Who can make a public liability claim?

Who can make a public liability claim?

Anyone who has been injured or suffered damage because someone else was negligent in a public place may be able to make a public liability claim. This can include shoppers, visitors, passers-by, customers, cyclists, and sometimes employees or contractors who are not covered by other types of claim.

These claims are usually made against the person, business, or organisation responsible for the area where the incident happened. The key question is whether they owed you a duty of care and failed to keep you reasonably safe.

Common situations where a claim may apply

Public liability claims often arise from slips, trips, and falls in places such as shops, restaurants, car parks, pavements, leisure centres, and public buildings. They can also involve accidents caused by broken steps, wet floors, uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or unsafe crowd control.

You may also have a claim if you were injured by falling objects, defective equipment, or poorly maintained premises. In some cases, damage to personal property can also be claimed, such as a broken phone, bike, or glasses.

Do you need to be a visitor or member of the public?

No. Despite the name, public liability claims are not limited to strangers or casual visitors. You may still be able to claim if you were invited onto premises, attending an event, or using a service in a public-facing setting.

Children can also make a claim through a parent or guardian if they are injured in a public place. If the injured person cannot manage their own claim, someone else may be able to act on their behalf.

Who may be responsible?

Responsibility may lie with a business, local council, private landowner, event organiser, or contractor. For example, a supermarket may be liable for a spill that was left unattended, while a council may be responsible for a badly maintained pavement.

Sometimes more than one party could share responsibility. It is not always obvious who should be approached at first, which is why gathering evidence early can be important.

What do you need to prove?

To make a successful public liability claim, you usually need to show that the other party was negligent and that their negligence caused your injury or loss. This might involve proving they failed to inspect, repair, clean, or warn about a hazard.

Useful evidence can include photos, witness details, medical records, accident reports, and receipts for expenses. The stronger the evidence, the easier it may be to prove what happened and how it affected you.

When to get advice

If you have been injured in a public place, it is sensible to get legal advice as soon as possible. Limitation rules normally mean you have three years to bring a claim, although there are exceptions.

A solicitor can help assess whether you are eligible and identify who should be held responsible. They can also explain what compensation may cover, including pain and suffering, lost earnings, and medical costs.