Accidents in public places
 Slip, trip and fall accidents can occur almost anywhere. People commonly get injured on uneven pavements, icy pavements, defects in the road and on broken steps. If your accident occurred on council owned property such as a pavement or park then you would be able to make a claim against the local authority providing they were at fault as to the cause of your accident.
If the accident was inside a building open to the public for example a post office, supermarket or restaurant, then you can make a claim on the occupier’s public liability insurance providing the accident was the occupiers fault. Common accidents in public buildings include someone slipping on a wet floor without any warning signs around it or instances where a chair has collapsed beneath a person.
If you have suffered injury as a result of a slip, trip or fall accident, The Accident Team can help you make a claim. To make a successful claim you would need to prove that someone else was at fault for your injury. It is therefore important for your case that you gather evidence as soon as you can. If you are unable to do this immediately return later or ask a family member or friend to help. The following information would be beneficial to your claim:
Photographs – Take photographs of the scene of the accident. Be sure to include anything that may be significant including floor surfaces or defective holes or coverings and any visible warning signs relating to the defect. When taking photographs of a defective pavement, we recommend that you take them with a ruler in it to show the measurements of the defect. Also photograph the shoes and clothing you were wearing and if your injuries are visible take photographs of these too.
Accident book entry – If your accident happened in a public place or public building you should report it to a manager. Keep a note of their name and ensure that they record the accident in their accident book.
Witnesses – Take down the names, addresses and telephone numbers of any witnesses who saw the accident happen or who saw the defect.
Receipts – If you intend to claim for medical and travel expenses arising as a result of your accident, then you should remember to keep receipts as evidence.
There is statutory legislation in place specifically to protect individuals from accidents in public places. Where there is a breach of this and as a result someone is injured, the statutory legislation is normally relied on to prove the negligence and breach of statutory duty by the defendant.
There is statutory legislation in place specifically to protect individuals from accidents in public places. Where there is a breach of this and as a result someone is injured, the statutory legislation is normally relied on to prove the negligence and breach of statutory duty by the defendant.
Accidents on the Public Highway
Section 41 of the Highways Act 1980 requires Local Authorities to ensure that all roads, footways and cycle tracks are maintained and safe for the public to use.
Accidents on Private Land
Private Land owners and/or occupiers of private land or property owe a duty of care under the Occupiers Liability Act 1957 to make sure that their land or property is reasonably safe for visitors and guests.
Making a claim
We have expert specialist solicitors who have represented many people and pursued successful claims, regardless if the negligent motorist was prosecuted or not. Our solicitors are also able to advise on benefits and other payments available to those who have been more seriously affected.
If you would like to discuss making a claim or for more information call us free on 0800 505 3397 to speak to one of our advisers or submit your claim online by completing our online claim form.
Please note that strict time limits apply for making a Personal Injury Claim. If you are considering making a claim, we advise that you pursue it as soon as possible. To read more about time limits click here.
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