Skip to main content

What kinds of accidents are covered by public liability claims?

What kinds of accidents are covered by public liability claims?

Speak To An Expert

Get clear, personalised advice for your situation.

Jot down a few questions to make the most of your conversation.

More Items From Ergsy search


What is a public liability claim?

A public liability claim is a type of compensation claim made when someone is injured or their property is damaged because another person, business, or organisation failed to take reasonable care. In the UK, these claims often arise in places open to the public, such as shops, restaurants, pavements, leisure centres, or council-owned areas.

The key issue is whether the accident happened because of negligence. If the responsible party did not keep the area reasonably safe, they may be liable for the harm caused.

Common slip, trip and fall accidents

Many public liability claims involve slips, trips, and falls. These can happen on wet floors without warning signs, uneven paving slabs, broken steps, loose carpets, or poor lighting in public spaces.

Examples include falling in a supermarket after a spill, tripping on a cracked pavement outside a shop, or slipping on an icy entrance that was not gritted. These incidents can cause injuries ranging from sprains to broken bones or head injuries.

Accidents in shops and business premises

Shops, cafés, gyms, hotels, and other businesses have a duty to keep customers reasonably safe. Claims may arise if someone is injured by falling objects, faulty fittings, blocked walkways, or unsafe displays.

For instance, a customer might be hurt if stock falls from a shelf, or if a badly maintained handrail gives way. In these cases, the business may be responsible if it failed to inspect or maintain the premises properly.

Injuries in public spaces and on council land

Public liability claims can also involve accidents in parks, pedestrian areas, car parks, and other public spaces. Local authorities and other organisations may be liable if hazards were ignored or repairs were delayed for too long.

Typical examples include injuries caused by broken playground equipment, potholes, defective street furniture, or unsafe paths. The claim usually depends on whether the danger should have been identified and dealt with beforehand.

Accidents caused by poor maintenance or defects

Not all claims are about slips or falls. Accidents can also happen because of poor maintenance, such as loose handrails, broken tiles, faulty doors, or exposed wiring in publicly accessible areas.

These defects can lead to cuts, burns, crush injuries, or more serious harm. If a reasonable inspection or repair would have prevented the accident, a public liability claim may be possible.

When public liability may not apply

Not every accident in a public place will result in a valid claim. There must usually be evidence that someone else was at fault, or that they failed to take reasonable steps to reduce the risk.

Accidents caused entirely by your own actions, or by a risk that was obvious and properly managed, may not be covered. Getting advice early can help assess whether the circumstances support a claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kinds of accidents are usually covered by public liability claims?

Public liability claims typically cover accidents where a member of the public is injured or their property is damaged because a business, organisation, or property occupier was negligent.

Are slips and trips covered by public liability claims?

Yes, slips, trips, and falls are among the most common public liability claims when they happen because of hazards like wet floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or obstructions.

Can accidents on pavements or walkways be included in public liability claims?

Yes, if a business, local authority, or property owner was responsible for the hazard that caused the accident, such as a broken paving slab or an unmarked obstacle.

Are injuries from falling objects covered by public liability claims?

Yes, if an object falls from a premises, display, shelf, scaffold, or similar area due to negligence and injures a member of the public, it may be covered.

Do public liability claims cover accidents in shops and supermarkets?

Yes, accidents in shops and supermarkets can be covered, especially if caused by wet floors, falling stock, faulty equipment, or unsafe premises.

Are accidents at restaurants and cafes covered by public liability claims?

Yes, injuries in restaurants and cafes may be covered if they result from spills, broken furniture, unsafe flooring, hot food or drink incidents, or poor maintenance.

Can public liability claims cover accidents at events or festivals?

Yes, accidents at events or festivals can be covered if organisers failed to manage crowds, hazards, equipment, or walkways safely.

Are playground accidents covered by public liability claims?

Sometimes, yes. If a playground was poorly maintained, had defective equipment, or lacked proper safety measures, a claim may be possible.

Do public liability claims include accidents caused by defective premises?

Yes, accidents caused by broken stairs, loose handrails, damaged flooring, faulty doors, or other unsafe premises may be covered.

Can dog bites or animal attacks be covered by public liability claims?

Yes, if an animal attack occurs because the person responsible for the animal failed to control it properly, a public liability claim may be possible.

Are injuries from hot drinks or food covered by public liability claims?

Yes, burns or scalds caused by spills, unsafe serving practices, or defective containers may be covered if negligence can be shown.

Do public liability claims cover accidents in car parks?

Yes, accidents in car parks may be covered if they were caused by hazards such as potholes, poor lighting, inadequate signage, or unsafe traffic management.

Are accidents caused by broken glass or sharp objects covered by public liability claims?

Yes, if a member of the public is injured by broken glass or sharp debris due to poor cleaning or maintenance, a claim may be covered.

Can public liability claims cover injuries from unsafe temporary structures?

Yes, injuries caused by unsafe scaffolding, stages, fences, barriers, or marquees can be covered if they were improperly installed or maintained.

Are accidents in parks or public spaces covered by public liability claims?

Yes, if a council, landowner, or responsible party failed to maintain the area and that failure caused the accident, a claim may be possible.

Do public liability claims cover accidents caused by faulty signage?

Yes, if missing, unclear, or incorrect signage contributed to an accident, such as warning people about a hazard or directing them safely, it may be covered.

Can public liability claims include accidents involving contractors on site?

Yes, if a contractor's activities created a hazard that injured a member of the public, the claim may fall under public liability.

Are sports or leisure centre accidents covered by public liability claims?

Yes, injuries in sports or leisure facilities may be covered if caused by unsafe equipment, poor supervision, slippery surfaces, or inadequate maintenance.

Do public liability claims cover accidents caused by cleaning or maintenance work?

Yes, if cleaning or maintenance created a hazard such as a wet floor, blocked access, or exposed danger without proper warnings, a claim may be covered.

What is the main factor in deciding whether an accident is covered by public liability claims?

The main factor is whether someone responsible for the premises, activity, or hazard was negligent and that negligence caused injury or property damage to a member of the public.

Important Information On Using This Service


This website offers general information and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always seek guidance from qualified professionals. If you have any medical concerns or need urgent help, contact a healthcare professional or emergency services immediately.

Some of this content was generated with AI assistance. We've done our best to keep it accurate, helpful, and human-friendly.

  • Ergsy carefully checks the information in the videos we provide here.
  • Videos shown by Youtube after a video has completed, have NOT been reviewed by ERGSY.
  • To view, click the arrow in centre of video.
Using Subtitles and Closed Captions
  • Most of the videos you find here will have subtitles and/or closed captions available.
  • You may need to turn these on, and choose your preferred language.
Turn Captions On or Off
  • Go to the video you'd like to watch.
  • If closed captions (CC) are available, settings will be visible on the bottom right of the video player.
  • To turn on Captions, click settings.
  • To turn off Captions, click settings again.

More Items From Ergsy search