Claims for Accidents in Public Places

Key takeaway points:

• You may be able to make a public injury claim if you were injured in a public place and it wasn’t your fault.
• You’ll usually have three years from the date of your accident to take legal action.
• Evidence such as photographs, witness details and medical records can help support your claim.

When can I make a public injury claim?

Public places can get busy, and crowded areas may become hazardous if they’re not well organised.

Under occupiers’ liability law, the individual or organisation responsible for a public space must take reasonable measures to ensure the safety of visitors. This includes carrying out regular inspections, repairing hazards and providing clear warnings where necessary.

But unfortunately, this isn’t always the case in reality. We’ve supported clients who were injured in spaces that weren’t properly maintained, such as:

• Supermarkets
• Restaurants
• Gyms and leisure centres
• Parks
• Beaches

If you’ve been injured in a public place and it wasn’t your fault, you could have a public accident compensation claim.

We offer a free initial consultation where we’ll listen to the details of your situation and let you know if you have a strong case.

Get in touch with us to find out more.

What evidence do I need to prove a public injury claim?

To build a strong public injury case, your solicitor will need to prove that the party responsible for the space breached their duty of care. Gathering as much evidence as possible will significantly increase your chances of a successful outcome:

• Medical records
  Notes from your medical appointments – with your GP or at the hospital – will outline the extent of your injuries and how they’re likely to affect you.
• Accident book entry
  Your accident should have been logged by the organisation responsible for the space. Under the Data Protection Act 2018, you have the right to request a copy of this report.
• Photographic evidence
  Clear photos of the hazard that caused your injury – such as uneven flooring or an unmarked spillage – as well as photos of your injuries will support your claim.
• CCTV footage
  Most public places will have CCTV cameras, and you have a legal right to request footage of yourself. It’s better to ask for this early as footage is often deleted after 30 days.

How can First4Lawyers help?

Our personal injury solicitors have years of experience handling public liability claims. They’ll work with you to establish what happened and who was at fault, before building a case on your behalf.

We’ve already helped thousands of people in situations similar to yours. One example is our client Anita, who was awarded £2,500 after slipping on a temporary bridge that shouldn’t have been open to the public.

After the accident, Anita was left unable to work due to severe neck, back and shoulder pain. Her solicitor found a physician who was able to reduce Anita’s pain through various exercises, and she returned to work within six months.

We supported Anita on a No Win No Fee basis, and we could do the same for you. This means there will be nothing to pay us upfront and no fees to cover if your claim is unsuccessful.

I think I could have a claim – what should I do?

Your wellbeing comes first, so we would always suggest getting the medical help you need before doing anything else.

After this, you could consider making a public accident claim. Our friendly advisors are here to discuss what happened with you and answer any questions you may have about the claims process.

Our goal is to give you the information you need to make a decision that you’re happy with. We’ll never pressure you into making a claim, and you’ll always have the option to call us back at a later time.

To find out more, give us a call on the number at the top of the screen, request a callback or start your claim online.