Injured in a Public Place? Understanding Public Liability Claims

Accidents in public places happen more often than you might think – and they can have serious consequences for your health, work, and daily life. Whether you’ve slipped on a wet supermarket floor, tripped on a broken pavement, or been injured in a public park, you may be entitled to compensation. At Fiona Bruce Solicitors, we help our clients bring public liability claims when accidents happen due to someone else’s negligence.

What Is a Public Liability Claim?

Public liability law exists to protect members of the public from injury caused by unsafe premises, defective surfaces, or poorly maintained environments. If a business, local authority, or private landowner fails to keep their property reasonably safe, and you’re injured as a result, they may be held legally responsible.

Common examples of public liability claims include:

• – Slips, trips, and falls in shops, car parks, or public footpaths
• – Injuries caused by faulty equipment in gyms or leisure centres
• – Accidents in schools, restaurants, or other public venues
• – Objects falling from shelves or displays
• – Dog bites or animal-related injuries on public or private property

Who Can You Claim Against?

Claims can be brought against anyone who owes you a duty of care and has failed in that duty. This might include:

• – Local councils (for highways, pavements, parks)
• – Supermarkets and retailers
• – Restaurants, pubs, and cafes
• – Event organisers or venue owners
• – Private landlords or property owners

In most cases, these parties will have public liability insurance to cover the cost of claims.

What Do You Need to Prove?

To make a successful claim, you must show that:

1. The person or organisation owed you a duty of care
2. They breached that duty (e.g., by failing to fix a hazard)
3. That breach directly caused your injury

Evidence is key. Try to gather photos of the scene, details of witnesses, accident reports, and medical records as soon as possible.

Is There a Time Limit for a Public Liability Claim?

Yes, typically, you have three years from the date of the accident to make a claim. For children or individuals lacking mental capacity, the rules are different, and we can advise you on these exceptions.

How We Can Help

At Fiona Bruce Solicitors, we know how disruptive and distressing a personal injury can be. Our friendly, experienced team headed by Partner, Tim Grainger, will assess your case, explain your rights in plain English, and guide you through the claims process with care and clarity. Our public liability claims are handled on a no win, no fee basis, so get in contact with Rebecca Hall on 01925 263273, or enquiries@fionabruce.co.uk to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation.

The contents of this post do not constitute legal advice and are provided for general information purposes only ■