Public Liability Claims
100% No Win No Fee
Free advice on when public liability claims are possible and how to claim compensation.
Excellent Reviews On
Public Liability Claims
100% No Win No Fee
Free advice on when public liability claims are possible and how to claim compensation.
Excellent Reviews On
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If you’ve suffered an injury or illness due to unsafe conditions or negligence in a public place, understanding public liability claims is crucial. This guide explains when you might have grounds to make a public liability claim, outlines the claims process, and highlights the key steps you should take if you’re considering seeking compensation.
At No Win No Fee Solicitors Co, we bring years of experience in handling public liability claims. We know how daunting it can be to challenge businesses or authorities, but our dedicated team is committed to making the process as straightforward as possible for you. Our expertise means we handle the claims process efficiently, ensuring your interests are protected every step of the way.
Continue reading for practical guidance and clear information about public liability claims. And if you want tailored advice, you can contact our team online or call 0333 091 8598 for immediate assistance.
What Is A Public Liability Claim?
A public liability claim is a legal process by which you seek compensation if you’re injured or suffer a loss due to another party’s negligence in a public place. This could be a local council, shop, restaurant, leisure facility, or any public area where the owner or organiser has a responsibility to maintain safety for visitors. Their duty exists by law, and when they breach it, those impacted may have the right to claim for their injuries or losses.
Public liability claims typically address incidents where preventable accidents have occurred, such as slipping on a wet floor in a supermarket or being struck by falling objects in a car park. The goal is to secure compensation that puts you, as much as possible, back in the position you would have been had the accident not happened.
Importantly, making a claim isn’t about punishing the responsible party, but rather ensuring you have access to the financial support and care you need to recover from your injury or loss.
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Common Accidents That Could Result In A Public Liability Claim
Accidents can happen anywhere, but when they’re caused by someone else failing to keep you safe, you may have grounds for a public liability claim. Some of the most common accidents include:
Slips, trips, and falls: These often occur on wet floors, uneven pavements, or poorly maintained walkways.
Falling objects: Items improperly secured on shelves or overhead ledges in shops, libraries, or public transport can pose serious risks.
Playground or park accidents: Faulty, broken, or dangerous equipment in public play areas can lead to injuries, especially for children.
Sports facility incidents: Unsafe conditions at leisure centres, swimming pools, or gyms, such as slippery surfaces, can cause harm.
Accidents at public events: Inadequate crowd control, tripping hazards, or unsecured equipment at festivals, concerts, or fairs.
It’s important to remember that the circumstances surrounding each case are unique. If your accident isn’t listed above but you believe negligence was involved, the best next step is to seek professional advice.
Eligibility Criteria In Public Liability Claims
To bring a public liability claim successfully, certain criteria must be met. Generally, you’ll need to show:
Duty of care: The responsible party (such as a local council, shop owner, or event organiser) owed you a duty to keep you reasonably safe.
Breach of duty: They failed in this duty, for example, by not addressing known hazards or by neglecting regular safety checks.
Causation: This failure directly caused your injury or loss.
Loss or injury: You suffered a physical, psychological, or financial loss as a result of the incident.
Proving a public liability claim often requires precise details about how and why the incident occurred. If you’re unsure whether you meet these criteria, consulting with an experienced solicitor can clarify your position and improve your chances of success.
Why Use Our Solicitors To Manage Your Claim
Choosing who represents you in a public liability claim is a crucial decision. Here’s why No Win No Fee Solicitors Co can make a difference:
Proven expertise: Our solicitors specialise in public liability cases, giving you the benefit of focused, up-to-date knowledge.
Personalised service: We listen to your story and tailor our approach to suit your specific circumstances.
Efficient claims process: We handle documentation, deadlines, and negotiations, so you can focus on your recovery.
Clear communication: You’ll always know what’s happening in your case, no unnecessary jargon.
Maximum compensation: We aim to secure the highest possible award for your injuries and losses, based on the unique facts of your case.
Navigating a public liability claim alone can be overwhelming. Our team ensures you aren’t left to manage complex legal processes or negotiations by yourself.
Typical Evidence In Public Liability Claims
Evidence is the cornerstone of any successful public liability claim. The more clear and comprehensive your evidence, the stronger your case will be. Typical evidence includes:
Photographs of the accident scene, hazard, and your injuries
Medical records detailing your diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment
Witness statements from anyone who saw what happened
Accident reports made to the premises owner or local authority
Receipts and bills relating to expenses or care arising from your injuries
Gathering this evidence as soon as possible after your accident greatly improves your chances of a successful claim.
Public Liability Claim Time Limits
Time limits apply to public liability claims. In most cases, you have three years from the date of the incident to initiate legal proceedings. There are exceptions, such as for children (where the period starts on their 18th birthday) or individuals lacking mental capacity. It’s wise to seek legal advice quickly, as delays can impact the availability of evidence and the likelihood of a successful outcome.
How No Win No Fee Claims Work
No Win No Fee arrangements, also known as Conditional Fee Agreements, remove much of the financial risk from making a public liability claim. With this structure, you only pay legal fees if your claim is successful. If your case doesn’t result in compensation, you won’t owe our solicitors a fee.
This approach allows you to pursue justice without worrying about upfront or unexpected costs.
You can find further details about the process, and examples of successful cases, on our in-depth guide to making a public liability claim.
What Does Compensation In A Public Liability Claim Cover?
Compensation for public liability claims reflects both your direct financial losses and the impact on your wellbeing. This can include:
General damages: For your pain, suffering, and loss of amenity as a result of injury or illness
Special damages: To cover medical expenses, travel costs, lost income, rehabilitation, home adaptations, and future care costs
The amount you could receive will depend on the severity of your injuries, how they affect your life, and the precise circumstances of your claim.
Try Our Compensation Calculator
Take a look at our compensation calculator to get a broad idea of what an accident at work payout could look like. The figures used in this calculator are taken from the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG), which is a document that provides guideline compensation brackets for different injuries and illnesses.
Compensation Bracket: 0.00
Please note that these are not guaranteed amounts, and that this calculator doesn’t take special damages into account. Contact our team today to learn more about compensation in manual handling injury claims.
Start A Public Liability Claim Today
If you believe you’ve suffered due to someone else’s negligence in a public space, it’s important to seek expert legal advice as soon as possible. At No Win No Fee Solicitors Co, our team is ready to review your circumstances and explain your options clearly. Taking action quickly can preserve vital evidence, ensure compliance with time limits, and put you on the right track for compensation.
You can reach us via our online form or speak directly to a specialist by phoning 0333 091 8598. We’re here to help you move forward with confidence.
Public Liability Claims - Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make a public liability claim if the incident occurred on private property but was open to the public?
Yes, if you were injured on private property that is accessible to the public (such as a shop or restaurant), you may still be able to make a public liability claim, provided the owner or occupier owed you a duty of care and was negligent in maintaining a safe environment.
What should I do immediately after an accident in a public place?
After an accident, seek medical attention, report the incident to the manager or authority in charge, gather contact details of witnesses, and take photographs of the scene and any hazards, as this information can be vital for your claim.
Can I claim if the accident was partly my fault?
You may still be eligible for compensation even if you were partially to blame; however, your compensation might be reduced to reflect your share of responsibility for the accident, a legal principle known as contributory negligence.
Are children able to make public liability claims?
Yes, children can make public liability claims through a responsible adult (known as a litigation friend), and the typical three-year time limit to commence a claim only starts from the child’s 18th birthday.
Can public liability claims be made for psychological injuries?
Yes, public liability claims can cover psychological injuries such as trauma or anxiety, but you’ll need to provide evidence from medical professionals to support your case.
Is there a maximum compensation amount for public liability claims?
There is no strict maximum for compensation; the amount awarded depends on the severity of your injury, the impact on your life, and the financial losses you can prove resulted from the incident.
