Accidents in Public Places.

Public Place Accident & Injury Compensation Claims.

When you’re out and about in public, perhaps socialising, exercising, working, shopping, or running errands, you should be able to do so without the risk of being injured.

All public premises, buildings, walkways, and highways should have a responsible party who holds liability for any kind of accident that takes place therein. For example if you have had an accident in a park, or have tripped over a paving stone in the street, your local council will usually be the ones to hold liability in these circumstances.

All businesses that are open to the public, such as shops, cinemas, restaurants, and sports centres, have a legal duty to ensure that everyone who enters their premises does so without risk of injury. Likewise, local authorities and councils have a responsibility to ensure that public highways, parks, and recreational spaces are well maintained and that any potential hazards are removed, reduced, or clearly communicated to the public.

If you are involved in an accident in a public place which occurred due to somebody else’s negligence you may be entitled to claim compensation. Perhaps you were injured when using faulty equipment at a play park, or perhaps you slipped on a spillage in a supermarket which hadn’t been signposted or cleaned up. Whatever the circumstances and the type of injury caused, if the accident took place in a public space, we can help you to claim the compensation you deserve.

Here at Lanyon Bowdler our specialist team of personal injury solicitors have helped many people, just like you, to seek justice after an accident in a public place. We have the knowledge and expertise to handle your case with the diligence it deserves. We’re with you for the whole journey, helping you to claim what you are owed, as well as facilitating access to private medical treatments and therapies to aid you on your road to recovery. Please don’t hesitate to get in touch to find out how we can help you.

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Am I eligible to claim compensation after an accident in a public place?

In order to make a successful claim for compensation after an accident in a public place, we must be able to provide evidence that you were owed a duty of care, that somebody was negligent in their duty, and that this negligence caused, or directly contributed to, your injury.

The owner, occupier, or other person who has control over the public place in which you were injured has a legal duty of care to ensure that all those who enter the premises, or use the area, remain as safe as is reasonably possible. This will typically involve the regular carrying out of risk assessments, followed by implementing policies and procedures to ensure that all identified risks are minimised or eradicated.

For example, in a supermarket the manager has a responsibility to ensure that stock is moved around the store carefully to avoid causing injury to shoppers and workers, and that any spillages of produce are signposted promptly and cleared up as quickly as possible in order to prevent customers from slipping. If you have sustained an injury after being struck by an unsecured object, or by slipping on a spillage which wasn’t clearly signposted, you may have a valid claim for compensation.

If you are unsure as to whether or not you have valid grounds on which to claim compensation, please get in touch with our personal injury solicitors. We’ll be happy to discuss the circumstances of your accident, and once we have a clear picture of exactly what happened, we can advise you further.

We are a renowned law firm with experienced No Win No Fee Solicitors. We can guide you through the entire claim process and assist with your recovery.

Our Accidents in Public Places Claims Expertise

We pride ourselves on our dedicated and thorough approach to each and every personal injury claim that we handle. We take the time to really get to know you so that we can understand your needs and address your concerns. Our friendly and professional personal injury specialists will keep you in the loop at all times, ensuring you are up to date with the developments of your case.

Not only are we able to provide exceptional legal counsel, we can also support you in other ways such as facilitating access to private medical treatments to aid your recovery, and organising interim payments to ensure that you are not left struggling whilst your claim is ongoing.

Podcasts

Listen here to Dawn Humphries from the Personal Injury team, chatting about the challenges faced by people and their families when dealing with brain injuries.

In this episode Dawn Humphries & Alex Spanner from the Personal Injury team are chatting with local legend Mickey Bushell MBE. Mickey is an Paralympic gold medallist and qualified personal trainer, who works with disabled people to help improve their physical and mental well-being.

Recommendations

The Personal Injury Team is recognised in Tier 2 for the West Midlands in the 2025 edition of the Legal 500, which states ‘The ‘very client-centred’ team at Lanyon Bowdler is ably led by Dawn Humphries who is based at the Shrewsbury office. Humphries excels in serious brain and spinal injuries. She is also well-regarded for her work on employers’ liability claims that arise from accidents at work, particularly at construction sites. Telford-based Debbie Humphries is recommended for her representation of clients who have sustained life-changing injuries. Phillip Roberts is at the Hereford office, and has particular experience in areas such as accident at work cases and loss of limbs claims. Associate Karen Clarke is another notable member of the practice’.

Work highlights:

Represented claimant in PI claim against a well-known sporting activities franchise, where claimant sustained a C5 fracture of the neck rendering him tetraplegic, resulting in a claim estimated to be worth over £10m.

Represented claimant in PI claim against employer, having sustained fractures to L2, 3, 4 and 5 after falling from a roof. Contentious evidence in respect of quantum led to negotiations which successfully secured a £500,000 settlement for the client.

Represented claimant via their litigation friend in a PI claim against a defendant driver, successfully negotiating a settlement of £2.9m ahead of a liability trial.

Chambers UK 2025 rank the department in Band 1 and state ‘The firm is particularly experienced in acting for clients with spinal and cerebral injuries. Also skilled in handling military cases, and works alongside clinical negligence and Court of Protection teams to fully support clients.’

Strengths

“The team are always friendly and nothing is a problem for them.”

“All communication was appropriately fast and always put into suitable non-legal layman terms.”

Notable practitioners

Dawn Humphries – Band 2

Dawn Humphries handles a wide range of orthopaedic and spinal injury claims. She is active on an array of personal injury cases, including those relating to workplace accidents and RTAs.

“Dawn is empathetic and sympathetic but very calmly assertive when it came to pushing back onto defence.”

“She is really on the ball and is open to having a discussion on how to improve the case.”

Debbie Humphries – Band 2

Debbie Humphries is highlighted for her experience in handling a full range of severe injury matters, including motor incidents and accidents at work.

“Debbie supports her clients with a balance of compassion and sector knowledge.”

Questions Answered Relating to Accidents in Public Places

Who is responsible for an accident in a public place?

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 holds responsibility for maintaining the public place

Whoever is in charge of a public place holds the responsibility for ensuring that regular risk assessments are carried out, and that measures are put in place to remove or minimise the risk of injury to the public. For example, it is the responsibility 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, for example.

Accidents in public places typically happen because the responsible party has failed to uphold their duty of care to ensure the safety of the area. If you have been injured after tripping over a broken paving stone, or slipping on an icy path that wasn’t gritted, you may be able to claim compensation. 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.

What types of accidents can happen in a public place?

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.

What is the Definition of a Public Place?

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 insurance 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.

Testimonials

What our clients say.

From the first contact, the team at Lanyon Bowdler gave a fast & efficient service. They were very friendly & gave me the confidence that I had found the right solicitors. The advice given & the fast responses were beyond my expectations. The matter was resolved in no time at all.

Martyn
via ReviewSolicitors

It is a pleasure to act as a case manager for clients represented by the personal injury team at Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors. Lanyon Bowdler PI team are proactive and truly client centred. They understand the clients they represent and work tirelessly to achieve the best they can for them. Through collaborative working we have been able to achieve the best outcomes possible for our clients.

Rachel Dodwell
Community Case Management Services Ltd

As a case manager I work closely with litigation teams to ensure our clients get the expertise, support and care they need to bring them back to as close to their life pre-injury as possible. This is very often not an easy journey, and balancing the desires of the client to live their best life with collating and presenting the facts of how that life is altered, can be very challenging. Having worked alongside Lanyon Bowdler’s team for many years, I have noted it is always easier to strike this balance, when they are involved.

Shelley Lewis
AJ Case Management

Having worked with a succession of personal injury specialists at Lanyon Bowdler over the years, I have seen at first hand the top-flight legal expertise that they bring to every case and the commitment to obtaining the absolutely best result for every client. Equally importantly, I am struck by the compassion, empathy and humanity with which every client is treated. They go above and beyond to ensure their clients receive the very best representation.

Anthony Reddiford
Guildhall Chambers

The team at Lanyon Bowdler show an exceptional knowledge and understanding of their client’s needs, not just in terms of the claim that they lead, but also the emotional and personal experiences that they will have on that journey.

Jenny Whittall
JMW Ltd

Lanyon Bowdler provide seamless ongoing emotional support, information and guidance to their clients over what may be many years of a PI claim. This significantly helps mitigate the “stress” of a claim for their clients, and in my medicolegal experience puts them way ahead of other legal firms.

Professor Tony Elliott
Director UK Centre for Medico-Legal Studies

Contacted Lanyon Bowdler six months after an injury at work. They offered me several of their services, including no win no fee which I ended up choosing. The solicitor was extremely helpful, was always keeping me updated when there was news and answered promptly when asked for any updates or when I asked any questions. I was very happy with the final settlement and the advice I received proved to be the best for my case. I felt like the extra bit of care was extended to give me a good idea of the options I had to choose from which really helped to inform any decision.

Matthew
via ReviewSolicitors

From my initial approach to the final positive outcome I felt my solicitor was expending all his energy to win the case. I was kept informed throughout and was given straightforward advice on how to proceed. The end result was an acceptable outcome and the pay-out was prompt.

Eric
via ReviewSolicitors

Very friendly and quick to respond, highly recommend for anyone looking for legal advice.

Anonymous
via ReviewSolicitors

I couldn’t be happier with the service I have received over the past six years. I would highly recommend Lanyon Bowdler for legal requirements.

Jayne
via ReviewSolicitors

Since dealing with Lanyon Bowdler they have been diligent, efficient and at all times very helpful along with being structured in dealing with matters, fees and clarity on all levels. Thank you.

Michael
via ReviewSolicitors

I was clearly informed of progress step by step. The service you provided was very good.

Peter Weston
Shrewsbury

All work carried out effectively and efficiently.

Hubert Jones
via ReviewSolicitors

An excellent service with solicitors that you can talk to and who give you a clear understanding of all necessary legal implications and interpretations.

Eric
via ReviewSolicitors

From start to finish we had excellent service. Friendly, approachable and professional.

Carl Gittins
via ReviewSolicitors

Very clear, concise advice and guidance, easy to understand.

Ian Jamieson
Telford

Good service provided throughout with clear communication throughout with all options explored.

Lee

I can thoroughly recommend the highly professional and supportive service received over the last few months.

Heather
via ReviewSolicitors

Responsive, supportive, approachable, clear and empathetic.

Lisa Thacker

Professional and prompt communication. Supportive and client focused.

Lisa Thacker
Jennifer M Whittall Ltd

Whenever I have had need to contact Lanyon Bowdler I have always received a fast, concise and friendly response.

Lee Mortimer
UK Case Management

Definitely would use Lanyon Bowdler again if I need the use of a solicitor.

Mark Bowkett
via ReviewSolicitors

Smooth and efficient service from very professional firm.

Tim
via ReviewSolicitors

We were particularly impressed with the quality of work, the speed and excellent communication.

Allenby Douglas Ltd
Oswestry

Very friendly and approachable. Very good advice

Ivor Brown
via ReviewSolicitors

Great Service; Lanyon Bowdler were excellent from the outset. Straightforward and easy process. I just sat back and waited.

Paul Rowe
via ReviewSolicitors

Everything has been professional, efficient and courteous throughout and we are very pleased, both with the service and with the eventual outcome of our case. Everything was first class and exceeded our expectations. Thank you again for providing such splendid service. It is really appreciated.

Mr N J & Dr S J Browne
Llanfyllin

Contact Lanyon Bowdler’s Accidents in Public Places Solicitors

Our Personal Injury Team is accredited by the Associated of Personal Injury Lawyers, and the Law Society, as well as being accredited brain injury specialists, and experts in catastrophic injury claims. We are proud to have been highly ranked by both The Legal 500 and Chambers UK, which should offer you the peace of mind and reassurance to know that you’re in safe hands.

Please contact a member of the team or complete our online enquiry form.

Lanyon Bowdler has specialist Personal Injury Solicitors in Shrewsbury, Bromyard, Hereford, Ludlow, Oswestry, Telford, and Conwy in North Wales. We regularly act for clients regarding Personal Injury Claims across Shropshire, Herefordshire, Mid and North Wales, Birmingham, and the Midlands. As a leading law firm, we can represent you wherever you live in England or Wales.

Our people

Meet the team.

Dawn Humphries
Dawn Humphries
Partner
Personal Injury
Debbie Humphries
Debbie Humphries
Partner
Personal Injury
Phillip Roberts
Phillip Roberts
Partner
Personal Injury
Isabella Drummond
Isabella Drummond
Paralegal Apprentice
Personal Injury | Medical Negligence
Amanda Clarke
Amanda Clarke
Legal Support Assistant
Personal Injury
Helen Gale
Helen Gale
Legal Support Assistant
Personal Injury
Kelly Gibbons
Kelly Gibbons
Legal Support Assistant
Personal Injury
Amy Burgoyne
Amy Burgoyne
Legal Support Assistant
Personal Injury
Karen Clarke
Karen Clarke
Partner
Personal Injury
Phyllis Smith
Phyllis Smith
Senior Litigation Assistant
Personal Injury
Alexander Spanner
Alexander Spanner
Associate Solicitor
Personal Injury
Morgan Thompson
Morgan Thompson
Legal Support Assistant
Personal Injury
Cameron Petch
Cameron Petch
Legal Support Assistant
Personal Injury
Tabassum Jamil
Tabassum Jamil
Trainee Solicitor
Personal Injury
Jo Kneller
Jo Kneller
Solicitor
Personal Injury
Sarah Martin
Sarah Martin
Costs Draftsman
Medical Negligence | Personal Injury
Jane Miles
Jane Miles
Associate Solicitor
Personal Injury
Andrew Morris
Andrew Morris
Trainee Costs Draftsman
Medical Negligence | Personal Injury
Miriam Homer
Miriam Homer
Solicitor
Personal Injury
David Hughes
David Hughes
Associate Costs Manager
Medical Negligence | Personal Injury
Knowledge

Case studies.

Case Study
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Mown Down Running Away From Assailants

The claimant sustained multiple injuries, one of which was a serious head injury....
Dawn Humphries • 26 Feb 2024
Case Study
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Motor Accident – Claim Valued at £4m

This case was contested, and described by the defendants as one of the most complex cases in terms of injury and causati...
Dawn Humphries • 26 Feb 2024
Case Study
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Man Killed in Road Traffic Accident in Holland

Mr A was killed in a road traffic accident in Holland. He left a partner and two small children....
Dawn Humphries • 26 Feb 2024
Case Study
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Local Lawyer Concerns for Coach Safety

In 2004 new regulations were introduced which stated that any passenger over fourteen must wear a seat belt (if there is...
Dawn Humphries • 26 Feb 2024
Case Study
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Liability Admitted After Serious Head Injury

The firm was instructed to act for the claimant who was involved in a road traffic accident at the age of 53 years and s...
Dawn Humphries • 26 Feb 2024
Case Study
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Pensioner awarded Compensation after Trip

Lanyon Bowdler successfully won a case for a pensioner from Oldham, who tripped when she stepped backwards and caught he...
Dawn Humphries • 26 Feb 2024
Case Study
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Injuries Sustained to Non Dominant Ring Finger

The claimant worked for a firm of solicitors and sustained injuries to her non dominant ring finger when using a ladder ...
Dawn Humphries • 26 Feb 2024
Case Study
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Damages Awarded After Claimant Fell From Ladder

The claimant fractured his neck after falling from a ladder whilst spraying a wasp’s nest through a long lance and wea...
Dawn Humphries • 26 Feb 2024
Case Study
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Severe Brain Damage after being Deliberately Thrown from Moving Car

The claimant aged 40, was left severely brain damaged and requiring 24 hour double up lifelong care after being delibera...
Dawn Humphries • 26 Feb 2024
Case Study
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Slip at Work due To Overgrown Moss

Lanyon Bowdler was instructed to act by the claimant who slipped at work due to overgrown moss on a blocked pathway. ...
Dawn Humphries • 26 Feb 2024
Case Study
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Claim for Psychiatric Injuries

Mrs T was not actually involved in the accident. She was at home in England at the time. This would have prevented her f...
Dawn Humphries • 26 Feb 2024
Case Study
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Claim for Noise Induced Hearing Loss

The claimant in the case had served a claim for noise-induced hearing loss and sought compensation against Mr H’s late...
Dawn Humphries • 26 Feb 2024
Case Study
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Claim for Farming Accident

Whilst already past the normal age of retirement at the date of the accident, the Claimant had intended to continue work...
Dawn Humphries • 26 Feb 2024
Case Study
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Claimant Awarded £1m After Work Accident

The claimant required major reconstructive surgery and extensive rehabilitation. The claimant suffered complete loss of ...
Dawn Humphries • 26 Feb 2024
Case Study
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Catastrophic Boiler Failure

The husband had been involved in a catastrophic boiler failure resulting in 85% burns, from which he subsequently died....
Dawn Humphries • 26 Feb 2024
Case Study
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Attacked by Abusive Neighbour

Lanyon Bowdler acted for an client who had been attacked by an abusive neighbour....
Dawn Humphries • 26 Feb 2024
Case Study
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Victim Of Abuse

We acted for a claimant who had been the victim of a crime, as they were abused....
Dawn Humphries • 26 Feb 2024
Case Study
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£1m for Claimant Blinded at Work

The Serious Injury Claim settlement made provision for the fact the claimant suffered complete loss of earnings capacity...
Dawn Humphries • 26 Feb 2024
Case Study
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Successful Claim For Family After Father Dies In Road Traffic Accident

A claim was brought on behalf of the widow, two very young daughters, parents and sister. ...
Dawn Humphries • 25 Jan 2024
Case Study
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Motorcyclist In Road Traffic Accident Seeks Help With Claim

The claimant was travelling along a major road when the defendant failed to stop at a give way sign and proceeded to dri...
Dawn Humphries • 01 Aug 2023
Case Study
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Vehicle Hit by Detached Trailer

The claimant sustained multiple serious orthopaedic injuries, damaged hearing, vestibular impairment and psychological s...
28 Jul 2023
Case Study
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Falling Machinery Causes Accident at Work

As the piece of machinery was being laid down to a horizontal position, the weight overcame all involved causing the mac...
28 Jul 2023
Case Study
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Ambulance Involved in Head-On Collision

Whilst en route with a patient, the ambulance was involved in a head on collision. The claimant was thrown around the re...
28 Jul 2023
Knowledge

Latest knowledge.

Podcast icon Podcast

The Defiant Brain Injured Teenager: Dawn Humphries, Lucy Speed and Andrew Worthington

Brain injuries can have a huge impact on an individual. In this episode, special guest Professor Andrew Worthington from...
Published • 21 Oct 2024
Blog

Armed Forces Compensation Scheme

Members of the Armed Forces will often be placed into high-risk scenarios and can suffer significant, disabling inj...
Alexander Spanner • 11 Oct 2024
Podcast icon Podcast

Fatal Accident Claims – What You Need to Know: Miriam Homer and Dawn Humphries

Discussion of fatal accident claims. These claims need to be made where there has been a loss of life. We talk about the...
Published • 07 Oct 2024
Podcast icon Podcast

How to Prove Negligence in Sporting Injuries: Alexander Spanner and Cameron Petch

Negligence claims in sporting activities and how certain levels of risks are applied to different sports. They discuss a...
Published • 30 Sep 2024
Blog

National Road Victim Month – August 2024

As the summer holidays draw to a close and we approach the end of August, we also approach the end of National Road...
Debbie Humphries • 29 Aug 2024
Blog

Busting Myths and Misconceptions about Pers...

With numerous myths surrounding the complexity, cost and time involved in bringing a personal injury claim, people ...
Claudia Booth • 22 Jul 2024
Podcast icon Podcast

The Process of Disclosure in Personal Injury Claims – Miriam Homer and Amy Burgoyne

They explain their roles, and the process of disclosure, where the parties involved exchange documents in relation to th...
Published • 09 Jul 2024
Blog

The Most Important Law of Our Generation? –...

According to the Labour Force Survey for Great Britain during 2022/23, 561,000 workers were injured in the workplac...
Lauren McCarthy • 28 Jun 2024
Blog

Health and Safety in Construction

As with many other areas of work, anyone deemed to be controlling a construction site has responsibilities to keep ...
Alexander Spanner • 27 Jun 2024
Blog

Who is Responsible for Injury Awareness?

In 2021/2022 health and safety statistics suggest that there were 565,000 injuries sustained at work, with 61,713 n...
Karen Clarke • 26 Jun 2024
Blog

Accidents at Work: Falls From Height

We've all seen action movies and spy dramas where the lead character takes a dramatic dive off a building or bridge...
Morgan Thompson • 25 Jun 2024
Blog

Workplace Injuries: HGV Drivers

Sometimes there is no claim, as the accident could be the fault of the driver, but often the employer, or the emplo...
Phillip Roberts • 24 Jun 2024
Accreditations

Our awards and accolades.

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