Public Liability Injury Claims

Injured in a Public Place and Want to Know If You Can Make a Public Liability Claim?

If you were injured in a public place due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to make a public liability injury claim. Whether the accident happened in a shop, supermarket, restaurant, pavement or park, we can help you claim compensation on a no-win, no-fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and if you win, our fees come out of your compensation.

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What Is a Public Liability Claim?

A public liability claim is a type of personal injury claim made when someone is injured in a public place because a business, organisation or local authority failed to maintain safe premises.

Businesses and public bodies have a legal duty to ensure that members of the public are reasonably safe when visiting their premises. If hazards are not addressed and you are injured as a result, you may have grounds to bring a public liability personal injury claim.

Public liability claims can arise in shops, supermarkets, restaurants, car parks, gyms, hotels, leisure centres and other public spaces. Or, if the accident happened at work, you may need advice from our accident at work claims solicitors.

How Long Do You Have to Make a Public Liability Injury Claim?

In most cases, you have three years to start a public liability claim. This runs from the date of the accident, or from when you first knew your injury was caused by it.

If the injured person was under 18 at the time of the incident, they generally have until their 21st birthday to bring a claim. Different rules may also apply if someone lacks mental capacity.

Getting in touch early helps protect your claim and gives us the best chance to preserve evidence.

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Types of Public Liability Claims

Public liability injury claims can arise in many different situations.

Slips, trips and falls:

often occur due to wet floors, uneven pavements, loose flooring or spillages that were not cleared promptly.

Accidents in shops and supermarkets:

may result from falling stock, unsafe shelving or poorly maintained premises.

Restaurant and hospitality accidents:

can include slips, burns or injuries caused by unsafe environments.

Accidents in public parks or pavements:

may arise where local authorities fail to repair hazards or maintain safe walkways.

Leisure and gym injuries:

can occur due to faulty equipment or inadequate supervision.

If your injury was caused by someone else’s failure to keep a public space safe, you may be entitled to make a public injury claim.

Check if you're eligible

How Bringing a Claim Can Help

Making a public liability injury claim can help ease the financial impact of your accident. Here is what compensation may cover.

Medical Treatment and Rehabilitation

Compensation can help fund private treatment, physiotherapy, surgery or any specialist care you need as a result of your injuries.

Loss of Earnings

If your injury has left you unable to work, either temporarily or long-term, a claim can recover the income you have lost.

Ongoing Care Needs

Where an injury requires regular support from a carer or healthcare professional, these costs can be included in your claim.

Home or Vehicle Adaptations

If your injury has affected your mobility or independence, compensation can cover the cost of adaptations to your home or vehicle.

Future Financial Security

In more serious cases, a claim can account for long-term losses, reduced earning capacity and the lasting psychological impact of your accident.

How to Make a Public Liability Claim

Starting a public liability claim is straightforward when you have the right support. Here is what to expect when you work with CEL Solicitors.

Seek Medical Attention

Your health should be your priority. Obtain medical treatment and keep records of your injuries and ongoing care.

Report the Incident

Report the accident to the business or authority responsible and ensure it is recorded in an accident book where possible.

Gather Evidence

Take photographs of the hazard, collect witness details and retain medical reports or receipts that support your claim.

Contact our team

We’ll look at your case for free and explain your options. We work on a no-win, no-fee basis.

Claim Submission

We’ll prepare and submit your public liability injury claim, outlining the circumstances of the accident and the compensation sought.

Negotiation and Settlement

Many public liability claims are resolved through negotiation. We’ll work to get you a fair settlement that reflects your injuries and financial losses.

Court Proceedings

If a settlement cannot be reached, your case may proceed to court. We will represent you throughout the process and present your case clearly and professionally.

We’ve already helped thousands of people across the UK.

Speak to our friendly team today. You are not alone, and you may have a case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Your questions, answered.

What is the average payout for a public liability claim?

There isn’t a single average, because every claim depends on how serious your injury is and the impact it’s had on your life. We can’t give you a figure straight away, and that’s not us being cagey. We need to arrange a medical examination first, and the report tells us the full extent of your injuries. Once we have it, we can give you a proper picture. In the meantime, our compensation calculator can give you a rough guide.

Can I claim against a local council?

Yes. Councils must keep roads, pavements and public spaces reasonably safe. If they didn’t, and you were hurt as a result, you may be able to claim. Find out more about slips, trips and falls claims, including how big a pavement defect needs to be.

What evidence do I need?

Useful evidence includes photos of what caused your accident, witness contact details, a copy of any accident book entry, and your medical records. These help show what happened and how badly you were hurt. If you don’t have everything, don’t worry. We’ll help you gather what you need.

What does “No-win, No-fee” mean?

A no-win, no-fee agreement, also called a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), means you don’t pay anything upfront. If your claim isn’t successful, you won’t pay our legal fees. If we win, our fees are taken from your compensation, and we’ll explain exactly how much before you sign anything. We’ll also arrange After the Event (ATE) insurance, which covers certain costs if your claim doesn’t succeed. This protection depends on you being honest throughout your claim.

Will my claim go to court?

Most public liability claims are resolved through negotiation without the need for court proceedings.

How long do personal injury claims take?

Most personal injury claims take between 12 and 18 months. This is the usual length of time for a personal injury claim. Some settle sooner, especially if the other side admits fault quickly, and more complex cases can take longer. We’ll work through your claim as quickly as we can, with care, and keep you updated along the way

Who will handle my claim?

Your claim will be handled by our personal injury team. The team is made up mainly of solicitors and trainee solicitors, supported by paralegals and legal secretaries.

Why do you need a medical examination if I already have hospital records?

Your hospital records show the treatment you had. An independent medical report looks at how your injury affects you now and in the future. That’s what your compensation is based on, so it’s a key part of your claim.

How do I sign my documents?

We’ll send you a secure link to sign your documents online. If you have any trouble, just call us and we’ll talk you through it.