Public Liability Claims

What is a public liability claim?

A public liability claim is a claim against an organisation or individual for an injury suffered by a member of the public, rather than by an employee. Many businesses and public bodies hold public liability insurance to cover these claims.

Claims may arise in shops, restaurants, hotels, gyms, leisure centres, parks, schools, events and many other settings. The question is usually whether the person in control took reasonable steps to prevent a foreseeable risk of injury.

Claims against local authorities, for example about public spaces or playgrounds, follow the same general principles, although public bodies may have specific defences available to them.

Common situations

• Injuries in shops, supermarkets or shopping centres
• Accidents in restaurants, bars or hotels
• Injuries in gyms, swimming pools or leisure facilities
• Accidents at concerts, sporting events or attractions
• Injuries in parks, playgrounds or other public spaces
• Injuries caused by falling objects or unsafe structures

Your options and next steps

Report the incident to the organisation and ask for an incident reference. If you were treated by first aiders or ambulance staff, note their details.

Where children are injured, a claim is normally brought on their behalf by a parent or guardian acting as litigation friend. Any settlement for a child must be approved by the court, which protects the child’s interests.

We can help identify who was responsible, as this is not always the organisation you dealt with. Cleaning contractors, event organisers and landlords can all be relevant.

Documents and evidence that may help

You do not need to have everything before you contact us, but the following can help us understand your situation more quickly:

• Photographs of the location and the hazard
• The organisation’s incident report or reference number
• Witness names and contact details
• Receipts, tickets or booking confirmations showing you were there
• Medical records and details of treatment
• Evidence of financial losses, such as lost earnings

How we assess your enquiry

1. Tell us what happened. Use the enquiry form, call or email with a short summary.
2. We review the details. We may ask a few questions or request key documents.
3. We explain your options. Including whether your matter is one we can help with.
4. You decide. Nothing goes further until you have agreed the scope of any work and any fees, confirmed in writing.

Frequently asked questions

Please note: this page gives general information based on the law of England and Wales. Different rules can apply in Scotland and Northern Ireland. It is not legal advice and should not be relied on for your particular situation. Every matter depends on its own facts, and no outcome or level of compensation can be guaranteed.