Slip, trip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, at anytime and to any of us in a space that is considered a public place. Public places include sites, parks, roads and pavements, leisure centres, shopping centres, supermarkets, schools, colleges and universities etc. Places accessed by the public must be safe. They should be routinely inspected and maintained and owners of such places or areas have a duty of care to ensure they are safe. Ownership of such places may include local council / authorities or may even be privately owned.
If you have suffered an accident in a public place, you may be able to seek compensation from the responsible party for the harm suffered. This includes medical treatment and financial losses such as loss of earnings if your injury prevents you from working.
Examples of accidents that occur in public places
- Tripping on a pothole or uneven / defective pavement
- Slipping on spillage in a restaurant, bar, nightclub, shop or other public place
- Injuries as a result of something falling in a store or shop
- Slipping on icy pavements that have been left untreated
- Public playground accidents because of defective equipment
You may be entitled to seek compensation following a trip, slip or fall in a public place that wasn’t your fault. The amount of compensation you receive will depend on the severity of your injuries and will take into consideration factors such as the requirement for ongoing medical care.
How long do I have to submit a claim?
Generally, you have 3 years to submit a claim from the date of the accident, however we recommend seeking legal advice as soon as possible.
What should I do following an accident in a public place?
If you have had an accident in a public place, always seek medical attention at a hospital or G.P. for assessment and treatment of injuries. It is also important to report the accident to the person responsible for the location of the accident. It is also advisable to collect as much evidence as possible, inclusive of photographs of the location where the accident happened. Photographs of the injuries sustained can also be very useful when seeking compensation as well as evidence of medical appointments attended for treatment of your injuries. Obtain witness statements if possible.
To find out more about the claims process, contact our personal injury solicitors on 028 7963 2030 or email info@bernadettemulholland.com.