Accident in a Public Place

If someone has an accident in a public place, they may be entitled to compensation if the accident was caused by negligence by a responsible party, such as a property owner, local council, business, or other entity. Accident or slip, trip and fall claims compensation aims to cover the injured person’s losses and suffering resulting from the accident. 

Here’s an overview of the compensation that may be available:

• Personal Injury Claim: If the accident resulted in personal injury due to someone else’s negligence, the injured person can pursue a personal injury claim. This claim seeks compensation for the injury itself as well as various losses and damages associated with the injury.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation may be awarded for the physical and psychological harm, as well as the impact on the person’s overall quality of life caused by the accident and resulting injuries. The amount is typically determined based on guidelines and precedents for similar cases.
• Medical Expenses: Compensation can cover the costs of medical treatment, hospitalisation, doctor’s appointments, rehabilitation, medication, and any other necessary medical expenses related to the injury.
• Loss of Earnings: If the injury leads to the injured person being unable to work or requiring time off work to recover, they may be entitled to compensation for the income they have lost during that period.
• Financial Losses and Extra Expenditure: These are specific financial losses that can be quantified, such as transportation costs, home adaptations, assistive devices, and any other out-of-pocket expenses directly related to the accident.
• Future Expenses: In cases where the injury results in long-term or permanent disabilities, compensation may cover future medical expenses, ongoing treatments, and potential loss of future earnings or career opportunities.
• Legal Costs: If the claim is successful, the responsible party will be required to cover the reasonable legal costs associated with pursuing the compensation claim. 

To initiate a compensation claim after an accident, the injured person should generally follow these steps:

• Document the Accident: Gather evidence of the accident, such as photographs of where it happened, get the contact details for anyone who witnessed the accident, report the accident to the relevant authority such as the police if it’s a road accident, or a store manager or restaurant manager if its public, or if you are injured at work, report the matter to your employer. Write down what happened as soon as you can while it is fresh in your memory.
• Seek Medical Attention: Receive appropriate medical treatment for the injuries sustained, cooperate with medical staff, attend every appointment that is offered to you, keep a record of your travel and parking expenses and if people are caring for you, keep a record of the hours they are doing. 
• Contact a Solicitor: Consult with a serious injury solicitor who specialises in these type of cases. They can provide advice on the strength of the case and guide you through the legal process.

​​Remember that every case is unique, and the steps you take may vary based on the circumstances of the accident. Consulting with a legal professional who specialises in personal injury claims will help you understand your options and navigate the process effectively.

Price Slater Gawne can help

If you would like to speak with one of our expert solicitors to establish if you have a claim, please get in touch today by calling 03333 058375 or email to [email protected]. 

Read our Serious Injury FAQs