A public liability claim is a claim for compensation that may arise when someone is injured or suffers loss because another party failed to take reasonable care in circumstances where they owed a duty of care.

Depending on the circumstances, responsibility may potentially rest with a business, property owner, occupier, organisation, local authority or another party responsible for the relevant premises or activity.

Accidents can occur in shops, restaurants, offices, public spaces, car parks, residential buildings, leisure facilities and many other locations.

Claims can arise from slips, trips and falls, falling objects, unsafe premises, defective areas, inadequate lighting, dangerous surfaces and other circumstances where an unsafe condition may have caused an injury.

Evidence may include photographs, CCTV footage, witness details, accident reports, medical records, receipts and correspondence with the relevant business, organisation, property owner or insurer.

Where appropriate, you should report the accident to the person or organisation responsible for the premises and ensure that it is recorded. This may help preserve evidence about what happened.

You may be able to claim if your injury was caused by an unsafe condition or another circumstance for which the business or another responsible party may be liable. The specific circumstances will need to be investigated.

Depending on the circumstances, a landlord or property owner may potentially be responsible for certain hazards or defects. Whether a claim can be brought will depend on the relevant responsibilities and evidence.

Potentially, depending on the circumstances of the accident and the authority’s responsibility for the location or activity involved. Claims involving public authorities can have specific legal considerations.

A claim may still be possible without witnesses. Photographs, CCTV, accident records, medical evidence and your own account of what happened may all be relevant.

Depending on the circumstances, claims may involve fractures, sprains, soft tissue injuries, back or neck injuries, head injuries and psychological injuries, among others.

Depending on the circumstances, you may be able to claim for loss of earnings and certain other financial losses resulting from your injury. Supporting evidence may be required.

A claim may still be possible where responsibility is shared. However, the amount of compensation may be affected by the extent to which you are found to have contributed to the accident.

Personal injury claims are generally subject to a three-year limitation period, usually running from the date of the accident or, in some circumstances, the date of knowledge of the injury. Exceptions can apply, so early legal advice is recommended. (legislation.gov.uk)

The available evidence will need to be considered carefully. This may include photographs, CCTV footage, witness evidence, maintenance records, accident reports and medical evidence.

There is no general legal requirement for every business to have public liability insurance, although some businesses, contracts, landlords or professional bodies may require it. Whether insurance is available will depend on the circumstances.

Not necessarily. Many claims may be resolved through correspondence and negotiation. Court proceedings may become necessary if an appropriate settlement cannot be reached or liability remains disputed.

The timeframe varies depending on the seriousness of the injury, complexity of the accident, availability of evidence, medical recovery and whether liability or the value of the claim is disputed.

Where possible, seek appropriate medical attention, report the accident, record the location and condition that caused it, take photographs and obtain witness details. You should also keep relevant receipts and other records.

MYM Solicitors can assess your circumstances, help gather relevant evidence, consider your injuries and losses, deal with insurers and other parties, negotiate where appropriate and assist with further legal proceedings if required.