It’s common knowledge that if you are injured in an accident at work or a car accident, you could claim compensation for your injuries and losses. But what happens if you’re injured in a public place? Who is to blame?

Businesses and local authorities have a duty of care to protect any person who is lawfully using their premises. This means they should carry out regular risk assessments or inspections to identify any defects or dangers and remedy them before an accident occurs.  Examples of these defects/dangers can include:

  • Raised or sunken paving slabs on the pavement of at least 1 inch high/deep

  • Poorly maintained pavements

  • Items or substances on a shop floor

  • Damaged equipment at a park

  • Broken benches/picnic tables

If they fail to identify the defect/danger in a timely manner, they may be liable for any injury which is caused by that defect/danger. Some minor slips or trips can thankfully be shrugged off without injury, but unfortunately some accidents can cause significant injury.

How Compensation Can Help You

Although most people recover from their injuries over time, it can cause a significant impact on their day-to-day life in the short-term during their recovery. An award for compensation will not only include money for any physical or psychological injury you have suffered, but will reflect other losses you have sustained such as loss of earnings, medication and treatment expenses, travel expenses, and care and assistance provided to you by loved ones.

The amount of compensation awarded to you will depend on the severity of your injuries, the extent of the financial losses you have suffered and the support you needed during your recovery. Our aim is to put you back in the position you would have been had the accident not happened and for you to be compensated for your injuries and losses.

It’s important to understand whether the circumstances of your accident give rise to a personal injury claim. If you have suffered an injury whilst in a public place, contact our experienced personal injury team for a no-obligation assessment of your claim. Call us today on 0845 287 0939, by email, or through the online chat below.