Accidents in Public

What Is a Public Accident Claim?

A public accident claim is the legal process of seeking compensation if you were injured in a public place due to someone else’s negligence. Councils, businesses, landlords, and event organisers have a legal duty to make sure their premises and spaces are safe for members of the public.
If they fail in that duty and you are injured, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, financial losses, and the wider impact on your daily life. If your accident happened in the last three years, LITKRAFT can help you start your claim and guide you through the process.

Who Can Claim After an Accident in Public?

If you were injured in a public place because of unsafe conditions, you may be able to claim compensation. The law requires councils, property owners, and businesses to take reasonable steps to protect visitors.
You may have a valid claim if you were injured in:
• Supermarkets, shops, and shopping centres – for example, slipping on wet floors without warning signs, tripping over loose mats, or being struck by falling stock.
• Restaurants, cafés, pubs, and bars – including burns from unsafe equipment, falls on poorly lit stairways, or slips in kitchens and toilets.
• Gyms, fitness centres, and swimming pools – such as accidents caused by faulty treadmills or exercise machines, broken free weights, slippery poolside tiles, wet changing room floors, or lack of proper supervision during exercise classes.
• Pavements, footpaths, and roads maintained by local councils – accidents may result from potholes, uneven paving slabs, broken kerbs, or inadequate street lighting.
• Parks, playgrounds, and open spaces – for example, damaged swings or slides, unsafe sports pitches, poorly maintained fencing, or hidden hazards on grass areas.
• Public transport hubs and car parks – slips on wet train platforms, falls on broken steps, faulty escalators or lifts, or accidents in bus stations or car parks.
• Stairways and shared spaces – caused by broken handrails, unsafe stair treads, or poorly maintained flooring.
• Events and entertainment venues – cinemas, theatres, stadiums, concerts, or festivals where accidents may happen due to overcrowding, poor crowd control, or unsafe seating and walkways.
In these cases, compensation may be sought against:
• Local councils and authorities
• Businesses and retailers
• Landlords and property owners
• Transport companies and operators
• Event organisers and contractors

Why Choose LITKRAFT?

Public accidents can leave you with pain, financial difficulties, and uncertainty about the future. LITKRAFT is here to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible:
• We speak your language
• 14 years’ experience – over 21,000 successful claims, £51M+ recovered for clients
• 93% of clients come via recommendations
• 24/7 new accident helpline
• Free home or hospital visits anywhere in the UK
• Work with leading UK personal injury solicitors
• Regulated claims management company
• Fast, confidential, and hassle-free claims process

Common Causes of Public Accidents

Accidents in public places can happen in many ways when proper safety standards are not followed. Common causes include:
• Slips, trips, and falls on wet floors, icy pavements, uneven surfaces, or poorly lit stairs
• Falling objects in shops, warehouses, or entertainment venues
• Faulty gym equipment, broken exercise machines, unsafe free weights, or slippery swimming pool areas
• Damaged playground equipment, unsafe sports fields, or poorly maintained park areas
• Unsafe transport hubs – wet platforms, broken steps, faulty barriers, escalators or lifts
• Poor maintenance – loose handrails, cracked flooring, damaged stair treads
• Lack of hazard warnings – no signage for spillages, construction works, or temporary hazards
• Overcrowding, poor crowd control, or unsafe facilities at events and festivals
All of these hazards are preventable. If those responsible fail in their duty of care, they can be held accountable through a public accident compensation claim.

What You Can Claim For

A successful public accident claim can cover:
• Physical injuries and pain and suffering
• Psychological distress caused by the accident
• Medical treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care costs
• Loss of earnings and reduced future earning capacity
• Travel expenses and other out-of-pocket costs
• Damage to personal belongings such as phones, glasses, or clothing
• Costs of cancelled gym memberships or activities you can no longer take part in
• Home or vehicle adaptations required after a serious injury

How Much Compensation Could You Get?

Every public accident claim is unique. The amount of compensation depends on:
• The medical evidence of your injury and how long recovery takes
• Whether you are left with permanent symptoms or disability
• Loss of wages and future impact on your ability to work
• Medical and rehabilitation expenses
• The effect on your independence, wellbeing, and quality of life
Your solicitor will use medical reports, financial records, and official Judicial College Guidelines (JCG) to calculate a fair and accurate settlement.

Our No Win No Fee Claims Process

1. Free Consultation – We assess your case and explain your options
2. Evidence Gathering – Accident reports, photos, witness statements, medical records
3. Medical Assessment – Independent report on your injuries
4. Negotiation – Your solicitor seeks the highest possible settlement
5. Settlement or Court – If liability is disputed, we are ready to take your case to court
No Win, No Fee – If your claim is unsuccessful and you have been honest and cooperative, you won’t pay your solicitor’s fee.

Time Limits for Public Accident Claims

• Adults: 3 years from the date of the accident
• Children: Until their 21st birthday
• Fatal accidents: 3 years from the date of death or the discovery of the cause

Contact Us for Your FREE Claim Assessment

Call 0208 635 5555, request a callback, or use our quick online form.
We’ll confirm within minutes if you may have a case.
Home or Hospital Visits – We’ll come to you anywhere in the UK at no extra cost. Whether you’re at home, in hospital, or in a rehabilitation centre, we’ll gather evidence, take statements, and guide you through the claims process—so you can focus on recovery while we handle the legal side.