Public Liability Claims — Accidents in Public Places
Last reviewed: June 2026 · EA Personal Injury Solicitors
If you were injured in a shop, restaurant, park or other public place due to the negligence of the occupier, you may be entitled to compensation. EA Personal Injury Solicitors handles public liability claims on a no win, no fee basis — if the claim succeeds, a success fee may be deducted from your compensation.
TL;DR — Quick Summary
Key Points
- Occupiers of premises owe a duty of care to lawful visitors under the Occupiers' Liability Act 1957
- Claims can be made against shops, restaurants, councils, leisure centres and many other organisations
- Three-year time limit from the date of the accident
- Photographs and CCTV evidence of the hazard are particularly important
- No win, no fee — if the claim succeeds, a success fee may be deducted from your compensation
Duty of Care in Public Places
The Occupiers' Liability Act 1957 imposes a duty on occupiers of premises to take such care as is reasonable to ensure that lawful visitors are reasonably safe when using the premises for the purpose for which they were invited or permitted to enter. This applies to commercial premises such as shops, supermarkets, restaurants, gyms and leisure centres, as well as public spaces maintained by local authorities.
The duty is not absolute — it requires reasonable care in the circumstances. A small spillage that occurred seconds before an accident is treated differently from a recurring hazard that the occupier knew about but failed to address. When assessing liability, courts consider whether the occupier had a reasonable system for inspecting and maintaining the premises and dealing with hazards promptly.
Common Public Liability Accident Scenarios
- Slips on wet floors in shops and supermarkets — inadequate cleaning regimes or failure to deploy warning signs
- Trips on uneven paving or defective floors — broken tiles, raised thresholds, worn carpets
- Falls on poorly maintained steps or stairs — broken handrails, worn nosings, inadequate lighting
- Objects falling from shelves or storage — inadequate stacking or racking systems
- Accidents in leisure centres and gyms — defective equipment, unsafe surfaces, inadequate supervision
- Injuries in restaurants and cafes — slips in spills, defective furniture
- Pavement defects maintained by councils — potholes, raised flags, sunken drain covers
- Accidents in parks and public spaces — defective play equipment, unsafe paths
Evidence for Your Public Liability Claim
Evidence is crucial in public liability claims because occupiers routinely deny liability and may claim their inspection regime was adequate:
- Photographs of the hazard — take these immediately if you are able, before the occupier clears it up
- CCTV footage — request this from the premises in writing as soon as possible; it is often overwritten quickly
- Accident report form completed at the premises
- Witness details from anyone who saw the accident
- Medical records showing the nature and extent of your injuries
- Any previous complaints or reports about the same hazard
What Compensation Can Cover
Public liability compensation covers general damages for pain, suffering and loss of amenity, plus special damages for financial losses. Special damages in these claims may include lost earnings if your injury prevented you from working, medical and treatment costs, travel expenses, and care costs. More serious injuries such as fractures or head injuries can result in substantial awards.
Typical Compensation Amounts
The figures below are indicative brackets for the injury itself (general damages), based on the Judicial College Guidelines used by courts and insurers in England and Wales. Financial losses such as lost earnings, treatment costs and care (special damages) are claimed in addition, and in serious cases often exceed the injury award.
| Injury | Guideline bracket |
|---|---|
| Moderate neck/soft tissue injury (up to ~2 years) | c. £2,300–£12,900 |
| Simple arm or wrist fracture | c. £6,000–£16,000 |
| Moderate knee injury | c. £13,000–£26,000 |
| Moderate back injury (good prognosis) | c. £12,000–£27,000 |
These brackets are a guide only — the value of your claim depends on the severity of your injury, your prognosis and your financial losses. We cannot promise or predict a specific outcome. See our full guide to compensation amounts or contact us for a free assessment of your claim.
No Win, No Fee Public Liability Claims
We act under a Conditional Fee Agreement. You pay nothing if your claim is unsuccessful. If the claim succeeds, a success fee may be deducted from your compensation. All terms are explained clearly before you commit.