Public Place Accident Compensation & Public Liability Lawyers.

When an accident occurs in a public place, the person or organisation who can be held liable will vary depending on the type of public place. In most cases you will be owed a duty of care by one of the following:

• The local authority or council
• The owner or occupier of the premises
• The business or organisation operating in the public place
• The person who is responsible for maintaining the public place

For example, it is the duty of the local authority to ensure that roads and pavements are well maintained, with potholes being filled in to reduce the risk of a road traffic accident, and broken paving stones being fixed to reduce the risk of people tripping and falling whilst walking or cycling. If you’re unsure who was responsible for your accident in a public place, our specialist personal injury solicitors can help you to find out, so please don’t hesitate to get in touch and begin the claims process with us.

There are a wide variety of outdoor areas and business premises that can be classed as public places, so therefore there are many different types of accidents that could potentially occur. Some of the most common accidents that can happen in a public place include:

• Slipping on a wet floor
• Slipping on an icy footpath
• Tripping over a paving slab
• Cycling or driving over a pothole
• Falling from an unstable or unsecured height
• Being struck by a falling object
• Being injured by defective equipment
• Tripping over loose wiring, refuse, or debris
• Receiving an electric shock from faulty equipment
• Being involved in a road traffic accident
• Being assaulted by a person or an animal, such as a dog
• Being injured when participating in or spectating a sporting activity

This list is not exhaustive, and if you have suffered from any kind of injury which occurred in a public place due to somebody else’s negligence, we can help you to claim the compensation you deserve. If you are 18 or over and your accident occurred in the last three years and you were not to blame, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Even if your accident occurred more than three years ago, or you were partially to blame, we may still be able to help you, so please do speak to one of our friendly and experienced team to find out more. If a child is injured the three year rule doesn’t come into force until they are 18.

Many people wrongly believe that a privately owned space, such as a business premises, is not a public place. However, according to Section 9 of the Public Order Act 1936, a 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.”

Some examples of public places include:

• Shops and supermarkets
• Bars, cafes, and restaurants
• Theatres, cinemas, and music venues
• Bowling alleys and arcades
• Tourist attractions and museums
• Sports venues and gyms
• Parks, paths, and roads

All of these places, and any other spaces in which the public are allowed access, even on a temporary basis, should have a responsible party which holds public liability insurance. This covers the public space in the event of an accident occurring, which results in a member of the public being injured, ensuring that the injured party may be adequately compensated for the suffering they have endured due to the accident.

Building a strong case for compensation relies heavily on gathering clear and persuasive evidence. Ideally, this includes photographs of where the accident happened, capturing any hazards like uneven paving, spillages, or poor lighting. If possible:

• Take photos soon after the incident, before the hazard is removed or repaired.
• Keep medical records, as they show the nature and extent of your injuries and help demonstrate the impact on your daily life.
• Record witness details, and ensure witness statements are recorded.
• Keep receipts or records of any expenses related to your injury, such as travel costs to medical appointments or the cost of care

Our team will guide you through gathering everything you need, so you never feel alone during this process.

Is it possible to make a public injury claim if there were no witnesses or no CCTV available?

Yes. While witness statements or CCTV footage can be very helpful, their absence does not make you ineligible for compensation. Many claims succeed based on other types of evidence, such as photographs of the scene, maintenance records, or expert reports showing that an area was unsafe and should have been made safe by those responsible. Our experienced solicitors know exactly what to look for and how to piece together supporting evidence, even when direct witnesses are unavailable. We will always explore every option to build the strongest possible case for you.

Yes. If an accident in a public place has made an existing medical condition worse, you may still have a valid case for compensation. The law recognises that negligent accidents can aggravate pre-existing conditions, and you should not be left to bear the consequences alone. Our role is to demonstrate how your health was affected before the incident and how your symptoms or day-to-day life have worsened because of it. We work with medical specialists to produce clear evidence showing this link, ensuring your additional pain, suffering, or limitations are properly reflected in your payout.

Compensation usually consists of two parts: one addresses the pain, suffering, and loss of amenity caused by your physical or psychological injuries, while the other covers financial losses, such as lost earnings if you’ve been unable to work, medical costs, travel expenses, or the cost of extra support at home. The aim is to restore you, as far as money can, to the position you would have been in had the accident not happened. Our Public Accident Solicitors work closely with trusted medical experts and financial specialists to ensure every aspect of your loss is fully considered.

Most claims are resolved without needing to go to court. In many cases, the responsible party’s insurer will negotiate a settlement once we have gathered the evidence to prove fault and demonstrate the extent of your losses. However, if your claim cannot be settled fairly through negotiation, going to court may be necessary. If that happens, rest assured we will guide you through every stage, representing your interests robustly while supporting you with clear advice and care throughout the process.

Yes. At Lanyon Bowdler, we offer most public place accident claims on a No Win No Fee basis. This means you won’t pay any legal fees upfront to start your claim. If your claim is not successful, you won’t have to pay our legal costs at all. This approach ensures everyone can pursue justice and compensation without worrying about the risk of large legal bills. We will always explain clearly how a No Win No Fee agreement works and answer any questions you may have before we begin.

Every claim is different, and how long yours will take depends on several factors, including how complex the accident was, whether the other party accepts responsibility, and how quickly your medical condition stabilises so we can assess your full recovery prospects. Straightforward claims can sometimes settle within a few months, while more complicated cases may take longer, especially if the injuries are serious or there are disagreements about liability. Our team works proactively to keep your claim moving and will keep you informed every step of the way.

General Damages cover the pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by your injuries. This is compensation for the physical and emotional impact the accident has had on you.

Special Damages, on the other hand, relate to any financial losses you have incurred as a result of your injury. This might include lost earnings, medical costs, travel expenses, and any future care or treatment you may need. Together, these elements aim to make sure you are not left out of pocket or unfairly disadvantaged because of someone else’s negligence.

Most businesses, councils, and organisations that allow public access to their premises are legally required to have public liability insurance. This insurance exists specifically to cover compensation payments if someone is injured due to the organisation’s failure to keep the area safe. In most claims, it is the insurer who pays the compensation and legal costs. This means you can claim the support you need without worrying about causing financial harm to a small business or public body.

Yes. A denial of liability does not mean your claim must end there. Disputes can and do happen, but this is where having an experienced solicitor makes all the difference. We will investigate thoroughly, gathering the evidence needed to prove how the accident occurred and who should be held responsible. If necessary, we can use expert witnesses and accident reconstruction reports to strengthen your case. Many claims that begin with a denial of responsibility are eventually settled once clear evidence is presented.

Without question. Public place injury claims can be complex, particularly when proving negligence or dealing with large insurance companies. Having a specialist solicitor means you benefit from expert advice, thorough case preparation, and skilled negotiation. We will handle the legal complexities on your behalf, ensure your claim includes all losses and expenses, and fight for the best possible outcome for you. Most importantly, you will have a team that listens, cares, and keeps your interests at the heart of every decision.