Making Public Liability Claims in Public Places

Everyone should feel able to go about their normal daily activities in public places without fear of hurting themselves. What’s more, public bodies like local authorities, as well as businesses, have a duty of care to ensure that risks are minimised on the premises they maintain.

But, unhappily, every year thousands of people do have accidents in public places, from supermarkets and restaurants to gyms to roads. These mishaps can be caused by anything from defective trolleys to falling objects to wet floors to potholes.

Where personal injury does occur, fortunately most people recover, especially given time. But others can potentially be left with lasting disabilities and severe financial problems. Claiming compensation from the owner or occupier of the premises if they failed to take care of your safety is no more than seeking the redress to which you are entitled – it is not about pandering to a so-called “compensation culture”. And, if you’ve had a nasty accident, things will be difficult enough without any added financial stress.

There are any number of reasons why you may need the money urgently, for example:

• To pay bills if your injuries are so severe you are unable to work.
• Some disabilities may mean a home or car needs to be adapted accordingly.
• Private medical treatment may be needed so that you make a speedier recovery.

When Can You Claim for an Accident in a Public Place?

If you have been hurt due to the negligence of someone else, any claim for public liability compensation must reflect the level of suffering and pain you have experienced.

To maximise the chances of successful public liability claims, here are some useful things you can do:;

• Take photographs of the scene of the accident.
• Don’t throw out the shoes or other footwear you had on at the time.
• Some places like supermarkets have an accident book – fill it in.
• Keep note of all expenses that are a direct result of the accident – and don’t forget to hang on to all the relevant receipts. Remember that things like parking tickets and petrol for GP and/or hospital visits can also be used to count towards your claim.

Write your own account of the incident, including date and time (for the purposes of reviewing CCTV) and any other warning signs, such as whether barriers or warning signs were in place.

Choosing Public Liability Solicitors

The right public liability solicitors can go a long way towards helping you make a successful public liability claim. Since claims hang on the accident and subsequent injury not being part of the injured party, some organisations may try and pass the buck, but a good public liability lawyer can argue the case strongly in your favour.

Many operate on a “no win no fee” basis – and have online calculators where you can very quickly work out how much your claim could be worth. Learn more online today.

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