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What is a public liability claim?
A public liability claim is made when someone is injured or suffers financial loss because of another party’s negligence in a public place or a place open to the public. This could include supermarkets, parks, leisure centres, hotels, restaurants, or pavements.
The purpose of the claim is to put you back in the position you would have been in had the incident not happened. Compensation can cover both the injury itself and the wider impact it has had on your life.
General damages for pain and suffering
One main part of a public liability claim is general damages. These compensate you for the pain, suffering, and loss of amenity caused by the injury.
Loss of amenity means the ways your injury has affected day-to-day life. For example, you may no longer be able to walk comfortably, take part in hobbies, or enjoy family activities as you did before.
Special damages for financial losses
You can also claim special damages, which cover financial losses linked to the incident. These are the out-of-pocket expenses and costs you have had to pay because of the injury.
Common examples include prescription charges, travel costs to medical appointments, and the cost of treatment such as physiotherapy. If you have paid for care or assistance, this may also be included.
If your injury has meant time off work, you may be able to recover lost earnings. In more serious cases, future loss of income can also be claimed if your ability to work has been affected long term.
Care, support, and rehabilitation costs
Compensation may include the cost of care if you needed help with daily tasks after the accident. This can apply even where the care was provided by family members or friends.
Rehabilitation costs may also be recovered where treatment is needed to help you improve or manage your recovery. This could include private medical treatment, counselling, occupational therapy, or specialist equipment.
Property damage and other losses
If personal belongings were damaged in the incident, you may be able to claim for repair or replacement costs. This could include items such as phones, glasses, clothing, or mobility aids.
In some cases, you may also recover additional expenses caused by the accident. For example, if you had to travel by taxi because you could not drive, that cost may be included.
How compensation is assessed
The amount awarded depends on the seriousness of the injury and the losses you can prove. Medical records, receipts, wage slips, and photos can all help support your claim.
Every case is different, so compensation is assessed individually. If you have been injured in a public place, it is worth keeping evidence of both your injury and the costs you have incurred.
Frequently Asked Questions
A public liability claim can usually include compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, and other losses caused by the injury.
Yes, you can usually claim for reasonable medical costs related to the injury, including doctor visits, hospital treatment, medication, and therapy.
Yes, if the injury caused you to miss work, you may be able to claim for lost wages or reduced earning capacity.
Yes, compensation may be available for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life caused by the incident.
Yes, rehabilitation costs such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and other recovery-related treatment may be included.
Yes, you may be able to claim reasonable travel costs for attending medical appointments or treatment related to the injury.
You may be able to claim for paid help with domestic tasks such as cleaning, cooking, or childcare if the injury prevents you from doing them.
Yes, if ongoing treatment is expected, future medical expenses may be part of the claim.
Yes, if the injury affects your ability to work in the future, you may be able to claim for reduced earning capacity.
Yes, if your personal property was damaged in the incident, the repair or replacement cost may be included.
Yes, compensation may include the value of care or assistance provided by paid carers or sometimes by family members.
Yes, if the incident caused a psychological injury such as anxiety, depression, or trauma, related compensation may be available.
In some cases, yes. Compensation may reflect the impact of the injury on hobbies, social activities, and daily life.
Yes, if you need aids or equipment like crutches, braces, or mobility devices because of the injury, those costs may be claimed.
Yes, reasonable out-of-pocket expenses caused by the incident can often be included in the claim.
If the injury caused lasting disability or impairment, compensation may reflect the long-term impact on your health and daily functioning.
Yes, where a claim arises from a fatal incident, funeral expenses and related losses may be included in some cases.
They may be claimable if they were a direct and reasonable result of the injury, such as costs incurred because of lost income.
Yes, compensation may account for the way the injury has affected your ability to live normally and enjoy everyday activities.
No, it can cover both financial losses and non-financial harm such as pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.
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