What is a public liability claim?

A public liability claim is the legal process of seeking financial compensation for an injury sustained in public as a result of someone else’s negligence or error.

Many of us will visit numerous public places each day, from supermarkets and shops to public transport stations or car parks. It is the responsibility of those in charge of these sites, whether that be the store owner or the local council, to ensure spaces are properly maintained and safe to use. Where this is not the case, and negligence causes injury, you are entitled to seek recompense for your suffering.

What types of accident in public can lead to a public liability claim?

As there are so many different areas utilised by the public for a variety of reasons, the types of accident that can occur are just as varied and extensive.

At Slater and Gordon, we’ve helped numerous clients to secure the compensation they deserve after an accident in public. Some of the most common types of claims we have handled include:

• Claims against the council: this includes injuries caused in any place owned and maintained by the council, including public transport, pavements, council housing, leisure centres, and local authority-maintained schools
• Supermarket injuries: such as slips and trips caused by wet floors, or injuries caused by obstructed aisles
• Sporting injuries: this includes injuries sustained in sporting clubs or at gyms
• Animal injuries: for example, injuries sustained when visiting a farm

What should I do if I’ve been injured in an accident in public?

The first thing to do after any injury is to seek medical assistance. For minor injuries, there may be a first aid officer on hand who can provide support, or else you may wish to arrange to speak to your GP or call NHS 111. For serious injuries or emergencies, you should attend your local A&E department as soon as possible, or phone 999 for an ambulance.

If you’ve been injured in an accident that wasn’t your fault, you could be entitled to make a claim for compensation. Making a public liability claim may not be the first thing on your mind after an accident, but seeking compensation can help to alleviate any financial pressures caused by your injury, as well as providing access to rehabilitation and treatments.

At Slater and Gordon, we’re committed to supporting our clients through the legal process and beyond and work hard to secure the best possible outcome in every case we pursue. To learn more about making a claim, or to establish your full legal position, speak to a member of our team on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online.

How do I make a public liability claim?

Making a claim can be an intimidating process, so it’s important you have the right support and legal expertise to help guide you through and keep things simple.

To start a claim, you should contact a member of our public liability team to discuss the circumstances of your cases, including the nature of the injuries you have sustained and the accident that caused them. We’ll take a full account of what has happened and will be able to advise you straightaway if we think you have a claim.

If so, we’ll get to work compiling the evidence to support your claim. This will usually involve detailed statements from you and any witnesses, medical records detailing your injuries and their severity, and any record of financial losses. When we’re satisfied that we have the evidence we need to pursue your case, we’ll then need to arrange funding. Most of the claims we pursue are done so by way of a No Win No Fee agreement, meaning there’s no upfront costs and no financial risk to you.

The next step is to notify the responsible party and their insurers of your intent to make claim. They’ll have a set amount of time to respond, stating whether they accept they were at fault (known as establishing liability). Once this has been established, we will begin negotiating a settlement for your claim, including any interim payments you may need to help support you before your claim is fully settled.

Why should I choose Slater and Gordon Scotland’s public liability solicitors?

Our specialised team of public liability solicitors are some of the most trusted and experienced lawyers in the country, with many receiving high rankings and acclaim in independent legal guides such as Chambers and Partners, and the Legal 500. Many also hold positions with the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL).

At Slater and Gordon Scotland, we take a holistic and empathetic approach to every case we pursue, prioritising the early access of rehabilitation and privately funded treatment from a full range of experts to give you the best possible chance at a full recovery. Where injuries have affected your mobility, we can also provide support and advise on the suitability of your accommodation, adaptions that can help improve your quality of life, and how to deal with the impact of severe injuries on your employment.

We know that the consequences of injuries can go far beyond the initial accident. We’ll be by your side every step of the way, working tirelessly to get the best outcome possible so you can move forward with your life.