Public Liability Guides

Plain-English guides for anyone hurt in a public place, such as on a pavement, in a park or in a shop: who is responsible, what you need to prove and what your claim could be worth.

Guides
Your rights
FAQs

Public liability guides

Answers to common questions about accidents in public places. You can also read our public liability case studies to see how real claims were handled, or find out more about public liability claims.

Start herePublic liability claims guideWho can claim, what your claim could be worth and how the process works.Read guide Pavements and roadsPavement and pothole claimsClaiming against the council for a trip or fall: the law, the council's defence, defect size and evidence.Read guide Slips and tripsSlip, trip and fall claimsWho is responsible, what you need to prove, the evidence that helps and partly being to blame.Read guide

Your rights after an accident in a public place

The key things to know if you were hurt somewhere open to the public in England and Wales.

Someone must be responsible

You can usually claim if the council, business or landowner in charge of the place didn't take reasonable care to keep it 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.

Public liability claims: FAQs

What is a public liability claim?

A public liability claim is a claim for an injury in a public place, such as a pavement, park, shop or leisure centre, caused by someone who didn't take reasonable care to keep it safe. It's usually paid by the responsible organisation's insurer.

Who can I claim against?

It depends on where you were hurt and what caused it. It could be the council for a public pavement or road, a business for its shop or car park, or a landowner or event organiser. We'll work out who was responsible.

Can I claim against the council for a pavement trip?

You may be able to. Councils must maintain public pavements and roads, but they can defend a claim if they show they had a reasonable system for inspecting and repairing them. See our guide to pavement and pothole claims.

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.

Hurt in a public place?

Talk to our team for free, with no obligation to claim. We'll work out who was responsible and explain whether you can claim and what it could be worth. Eligible claims are handled on a No Win No Fee basis.

Check if you can claim Ask about your claim Call 0330 818 1202

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