Public Accident Solicitors
A simple slip or trip in a public place can leave you injured, shaken and unsure who’s responsible.
Our expert personal injury solicitors could help you make a claim for compensation.
If you’ve been injured in a public place due to unsafe conditions, our public accident solicitors can help you understand your rights and claim the compensation you deserve.
Accidents in public places happen more often than people realise, from slipping on a wet supermarket floor to tripping on uneven pavements or poorly maintained steps. When those responsible fail to keep public spaces safe, the impact on your health, mobility and income can be significant.
Our experienced public accident solicitors specialise in claims involving public and occupiers’ liability. We investigate what went wrong, identify who was legally responsible, and guide you through the claims process from start to finish. With a proven track record and a client-first approach, we work to secure fair compensation while making the process as clear and stress-free as possible.
What is the difference between public liability and occupiers’ liability?
Although often used interchangeably, there is an important distinction:
-
Occupiers’ liability applies to the person or organisation responsible for maintaining a premises, such as a supermarket, school, landlord or shopping centre operator. They have a legal duty to ensure visitors are reasonably safe while on the premises.
-
Public liability refers to insurance that covers businesses, councils or organisations if a member of the public is injured due to their negligence.
In many cases, an occupier will be responsible for the accident, and their public liability insurance will fund any compensation awarded. Our solicitors will identify the correct party and insurer for your claim.
What counts as an accident in a public place?
A public accident is any injury caused by unsafe conditions in an area that is open to members of the public. These locations are required by law to be kept reasonably safe for visitors.
Public accidents can occur in places such as:
-
Supermarkets and shops
-
Shopping centres and retail parks
-
Schools, colleges and universities
-
Restaurants, cafés and leisure facilities
-
Car parks
-
Public buildings
-
Pavements, footpaths and public walkways
If you were injured due to hazards such as spillages, uneven flooring, poor maintenance, inadequate lighting or obstructions, and the accident could have been prevented, you may be entitled to claim compensation.
Find out more about public accident claims in our frequently asked questions below.
Get in touch with a member of our team today to arrange a meeting with a specialist public accident accident solicitor. Call us on 0800 118 1500 or complete the form below.
Why should I trust Talbots’ Public Accident Solicitors?
At Talbots Law, we understand how disruptive an accident in a public place can be, from unexpected injuries to time off work and financial pressure. Our public accident solicitors combine legal expertise with a supportive, practical approach, ensuring you feel informed and confident at every stage of your claim.
Our track record speaks for itself, we have successfully secured significant compensation for clients with a wide range of injuries. Working on a No Win No Fee basis, we put your needs first and manage your claim efficiently, keeping you informed throughout. Our goal is to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible while maximising your chance of a successful outcome, giving you confidence that you are in expert hands.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have a public accident case claim?
An accident in a public place is any injury caused by unsafe conditions in an area open to the public. This includes places such as supermarkets, shopping centres, schools, leisure facilities, car parks, restaurants, public buildings and pavements.
Common examples include:
-
Slips on wet or greasy floors
-
Trips caused by uneven surfaces or loose flooring
-
Falls due to poor lighting or missing handrails
-
Accidents caused by spillages, debris or obstructions
-
Injuries from defective fixtures or poorly maintained premises
If the accident could have been prevented with proper care, you may be entitled to compensation.
Who is responsible for an accident in a public place?
Responsibility usually lies with the organisation or individual in control of the area where the accident happened. This could be:
-
A supermarket or retailer
-
A shopping centre management company
-
A local council (for pavements and public highways)
-
A school or educational authority
-
A private property owner or managing agent
We’ll investigate maintenance records, inspection logs, CCTV footage and witness statements to establish liability.
Can I claim if I slipped or tripped in a supermarket or shop?
Yes. Supermarkets and retailers have a duty to regularly inspect their premises and deal promptly with hazards such as spillages, damaged flooring or obstacles. If they failed to take reasonable steps to keep the area safe, you may have a valid claim.
Can I claim for a pavement or public footpath accident?
In some cases, yes. Local councils are responsible for maintaining public pavements, but claims depend on whether they knew, or should have known, about the defect and failed to repair it within a reasonable time. These claims can be complex, and early legal advice is important.
What evidence do I need for a public accident claim?
Helpful evidence may include:
-
Photographs of the hazard
-
Accident reports (e.g. in-store or council records)
-
Witness contact details
-
CCTV footage
-
Medical records
Our solicitors will help gather and preserve the evidence needed to support your claim.
How long do I have to make a public accident claim?
Most public accident claims must be made within three years of the date of the accident. Claims involving children or individuals lacking mental capacity may have different time limits. Speaking to a solicitor as soon as possible helps protect your position.
Do I have to go to court?
The majority of public accident claims are settled without going to court. If proceedings are necessary, we’ll explain the process clearly and represent you throughout.
Do you offer No Win No Fee cases?
We proudly offer our clients a Conditional Fee Agreement, commonly known as a ‘No Win No Fee’ agreement, but we apply it with professional diligence to ensure the best outcome for all parties.
We offer this arrangement in the vast majority of personal injury cases. Each case is carefully assessed on its individual merits.
After reviewing the details of your claim, we’ll determine the likelihood of success. If we believe your case has a strong chance of winning, we’ll proceed on a No Win No Fee basis, giving you peace of mind as to protection from financial risk.
If a claim does not meet our threshold for success, we will advise you honestly, ensuring you only pursue cases with a realistic chance of compensation.
Our Public Accident Solicitors are here to help
Contact us for a confidential, no obligation chat.
Our team are ready to help you!
Our Public Accident Team
Elizabeth Rimell
Director and Solicitor
Elizabeth is a Director and Solicitor within the Personal Injury and Clinical Negligence department, based at our Worcester office
Hollie North
Personal Injury Executive
Hollie is a Personal Injury Executive specialising in claims following accidents at work, product liability, road traffic accidents and accidents caused by slips or falls.
Megan Poyser
Senior Associate & Solicitor
Megan Poyser is a Senior Associate & Solicitor in our Dispute Resolution Team, based in our Hanley office.
Paul Woolliscroft
Director & Regional Head of Dispute Resolution (Solicitor)
Paul Woolliscroft is a Director & Regional Head of Dispute Resolution (Solicitor) in our Dispute Resolution Team, based in our Hanley office.
Perminder Devgun
Director & Chartered Legal Executive
Perminder is a Director and Chartered Legal Executive within the Personal Injury Department, primarily based at our Stourbridge office.
Rajni Kandola
Senior Associate & Solicitor
Rajni qualified as a Solicitor in 2014 at a national firm and has since dedicated her career to personal injury claims, specifically high-value disease claims.
Sharonpreet Bains
Associate Solicitor
Sharonpreet Bains is an Associate Solicitor specialising in personal injury & clinical negligence, based in our Coventry Office.