Public Liability Claim: Accidents in a public place

Accidents can happen when we least expect them, and when they occur in a public setting, the experience can be particularly distressing however you may be entitled to compensation by making a public liability claim, which is a type of personal injury claim. Whether it is a slip and fall, a car collision, or any other incident, knowing how to respond and what steps to take can make a significant difference in protecting your injury claim. 

In this article, we will cover what public liability claims are, public liability claim examples and the steps to take to protect your potential claim.

What is a public liability claim?

It is important to understand the concept of public liability. Public liability involves the responsibility of an individual or a company that owns or is in charge of a public area. They are obliged to ensure the area’s safety for public use. Consequently, a public liability claim, which is a type of personal injury claim, grants you the opportunity to seek compensation in the event of an injury on public property.

Public liability claims claim examples

Public liability claims can include a wide range of injuries suffered on public property. No matter what the injury is, if it was not your fault, then you may be eligible to make a public liability claim. 

Here are some common public liability claim examples:

• Slips and Falls – If you slip on a wet floor in a public building or trip on a poorly maintained footpath, you may have a public liability claim against the property owner or the local authority responsible for maintenance.
• Dog Bites – If you’re bitten by a dog in a public place, the owner of the dog may be liable for your injuries.
• Accidents in Shops or Restaurants – Injuries sustained due to poorly maintained premises, like loose flooring, falling objects, or inadequate lighting, can lead to public liability claims against the business owner.
• Playground Accidents – If a child is injured on a poorly maintained public playground due to broken equipment or unsafe conditions, a public liability claim may be filed against the local government.
• Accidents on Public Transportation – Injuries sustained on buses, trains, or trams due to negligence by the transport company, such as poorly maintained vehicles or driver negligence, can result in public liability claims.
• Sports and Recreational Activities – Injuries that occur during organised sports events or recreational activities in public areas may lead to public liability claims if proper safety measures are not taken.
• Accidents in Public Parks – Injuries resulting from unsafe conditions in public parks, such as broken benches, uneven pathways, or insufficient signage, can be the basis for a public liability claim.

These are only a few examples, we would always recommend getting independent legal advice if you feel like you may be eligible to make a claim. However, to ensure you protect your claim we would recommend you carry out the next steps below at the scene of the incident. 

What steps should I take if I have an accident in public?

Here are our 5 steps to take if you have had an accident in public. Please remember if you have been seriously injured; always seek immediate medical treatment before carrying out the following:

1. Witnesses – Anyone who witnessed the accident may be vital to your claim, therefore ensure you take all their details. 
2. Photos – Take photos of the scene and your injuries. Ensure you take multiple photos to ensure the full extent of the injury and scene are covered. 
3. Record the series of events – Keep a record of the series of events at the accident scene and any problems you face after the accident.
4. Keep all receipts – Keep a record and receipts of expenses caused by the accident, this can help secure the correct amount of compensation. 
5. Seek legal Advice – Contact a Personal Injury Solicitor, to get your claim started. You only have 3 years from the date of the injury to start your claim. 

How can Taylor Bracewell’s Personal Injury team help you?

Our team of experienced Personal Injury solicitors specialise in securing compensation for clients who have suffered injuries through accidents in public. If you or someone you know has suffered an injury, loss and/or damage, our qualified solicitors in Doncaster and Sheffield can assess your claim and advise on the very best course of action to help you settle for compensation. 

If you would like to find out more or to arrange a consultation, please contact our Doncaster solicitors at 01302 341 414 or our Sheffield Solicitors at 0114 272 1884. Alternatively, you can fill out our online enquiry form.