Public Liability Claims
Public Liability Claims are made against an organisation’s insurance policy in the event of personal injury or property damage where said organisation breached their duty of care to the claimant. Public Liability Claims are quite often made against local councils, but a person injured in a place of business will usually claim on this policy as well.
Whilst these policies are not mandatory for a business — unlike employer’s liability insurance to protect employees from accident at work — they are recommended if members of the public interact with the organisation. When accidents occur in publicly accessible businesses, they can lead to serious injuries. A hefty claim for compensation could shutter a business without PL insurance.
Wherever you have been injured, if it is the fault of an organisation that owed you a duty of care, you can make a claim for Public Liability Compensation. Our personal injury solicitors ** will help you collect the required evidence to make your claim successful and secure the maximum compensation possible, all on a no win, no fee * basis. Call today on 01252354433^ for a free consultation.
What are Public Liability Claims?
Public liability claims arise when a person suffers an injury or property damage due to the negligence of another party in a public space. These claims can involve various incidents, from slips, trips, and falls to accidents involving falling objects. The key factor is that the incident occurred in a place accessible to the public.
What is the Difference Between Public Liability and Occupiers Liability Claims?
Public liability and occupiers liability claims often get confused, but they serve different purposes.
Public liability claims arise when a member of the public suffers injury or damage due to someone else’s negligence in a public space. This could involve anything from slips at a school, to tripping in a pothole.
On the other hand, occupiers liability focuses specifically on injuries that occur on property owned or controlled by an individual or organisation. Here, the responsibility lies with the owner to ensure their premises are safe for visitors.
While both types of claims deal with safety and negligence, where they apply distinguishes them. Public liability concerns broader public areas, while occupiers liability narrows down to specific properties.
Typical Types of Accidents Covered in Public Liability Claims
Slips and falls are among the most common incidents. Wet floors or uneven surfaces frequently lead to claims against public liability insurance. Spills at restaurants or cafés, for example, may cause patrons to slip unexpectedly.
Another common type of accident is tripping over hazards, like wires or clutter, on walkways. These can catch feet and cause a trip injury. Pavements are prime spots for trips due to potholes, cracks, or other obstacles that pedestrians encounter daily.
Accidents involving falling objects aren’t uncommon types of claim. If, say, a builder working on scaffolding above a pavement drops their tools onto the head of an unsuspecting pedestrian, and it causes a serious brain injury, that person could claim personal injury compensation against the builder’s public liability insurance.
Events like local festivals or fates in public parks can see a wide array of accidents. From falls from heights, to burns. From crowd trampling, to assaults. If the event organiser is responsible for your health and safety, they will need to have a policy in place that you can claim against.
A claim could be made against an electrician’s public liability policy, if they caused a house fire. Whilst a house isn’t a public place, the electrician has this policy in place because they work among the public. So if they have caused injury and property damage in your own home, they are liable, despite it being a private residence.
The Most Common Injuries Claimed for Compensation
As the most common form of accidents in public liability claims are slips, trips, and falls, these can lead to ankle sprains, arm fractures, or even head injuries.
The Most Common Places PL Claims Are Made Against
Public liability claims can arise in a variety of locations, which can include:
- Public parks
- Shops
- Gyms
- Schools
- Roads and pavements
- Public transport hubs
- Restaurants and cafés
Whilst nonexhaustive, if you have been injured in any one of these places and the organisation running it failing in their commitment to health a safety, you could be able to make a public liability claim.
How Do You Bring a Claim for Public Liability Compensation?
Bringing a claim for public liability compensation starts with gathering evidence. Document the scene of the accident with photos. You should also collect witness statements, if possible. This information will help build a picture of the circumstances of this accident.
If it wasn’t critical to do this first, seek medical attention for your injuries. Medical records are crucial when filing personal injury claims, as they establish the extent of your injuries and how they might affect your future.
Once you have gathered sufficient evidence, consult a solicitor who specializes in public liability claims. Your solicitor will help you calculate potential compensation based on factors such as lost wages, pain and suffering, and other incurred loses. After assessing your case, they’ll submit it to the insurance company and party responsible for your injury.
Be prepared for negotiations; many cases settle before going to court. They can also take a long time, so patience is paramount. However, having a strong representation ensures you’re well-equipped to fight for what you deserve.
Make a Public Liability Claim With Our Solicitors Today
If you’ve experienced an accident in a public place and believe it was someone else’s fault, seeking legal assistance is crucial. Our team of solicitors ** specialises in Public Liability Claims and understands the complexities involved in these cases. Navigating personal injury compensation can be daunting, but with our expertise on your side, you’ll feel supported every step of the way.
Don’t let uncertainty hold you back from claiming what you deserve for your injuries. Contact us today on 01252354433^ to begin your journey towards justice. Let us handle the legwork while you focus on recovery.
