The bad news is accidents happen – particularly in public places.
The good news? Public liability insurance can often pay for the injuries and suffering they cause.
It’s easy to blame yourself for a public accident or just dismiss it as one of those things. But business owners and local authorities have a duty of care to keep you safe. If they failed in that duty, you could be entitled to compensation – and most businesses will have an insurance policy in place to allow you to get the financial justice you deserve.
Here at St Helens Law, we have a team of legal experts who specialise in representing those who’ve had an accident or suffered an injury in a public place. Read on to find out whether you’re eligible to claim against public liability cover and how we can help.
Public liability insurance
A way to get your rightful compensation.
How could public liability insurance benefit me?
The consequences of a public place accident can be significant.
By negatively impacting your physical health, the injuries sustained may have put you out of action – potentially affecting your ability to work and your finances, as well as your mental health, emotional well-being, social and family relationships and much more.
So it’s only fair that, if the accident wasn’t your fault, you can seek compensation.
Claiming through public liability insurance is one way to do this.
Most business owners will carry this type of policy, to help protect themselves financially in the event of a public liability claim – made by a client, customer or member of the public.
Providing your accident was due to their negligence and the business is found liable, their insurance policy will pay out compensation – for the injuries sustained, your pain and suffering, your loss of earnings, legal fees and the cost of any rehabilitation required.
It’s there to make sure people like you are fairly recompensed.
Do all businesses have public liability cover?
Public liability cover isn’t a legal requirement – but most businesses do have it.
After all, a single slip, trip or fall caused by their negligence has the potential to put their company out of business. Why would they take that risk? Plus, some companies and organisations will only award contracts to a business with public liability cover in place, and customers often wish to see proof of it themselves – so it’s usually deemed essential.
The important thing to note is that, whether a business is covered by insurance or not, it won’t affect your ability to claim for public liability. If they don’t have a valid policy, your solicitor will simply deal with the defendant’s legal team and seek damages from them instead.
What’s covered by public liability insurance?
To be covered by public liability insurance, firstly, the incident must have happened in a place that’s accessible to the general public – either indoors or outdoors. Some of the most common settings for these types of accidents include pavements, parks, shops and supermarkets.
Secondly, the root cause of the accident must be negligence – on the part of the person or company responsible for that public setting. It isn’t possible to claim on a company’s public liability cover if the accident happened due to circumstances beyond their control (e.g. the actions of another member of the public). And the insurance policy will only pay out if:
- you were owed a duty of care
- that duty of care was breached
- the breach directly caused you harm
If you can show that all of the above is true, the policy will then cover the cost of personal compensation (for the pain and suffering you have experienced, loss of earnings, etc.), legal fees, plus any medical expenses associated with your recovery and rehabilitation.
Public injuries can range from minor cuts and fractures to significant life-changing injuries to the head or spinal cord. But all injuries – whatever their nature or severity – are covered by public liability insurance. And if you’ve had a public accident in the last three years that wasn’t your fault, it’s highly likely that you’ll be eligible to make a public liability insurance claim.
Contact our personal injury solicitors today
Sometimes, an accident in a public place is just that – an accident – and nobody is to blame. But if it was caused by someone else’s negligence or carelessness, you’re well within your rights to make a public liability claim, and there’s no need to feel guilty for seeking compensation.
Accidents like this are very common. And in most cases, public land and property owners will have adequate liability insurance in place for that exact purpose – to ensure they’re financially protected and prepared to give claimants like yourself the compensation you deserve.
So if you think you might be eligible, where’s the harm in finding out more?
Here at St Helens Law, we have true expertise in this particular area of the law – having litigated over a variety of public accidents in cafes, pubs, clubs, parks, churches and more.
Following a quick chat about your individual circumstances, our personal injury solicitors can advise on whether a claim is feasible and your overall chances of success. If you wish to go ahead, we can provide valuable assistance throughout the claims process – from handling communication with the insurance company to gathering evidence and negotiating compensation on your behalf.
Most public liability cases can be completed on a ‘no win no fee’ basis and we offer an initial consultation free of charge. To book yours, or if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch. Either call us on 01744 742360 or send an email to info@sthelenslaw.co.uk.