Public Liability Claims: Questions and Answers

It is the responsibility of a person or company owning or managing a public area such as a shop or restaurant to ensure it is safe for public use, and failing to ensure the safety of the public may result in a public liability claim.

In this article, we will address some of the most commonly asked relating to public liability claims. As well as sharing who can make a public liability claim and the steps you should take if you are injured as a result of someone else’s negligence.

What is a public liability claim?

If you have had an accident and subsequent injury on a premise that was unsafe, the owner of the premises will be liable for any injury that had been caused by the negligence of them or their staff and you may be entitled to claim compensation.

Who can you make a public liability claim against?

The answer to this question can be very broad as an injury could happen in many different public places, all of which have a duty of care to ensure that anyone using the facilities or premises is safe. However, commonly claims may be brought against local authorities, train station operators, shop owners, restaurants, and gyms.

What information will I need to make a public liability claim?

To make a public liability claim, you will need to prove that the premises you visited were unsafe, causing an injury that could have been prevented. You can do this by providing evidence including:

• The correct location, date and estimated time that your accident happened.
• Photos of the scene. Photos can help identify who may be responsible, whether it be a local authority or the owner of private land or property.
• Measured photographs that help establish that the defect is unacceptable. You may need to use a point of reference, for example, take a photograph of the hole with an item in it, such as a credit card (do not use this if the hole is full of water).
• The contact details of any witnesses who saw the accident, or who may be able to help establish that the defect has been there for some time.

How can a solicitor help if you’ve been injured in a public place?

If you have suffered an injury in a public place as a result of any of the potential causes we have discussed in this article, our personal injury team is here to help. Whether it is in a restaurant, on a public walkway, or any other public or private place, you deserve to be able to access it without suffering a personal injury.

If your injury could have been avoided, but for the negligence of a business owner or public authority then we can help you secure the financial compensation you deserve as well as help you secure the best possible rehabilitative treatment if the injuries you suffered require such treatment.

Our team have developed expertise in handling both public liability claims and occupiers liability claims and will do all they can to support you and your family whilst gathering evidence to help make your claim as strong as possible.

If you’d like to learn more about how our team can assist you with your potential public liability claim, get in touch with us today for free by calling 0800 1979 345 or complete our online enquiry form and our team will get back to you at a time that is more suitable for you.