Public Liability Claim Solicitors

What is a public liability claim?

A public liability claim is a personal injury claim brought when you are injured in a public place because the person or organisation responsible for it failed to keep it reasonably safe. Public places include shops, supermarkets, restaurants, pubs, hotels, leisure centres, car parks, schools, pavements, roads and parks. The party responsible for the premises, known in law as the occupier, owes a legal duty of care to people who use them.

Common public liability accidents we help with include:

• Slips and trips on wet floors, spillages or uneven surfaces
• Trips on defective or poorly maintained pavements and roads
• Injuries from falling objects or collapsing displays in shops
• Accidents caused by inadequate lighting or unmarked hazards
• Injuries at leisure facilities, playgrounds and public events

How we help

We investigate who was responsible for the place where you were injured and whether they breached their duty of care. The duty owed depends on the circumstances. Under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957, occupiers must take reasonable care that lawful visitors are reasonably safe. The Occupiers’ Liability Act 1984 provides more limited protection to trespassers. For pavement and highway defects, the Highways Act 1980 places maintenance duties on the highway authority, though councils may have a defence if they can show a reasonable system of inspection and repair.

We gather the evidence needed to prove the hazard existed and caused your injury, including CCTV footage, accident reports, cleaning, inspection and maintenance records, photographs and witness statements. We then arrange independent medical evidence and deal with the responsible party’s insurer on your behalf.

What your compensation can cover

A successful claim can cover both the injury and its financial impact, including:

• Pain, suffering and loss of amenity (general damages)
• Loss of earnings, both past and future
• The cost of treatment, rehabilitation and care
• Travel expenses and other out-of-pocket costs
• Damage to personal property

Time limits

In most public liability cases you have three years from the date of the accident to start court proceedings, under the Limitation Act 1980. Special rules apply to children, whose three years run from their 18th birthday, and to people who lack mental capacity. Claims against public bodies can require early notification and prompt evidence-gathering, so we recommend seeking advice as soon as possible after your accident.

Why choose MID Legal

Public liability claims can be complex, particularly when the responsible party disputes that a hazard existed or argues it had a reasonable system of inspection in place. Our personal injury team knows how to build the evidence needed to meet these arguments head on. We offer a free, no-obligation assessment, explain your options clearly, and pursue eligible claims on a no win, no fee basis so there is no financial risk to you. We handle the insurers, keep you updated, and pursue the full compensation you are entitled to. Contact us today to find out where you stand.