Public Liability

Protecting Your Rights in public liability cases

You’re simply going about your daily life and in an instant, a slip, trip or fall in a public place can have lifechanging consequences. If you have had an accident that wasn’t your fault, you may have a case for a personal injury claim.

Injuries in public spaces can range from anything from a slip, trip or fall in a city centre, through to accidents in amusement parks or other incidents caused by negligent maintenance and management of the public space. Essentially, an accident in a public space has the potential to become a personal injury claim when a person sustains harm due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another.

Whilst personal injury claims for accidents in public places can be complex, the aim is to ensure that those who are injured are able to seek fair compensation for the physical, emotional and financial damages they have suffered as a result of the incident.

In order to build a strong personal injury case, the injured party must be able to demonstrate that the responsible party owed them a duty of care and breached that duty through negligence or wrongdoing.

What are the most important factors to consider before
making a public liability claim?

by Erin Darling-Finan

Erin Darling-Finan

Personal Injury Legal Executive

There are a few key factors that will help you to build the strongest possible personal injury case for your accident in a public space. It pays to understand these, so you are always prepared and protected in the unfortunate case that an accident was to happen.

1. Seek Medical Attention: Seek medical attention immediately after your incident. Even if you think your injuries are minor, it will assist you later on when you need medical evidence to prove your injuries.

2. Gather Evidence: Although it can be a distressing and traumatising time, the more evidence you can collate the better. Take photos at the scene (if appropriate), obtain contact information from any witnesses present and preserve all documents including medical reports and receipts for expenses incurred.

3. Report the injury to the property owner, manager or relevant authorities: Make sure your accident has been properly documented and, where applicable, an accident book filled out.

4. Consult with a qualified lawyer: Consult with a lawyer who specialises in public liability to guide you through the legal process, assess the viability of your claim and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.

5. Time is of the essence: Always be mindful to act quickly when it comes to personal injury cases as there are often statutes of limitations that dictate how long you have to claim after an incident.

If you are looking for a friendly and supportive team, to provide helpful legal advice free of jargon, contact us today.

We’re on your side.