Datamonitor research finds 16.7% drop in 'slip and trip' claims

The number of personal injury claims made in the UK declined last year, according to a new report from research company Datamonitor.

The overall number of claims rose by 9% to 770,243 for the 12 months to 31 March 2004. But the numbers were skewed by claims made to the Miners' Compensation Fund, Datamonitor analyst David Stephenson said.

The scheme contributed to a 58% rise in employers' liability claims, up to 291,210.

The largest reduction in claims numbers came from public liability claims for "slip and trip" accidents.

These claims fell by 16.7% from 109,782 to 91,453.

Stephenson said the collapse of The Accident Group and the subsequent withdrawal from the market by several insurers had contributed to the reduction.

The Datamonitor report is due to be published next month.