Public liability claims: Compensation for slips and trips in public places

Public liability claims: Compensation for slips and trips in public places

What are public liability claims?

Public places should be safe for everyone. However, accidents such as slips and trips can occur due to negligence. If you have suffered an injury due to unsafe conditions in a public area, you may be eligible to bring a public liability claim. Property owners, businesses, and local councils have a duty to maintain safe environments, and when they fail, they can be held responsible for any injuries caused.

Public liability claims provide a way for injured individuals to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and the pain and suffering resulting from their accident. Whether you slipped on a wet supermarket floor or tripped on an uneven pavement, you may have legal grounds to claim compensation.

Who is responsible for a public liability claim?

Determining whether a duty of care is owed is essential when pursuing a public liability claim. Various parties may be liable depending on where the accident occurred:

• Businesses: Supermarkets, shopping centres, and restaurants must ensure their premises are free of hazards.
• Local councils: Councils are responsible for maintaining roads, pavements, and parks.
• Landlords and property owners: Those managing residential or commercial buildings must keep communal areas safe.
• Event organisers: Public events should have safety measures and risk assessments in place to prevent accidents and mitigate risk.

Common causes of slips and trips in public places

Public liability claims often arise due to negligence. Some of the most common causes of accidents include:

• Wet floors: Spilled liquids in supermarkets, shopping centres, and restaurants.
• Uneven pavements: Poorly maintained pavements or potholes.
• Loose carpets or flooring: Worn-out flooring in hotels, shops, and offices.
• Poor lighting: Dimly lit staircases or car parks making it difficult to see hazards.
• Obstructed walkways: Cluttered floors or cables creating tripping hazards.

How to make a public liability claim

To strengthen your public liability claim, take the following steps after an accident:

1. Seek medical attention: Your health comes first, and medical records serve as vital evidence.
2. Report the incident: Inform the business owner, local council, or property manager.
3. Gather evidence: Take photos of the hazard, your injuries, and the surrounding area.
4. Collect witness statements: Eyewitnesses can support your claim.
5. Keep financial records: Maintain receipts for medical expenses, travel costs and any other expenses that arise as a result of the injury.
6. Consult a solicitor: A personal injury solicitor can guide you through the claims process.

What compensation can you receive?

Successful public liability claims can provide compensation for:

• Medical costs: Treatment, rehabilitation, and prescription expenses.
• Loss of earnings: Compensation if your injury prevents you from working.
• Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress.
• Travel expenses: Reimbursement for transportation to medical appointments.
• Long-term care: If you require ongoing support due to your injury.

Case Study: Shop trip injury claim

Pauline’s Story: Pauline was injured after tripping over a display stand in a local shop which resulted in her breaking her left wrist. Pauline had a complicated recovery from her injury and developed Complex Regional Pain Syndrome and was left with permanent grip weakness, which made basic household tasks difficult for her to perform.

Pauline instructed the Fosters Solicitors’ Personal Injury team, who acted on a no win no fee basis and helped support her through a claim, successfully negotiating a settlement of £82,500.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to make a public liability claim?

You typically have three years from the date of the accident to bring a claim. If the injured person is a child, the three-year period begins on their 18th birthday.

Can I claim compensation if I was partly responsible for the accident?

Yes, you may still be eligible for compensation, but the final amount may be reduced if you were partially at fault.

What if the responsible party denies liability?

If liability is disputed, a solicitor will gather evidence and negotiate on your behalf. If necessary, the case may proceed to court.

Get expert legal support

If you have suffered a slip or trip injury in a public place, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Speak to our Personal Injury team today to start your public liability claim and secure the financial support you deserve.

Our experts are vastly experienced in supporting those with public liability claims and can support you through the process involved. We understand you will want to know how we can assist, so we offer a free of charge no obligation first meeting or chat, which we follow up with a full letter of advice. If you are in any doubt as to whether you have a claim, please do contact us, again completely without obligation.

We are also able to discuss how you can cover the cost of a claim, including through a ‘no win no fee’ agreement.

Contact us for more information.

For more information on public safety regulations, visit the Health and Safety Executive.

This article was produced on the 16th April 2025 for information purposes only and should not be construed or relied upon as specific legal advice.