Public Liability
Suffering an injury in a public place can be both distressing and disruptive, particularly when it occurs through no fault of your own. Whether you slipped on an unmarked wet floor, tripped on a loose paving stone, or were injured due to poorly maintained premises, you may be entitled to make a public liability claim for compensation.
More about Public Liability
Public liability claims arise when an individual is injured in a public or privately managed space due to negligence from local authorities, shop owners, event organisers, or private landowners failing in their duty of care. These entities are legally required to take reasonable steps to ensure their premises are safe for visitors and members of the public.
Making a public liability claim can help you recover compensation for pain and suffering, medical treatment, loss of earnings, and other associated costs. It also helps promote greater accountability and encourages better safety standards in public spaces.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a public place, our experienced personal injury solicitors are here to guide you through the process with compassion and clarity, ensuring your rights are protected every step of the way.
Some of the most common public liability accidents include:
- Slipping on a wet floor in a supermarket
- Tripping on an uneven pavement
- Being hit by falling objects in a shop or construction site
- Accidents at public events or venues
- Injuries in parks, playgrounds, or shopping centres
- Dog bites or animal attacks in public
If you've suffered an injury in a public place due to someone else's negligence, we’re here to help you understand your rights and guide you through the claims process with confidence. Get in touch with our experts today.
This duty applies to a wide range of environments, from supermarkets and shopping centres to parks, car parks, pavements, and event venues. Whether you’re visiting a shop, attending a concert, or simply walking through a public area, you have the right to expect a safe environment.
Those responsible for a public place must:
Maintain Safe Premises:
Surfaces should be free from tripping hazards, spillages, and other potential dangers. Areas must be kept clean, well-lit, and safely accessible to all members of the public.
Carry Out Regular Inspections and Maintenance:
Hazards such as broken flooring, damaged handrails, or loose paving slabs should be identified and fixed promptly through routine checks and timely repairs.
Clearly Signpost Risks:
Where temporary hazards exist, such as wet floors or maintenance work, adequate warning signs must be displayed to alert visitors and reduce the risk of accidents.
Implement Proper Safety Procedures:
Businesses and authorities should have clear policies for managing risk, including how to respond to incidents and how staff are trained to deal with safety concerns.
Ensure Adequate Staffing and Supervision:
Where relevant, trained personnel should be present to monitor and maintain safety, for example, during events or in busy retail environments.
When this duty of care is neglected and someone is injured as a result, the responsible party may be liable. A successful public liability claim depends on proving that this duty was breached, and that the injury could have been avoided with appropriate care.
If you’ve been injured in a public place and believe negligence was involved, our team at Howard & Over can help you explore your options and pursue fair compensation. Get in touch today to find out how we can support your claim.
Your Questions Answered
A public liability claim arises when you suffer an injury in a public or publicly accessible place due to the negligence of a person, company, or organisation responsible for that area’s safety. These places can include shops, supermarkets, car parks, pavements, parks, schools, public buildings, private venues, or event spaces — essentially anywhere the public has access to.
In a public liability claim, you can usually bring a claim against the person, business, organisation, or authority responsible for the area where your injury occurred. This could include local councils (for pavement defects), supermarkets or shops (for slips and trips), private landowners, event organisers, or property management companies. The key factor is whether they owed you a duty of care and failed to take reasonable steps to ensure your safety. At Howard & Over, we can help you identify who is legally responsible, gather the necessary evidence, and guide you through the claims process with clear and practical advice.
Yes, you may still be able to make a claim even if you were partially at fault for the accident. This is known as contributory negligence. In such cases, your compensation may be reduced to reflect your level of responsibility. For example, if it’s found that you were 25% to blame, you may still receive 75% of the compensation amount. Each case is assessed on its individual facts, so it's always worth seeking legal advice from our expert team at Howard & Over.
While it is not required, having a solicitor is the best course of action when making a public liability claim. Our legal experts at Howard & Over can navigate legal complexities, gather necessary evidence, and negotiate on your behalf to ensure fair compensation.
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