Public liability claims

If you have been injured in a public place through no fault of your own, you may be entitled to make a public liability claim. Our specialist team is here to guide you through the process at a pace that works for you.

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Author

Jenny Stevenson

Associate & Head of Personal Injury

Reviewer

Stephen Hussey

Associate, Head of Personal Injury

Last Updated

16th July 2026

Can I make a public liability claim?

You can make a public liability claim if you have been injured in a public place because of someone else’s negligence. This might be a business, an organisation, a local authority, or another individual who had a responsibility to keep you safe and failed to do so.

Common situations that give rise to a public liability claim include slips, trips and falls on dangerous footpaths or potholes, injuries caused by slippery surfaces in supermarkets or other business premises, obstructions on roads or pedestrian areas, and injuries from objects or equipment that should have been properly secured.

Councils, highways authorities and local authorities have a legal duty under the Highways Act 1980 to maintain the safety of public roads, pavements and other areas maintained at public expense. Our specialist team has successfully supported clients in securing compensation when public authorities have fallen short of these duties.

Even if you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, or if some time has passed since your accident, it is worth speaking to us. In most cases, you have three years from the date of your accident, or from when you first knew you were injured, to make a claim. Exceptions apply to this rule like if the claim involves a child or someone who lacks mental capacity. Our team can listen to your story and will tell you honestly whether you have a case.

Example of a public liability claim

If a shopper slips on a wet supermarket floor with no warning signs and fractures their wrist, the business may be deemed responsible. If they failed to clean up the hazard or provide clear signage, this could be grounds for a valid public liability claim. Business owners have a duty of care to individuals on their premises.

Common public liability claims we support

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What compensation can help with

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Covering your losses and funding your recovery.

The injuries sustained in public liability claim range from soft tissue sprains and fractures through to more serious eye injuries or scarring. Whatever the severity, compensation is designed to reflect the full impact on your life as well as the immediate physical harm to you.

Public liability compensation can cover:

A wide range of losses and needs, both in the short and long term
Lost earnings from time off after your injury
Any future loss of earnings
Cover any medical costs for treatment
Rehabilitation or physiotherapy
The cost of any specialist equipment
Home adaptations you might need with severe injuries

Understanding the potential value

No two public liability cases are the same. The value of your claim will depend on the nature and severity of your injury, how it affects your day-to-day life and ability to work, and what support or treatment you need going forward. For example, one client received £3,300 after slipping on a wet floor in a fast-food restaurant, suffering soft tissue injuries. Liability was admitted and the claim was successfully settled.

Specialist public liability solicitors

Our team has extensive experience handling public liability claims of all kinds.

Why choose Fletchers for your public liability claim?

Public liability claims can vary enormously in complexity from straightforward slip and fall cases, to claims involving public authorities and contested highway defects. Having the right specialist on your side, no matter the complexity, matters. At Fletchers, our personal injury solicitors have the knowledge and experience to handle claims at every level of complexity, giving you clear advice and strong representation from the outset.

Expertise you can rely on

Specialist personal injury solicitors with extensive experience in public liability claims
Ranked among the leading personal injury firms in the UK by Legal 500
Recognised by Legal 500 for our commitment to using technology effectively and offering a supportive, client-focused approach
Experience handling claims against local authorities, businesses and public organisations
Clear, honest advice at every stage so you always know where you stand
Rated excellent on Trustpilot by the clients we have supported
No win, no fee funding so you can pursue your claim without financial risk

You're not alone

We understand what you're going through.

Being injured in a public place can be a disorienting experience. One moment everything is normal – the next, you are dealing with pain, medical appointments, and questions about whether you did something wrong or whether anyone will take you seriously. It is entirely natural to feel uncertain about what to do next.

Choosing Fletchers Solicitors means choosing a dedicated team of public liability lawyers. Our experts have successfully handled many claims just like yours. Ranked among the leading lawyers in clinical negligence and personal injury in the UK, we pride ourselves on providing a personal service.

We understand the practical pressures that follow an injury. If you have had to take time off work, or if your injury is affecting your ability to manage daily life, the financial and emotional strain can build quickly. You should not have to face that alone. We will handle every part of the process, keep you informed at every stage, and work hard to secure compensation that reflects the real impact of what happened to you.

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FAQs about public liability claims

What evidence do I need to support my public liability claim?

Strong evidence helps your claim get off to the best possible start. It would help if you can note the exact date and location where the accident happened or take details of the nearest house or landmark, to help identify who is responsible for the area. Taking photographs showing the hazard or defect that caused your accident can help us prove who was responsible. Even if you were not able to gather evidence at the time, do not be put off from getting in touch. We can advise on what is available and help you build your case.

What is considered a dangerous defect or hazard?

Courts use standard measurements as a guide when assessing whether a defect on a public road was dangerous enough to support a claim. This includes a rise or depression of more than 1 inch (25mm) on a footpath, and a rise or depression of more than 2 inches (50mm) on a carriageway

These are guidelines rather than absolute rules. The full circumstances of the accident, including the location, lighting conditions, and whether the hazard was foreseeable, will also be considered. Our team will assess the specific details of your situation.

How long do I have to make a public liability claim?

In most cases, you have three years from the date of your accident – or from the date you first recognised your injuries – to make a claim. Exceptions apply where the person injured is a child (in which case the three-year period typically begins when they turn 18) or where the person lacks mental capacity. If you are unsure about timing, speak to us as soon as possible. The earlier you get advice, the easier it is to gather evidence and build a strong case.

How much does it cost to make a public liability claim?

At Fletchers, we handle public liability claims on a No Win No Fee basis. This means there are no upfront costs, and if your claim is not successful, you will not be charged. Our fee is only payable if your claim succeeds, and it is agreed in advance so there are no surprises. You can pursue your claim with confidence, without worrying about the financial risk.

What injuries can I claim for?

Public liability accidents can result in a range of injuries which can range in severity from minor such as bruises, to life-changing head injuries. Whatever the nature of your injury, if it was caused by someone else’s negligence in a public place, it is worth speaking to us about whether you have a claim.

Can I claim if the accident was partly my fault?

Possibly. If you were partly responsible for the accident, this does not necessarily prevent you from making a claim. In some cases, compensation can be reduced to reflect your share of responsibility, this is known as contributory negligence. We will give you honest advice about how any element of shared fault might affect your claim.

How are public liability accident injuries treated?

Treatment depends on the type and severity of your injury. Minor injuries like strains, bruises, or soft tissue damage are often treated with rest, ice, compression, and elevation, while more serious cases may require hospital care or surgery.

Burns should be treated quickly by cooling the area with lukewarm water and managing pain, although severe burns may need specialist care. Fractures can require surgery and rehabilitation, while eye injuries vary widely, from simple rinsing for irritants to urgent medical attention for more serious damage.