due to another party’s negligence.
If you are injured in a drunken fall or another type of accident due to another party’s negligent behaviour, then you may be able to claim compensation. Get in touch today to find out more.
How To Get Started Claiming Compensation For An Injury If You Were Drunk
To get started claiming compensation for an injury if you were drunk, we recommend seeking legal advice as your first step. A personal injury solicitor can advise on all aspects of your drunk compensation claim and offer their professional opinion on the circumstances of your case.
When you suffer an accident or injury when drunk, you should always obtain medical assistance as soon as it is clear that your injuries are more serious than a few cuts or bruises. That will ensure you get appropriate care and create an official record showing the extent of your injuries.
Taking photographs of the accident or injury when drunk may not be high on your list but if any exist then they should be copied to a safe location. Writing down when the accident happened and what you can recall of how it happened as soon as you can is also a good idea to strengthen your claim.
Can I Claim If I Was Drunk And Partially Responsible For My Injury Or Accident?
Yes, you may still be able to claim if you were drunk and partially responsible for your injury or accident. In such circumstances, claiming compensation for an injury if you were drunk might be on the basis of contributory negligence or split liability. Below, you can find a brief explanation of both:
- Contributory negligence: Applies to claims where someone’s actions (or inaction) contributed to their injuries. Say you were running in a nightclub and slipped on an unmarked spill that staff knew about. Your injuries might be more severe than had you been walking. However, the nightclub may also be liable for not displaying ‘wet floor’ signs or dealing with the spill itself
- Split liability: Occurs where there is shared responsibility for an accident taking place. For instance, you might have started walking on a pelican crossing without looking before being hit by a distracted driver
In either case, the amount of compensation you might receive will depend on the extent to which you contributed to your accident or injury. For example, if you are deemed to be 25% liable for your injuries, then you would receive 75% of the compensation you would otherwise have gotten had you not been partially responsible.
If you are still wondering, ‘Am I entitled to personal injury compensation if I was drunk?’ please don’t hesitate to speak with an advisor. They can guide you through the process of making an under the influence personal injury claim and provide a free, completely confidential case assessment.
Compensation For A Personal Injury Sustained While Drunk
The compensation you might receive for a personal injury sustained while drunk can potentially cover your pain and suffering as well as associated financial losses. Compensation is awarded on a case-by-case basis, giving consideration to a number of different factors, including the severity of your injuries.
Personal injury compensation can consist of:
- General damages: Your physical and psychological injuries
- Special damages: Financial loss caused by your injuries
Often, legal professionals refer to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG) when valuing the general damages part of a claim. The JCG is a document that provides suggested compensation brackets for different injuries, based on their type and severity.
In the table below, you can find some of the brackets listed by the JCG. However, please only use this table as a guide and take note that the top figure doesn’t come from the document.
| Injury | Compensation |
|---|---|
| Multiple Severe Injuries + Special Damages (e.g. Travel Costs) | Up to £500,000+ |
| Moderate (i) Brain Damage | £183,190 to £267,340 |
| Severe (i) Neck Injuries | In the Region of £181,020 |
| Severe (ii) Back Injuries | £90,510 to £107,910 |
| Severe (ii) Knee Injuries | £63,610 to £85,100 |
| Serious Hand Injuries | £35,390 to £75,550 |
| Severe (iii) Pelvic/Hip Injuries | £47,810 to £64,070 |
| Severe Shoulder Injuries | £23,430 to £58,610 |
| Wrist (c) Injuries | £15,370 to £29,900 |
| Multiple Fractures of Facial Bones | £18,180 to £29,220 |
You may also be entitled to special damages. These address the financial impacts your injuries have caused you, such as lost earnings, prescription costs, and travel expenses. However, in order to claim for these, you must be able to provide proof of your losses. As such, collecting bank statements, receipts, or invoices is recommended.
To learn whether you could have a valid personal injury claim after suffering an injury falling over while drunk, contact our team of advisors today.
No Win No Fee Drunk Accident Injury Claims
If you have had an accident or injury when drunk and want to make a compensation claim, you may wish to hire a personal injury lawyer.
Our solicitors offer No Win No Fee services, including a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA). This means there are no solicitor fees required upfront or while your claim is ongoing. Furthermore, there will be no requirement to pay these fees to your solicitor if the claim fails.
If your claim wins, then your solicitor will receive a success fee for their work that is deducted from your compensation. However, the percentage taken from the compensation is subject to a legal cap.
Contact Us
Our experienced team of advisors are waiting to hear from you, so please don’t hesitate to contact us. They’re available night or day, ready to answer any questions you have or help you get started with making a claim at a time that’s convenient for you. Reach out today using the details found below:
- Ring up on 0800 073 8804
- Contact us to see whether you have a case
- Get an instant answer via live chat
We hope our guide about claiming compensation for an injury if you were drunk has helped, and please get in touch if you have any questions.
