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Accidents in Public Places

Most of the public will immediately know what is meant by phrases such as ‘road traffic accident’ or ‘accident at work’, some may be less certain about what ‘accidents in public places’ are.

First Aid sign for injuries in a public place

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Accidents in Public Places

Accidents happen when we least expect them and sometimes in unexpected places and circumstances. Accidents in public places and spaces are not uncommon; slip, trip and fall accidents happen frequently and make up a large percentage of all public liability accident claims.

Whether it’s a slip, trip, or fall, an incident in a supermarket, or an accident in a restaurant, the injuries sustained by innocent victims of accidents in public places can have a devastating effect.

If another person’s negligence is the cause of an accident in which you suffer injury, you can claim compensation for your pain, suffering, and loss of amenity (compensation for the injury, known as General Damages)

In addition, you can claim for your financial losses, both those already incurred and those that will arise in the future ( as long as they are likely to be incurred due to the injury you sustained in the accident). Lawyers call these Special Damages.

In this guide, we will set out all you need to know about accidents in public places, including the types of accidents that can occur, the process involved in bringing a claim for compensation, and the time limits involved.

Top tip from Andrew Last

Frequently Asked Questions about Accidents in Public Places

What is an accident in a public place?2023-07-28T18:26:02+01:00

An accident in a public place refers to any incident that occurs in a location accessible to the general public without them needing specific permission to be there. Some examples are parks, footpaths, shopping centres, gyms, supermarkets, and train stations. You may have grounds to claim if you were injured while on someone else’s premises.

Can you provide a legal definition of an accident in a public place?2023-07-28T18:26:35+01:00

If you are looking for a legal definition, you’ll find differing interpretations in the Highways Act, the Road Traffic Act, and the Public Order Act.

S9 of the Public Order Act 1936 probably provides as clear meaning as any, stating:

“Public place” includes any highway ……. and any other premises or place to which at the material time the public have or are permitted to have access, whether on payment or otherwise.”

This page is your gateway to finding out about the different types of accidents in public places and what to do if you’ve been injured in such an accident ( and it wasn’t your fault).

If we haven’t answered any of the questions you want to know the answer to, please call us at Mooneerams on 029 2048 3615, and one of our experienced personal injury team will be pleased to help you.

When can I claim compensation after an accident in a public place?2023-07-28T18:27:40+01:00

To make a successful claim for compensation, you need to establish three key factors:

  • Duty of care
  • Negligence
  • Injury

To succeed in a personal injury claim, you must prove the party responsible for your accident, whether a business or a local authority, owed you a duty of care to keep you safe whilst you were on their property.

You must prove they have been negligent in fulfilling this duty and their negligence was why you had the accident.

Finally, to have reasonable prospects of claiming, you must have sustained an injury in, or as a result of, the accident.

What are the most common types of accidents in public places?2023-07-28T18:29:15+01:00

Accidents in public places take various forms, but some of the most common include slip, trip, and fall incidents on uneven surfaces, wet floors, or poorly maintained pavements. Other examples include accidents caused by spills in cafes and restaurants, escalator or lift-related injuries, and injuries from coming into contact with broken glass in parks or beaches.

How long do I have to claim after an accident in a public place?2023-07-28T18:30:20+01:00

In general, you have three years from the date of the accident to claim compensation. However, there are exceptions to this rule.

For example, if the injured party is a child, the three-year time limit starts from their 18th birthday. Similarly, if the accident resulted in a loss of mental capacity, there may be no time limit for making a claim.

In our Guide to Limitation in Personal Injury Claims, you can learn more about the time limits of bringing a personal injury claim.

If you prefer to talk to a legal expert, call us at Mooneerams Solicitors on 029 2048 3615, and we’ll be pleased to answer any questions you want to ask about the time limit for bringing a claim or any other aspect of claiming for an injury caused by an accident in a public place.

How much compensation can I expect for an accident in a public place?2023-07-28T18:35:49+01:00

The amount of compensation awarded for injuries sustained in an accident in a public place will vary depending on various factors, such as the following:

  • The type of injuries you sustained,
  • The severity of your injuries,
  • The impact the injuries have had on your daily life.

Don’t forget the financial losses you have incurred due to the accident or have yet to incur can also be claimed. They may add up to a significant account, too, in some cases. Financial compensation or special damages may be awarded to cover the following:

  • loss of earnings,
  • medical bill expenses,
  • cost of medical treatment,
  • rehabilitation costs,
  • the cost of making necessary adaptations to your home or motor vehicle vehicle

Seeking Legal Assistance for Accidents in Public Places

If you have suffered an injury in an accident in a public place, seeking legal assistance from a personal injury solicitor who specialises in such cases is crucial. A solicitor can guide you through the claims process, gather evidence, negotiate with insurers or responsible parties, and represent your interests in court if necessary. They will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your pain, suffering, and financial losses.

At Mooneerams Solicitors, our team of experienced personal injury solicitors help individuals who have suffered personal injury due to accidents in public places. We understand the challenges you face and are committed to providing you with the legal support and guidance you need throughout the claims process. With our expertise and compassionate approach, we strive to achieve the best possible outcome for every client.

Contact us today for a free initial consultation to discuss whether you might have a reasonable chance of success if you make a claim following an accident in a public place.

We usually handle public liability claims on a No Win No Fee basis, meaning there is no financial risk to you.

Let us help you get the compensation you deserve. Call Mooneerams on 029 2048 3615 or fill in our secure online form to arrange a callback.

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