Home › Guides and news › Occupiers' liability
Guides and articles · Occupiers' liability
Occupiers' Liability Guides
Plain-English guides for anyone hurt on someone else's premises, such as a shop, restaurant, venue or the communal areas of a block of flats: who is responsible, what you need to prove and what your claim could be worth.
Occupiers' liability guides
Answers to common questions about accidents on someone else's premises. You can also read our occupiers' liability case studies to see how real claims were handled.
Your rights after an accident on someone else's premises
The key things to know if you were hurt on premises someone else controls in England and Wales.
The occupier must take reasonable care
You can usually claim if the business, landlord or other occupier in control of the premises didn't take reasonable care to keep you reasonably safe. You may still be able to claim if you were partly at fault too.
You usually have 3 years
Most claims must be started within 3 years of the accident. There are exceptions for children and people who lack mental capacity.
No upfront costs
Eligible claims are handled on a No Win No Fee basis, so there's nothing to pay upfront. If your claim succeeds, a success fee is taken from your compensation.
Evidence matters
Hazards are often repaired soon after an accident. Photos, the exact location and witness details can make a big difference to your claim.
Occupiers' liability claims: FAQs
What is an occupiers' liability claim?
It's a claim against whoever controls a property because you were injured by its unsafe condition, for example a spillage in a shop or a broken step in a block of flats. Under the Occupiers' Liability Act 1957, occupiers must take reasonable care to keep visitors reasonably safe.
Who counts as the occupier?
The person or organisation in control of the premises, which isn't always the owner. It could be the business running a shop, a landlord responsible for shared areas or a management company. We'll work out who is responsible.
What's the difference between occupiers' liability and public liability?
Occupiers' liability is about injuries caused by the condition of premises, such as a shop, restaurant or communal area. Public liability is broader and covers negligence by businesses, councils and organisations in public places, like pavements and parks. See our public liability guides.
How long do I have to make a claim?
You usually have 3 years from the date of the accident to start court proceedings. For children, the 3 years doesn't start until they turn 18.
How much does it cost to make a claim?
Eligible claims are handled on a No Win No Fee basis, so there's nothing to pay upfront. If your claim succeeds, a success fee is taken from your compensation. We explain exactly what you could pay before you sign anything.
Injured on someone else's property?
Talk to our team for free, with no obligation to claim. We'll work out who was responsible for the premises and explain whether you can claim and what it could be worth. Eligible claims are handled on a No Win No Fee basis.
Injuries Direct is part of NJS Law
Our guides give general information about the law in England and Wales and aren't legal advice about your situation. Injuries Direct is a trading name of NJS Law Limited, authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA number 8006550). About us