Holy Christmas.

Is the season to be jolly and the time to show goodwill to all men but as you rush around doing those last minute things, it is a nightmare if by chance you should fall into a hole in the road or pavement. This can seriously spoil the celebrations with a trip to hospital and time to admire the tree in A and E.

Is anyone responsible for this ? Well the answer is that there might be. The Local Authority or Highways Agency has a responsibility to maintain the highway and if you are hurt due to their failure then you may be entitled to compensation particularly if seriously hurt . In the event they have carried out reasonable inspection and repair, however, they can avoid liability unless that is they were told of a particular hazard and have failed to embark on emergency repairs!

Best thing is to ask the experts and our specialist team will be able to advise. Great thing is that to ask is free - unlike Christmas. 'Bah,Humbug' I hear you cry.

Have a good one and be safe but....................

If you have suffered an injury, through no fault of your own, please contact Fosters’ Personal Injury Department on (Freephone) 0800 731 8539 or by e-mail to pi@fosters-solicitors.co.uk.

Jeremy Ives has appeared on BBC TV and Radio during 'snowtime' to discuss this topic.