10 Jul, 2023/ by National Accident Helpline /News
There are many dangers which can cause you to suffer an accident in public. Here, National Accident Helpline takes a look at the most common accidents in public, and what you can do if you experience one.
Slips, trips and falls
Slips, trips and falls are common causes of an accident in public. In fact, they are the most common type of public accidents alongside being hit by a fallen object.
For example, you may fall due to a broken step when walking in a public place, or perhaps slip over on a wet surface that you were not warned of by signage. In such instances, you may be able to make a claim for any injuries you experience.
Accidents in shops & supermarkets
Accidents in shops and supermarkets are common public accidents to experience, due to the number of potential hazards they have.
Spills are common in shops and supermarkets, as occasional accidents with the variety of fluid products they stock do occur, and if such spills aren't cleaned up quickly or at least signposted, they can easily cause slips. Items could also fall off shelves, or freezer doors could trap a person's fingers. There are any number of potential hazards and accidents to be aware of!
Most of us regularly go to the shops, which of course increases the likelihood of a potential accident in public while shopping.
Accidents due to pavements
Unfortunately, common accidents which occur in public can be due to an issue with a public highway such as a road or pavement.
These are the most common form of accidents in public. Slips, trips and falls due to faulty highways can cause an injury to, for example, the:
- foot
- leg
- hip
- arm
- hand
- wrist
An accident on a local highway could include falling due to a pothole when crossing the road.
Accidents on holiday
A holiday is of course an escape from the toils of day-to-day life; a time to relax and enjoy yourself. Unfortunately however, an accident in public while on holiday can - and do - occur.
For example, when you are on holiday, you may decide to have a picnic in a public place and the bench could be faulty causing you to have an accident in public. You may also possibly visit a park and the children you are with may have an accident due to faulty play equipment. These sorts of accidents could cause, for example, a:
- puncture wound
- head injury
- broken bone
Sports accidents
It is not uncommon to experience an accident or injury when taking part in sports, and many people participate in sports matches and events in public spaces every day. This of course means that there is the chance of suffering a sporting accident or injury in public, in spaces such as::
- a leisure centre
- tennis courts
- at your local park
Sports injuries can take time to heal so be debilitating for some time so it is important that you claim the compensation you may be due.
Who is responsible for an accident in public?
It will depend on where a public accident occurs in terms of who is liable. For example, if you slip, trip or fall on a pavement or road, it will usually be your local council or highway agency that is responsible. They must keep highways in good condition so that an accident does not occur.
Generally speaking, it will be the occupier of the place where your accident in public occurred. This is because it is the occupier who is responsible for making sure all people visiting their public place are safe. However, you should take note that the occupier may not necessarily be the owner of the public place.
Does Public Liability cover such accidents?
Where an accident occurs in public and it is not your fault, but the fault of the person who occupies or is in charge of the public place, public liability should cover that accident.
For example, if the accident in public is on the highway, the council or local authority should regularly inspect this area and repair any issues within a reasonable timeframe. Public liability covers your accident in public where the person who should have received a duty of care towards you is negligent. However, it is up to you to prove the accident in public was not your fault.
When public liability covers your accident in public, you have three years normally from the date of the accident to make a public accident claim, but it is advisable to make a claim as soon as possible.
Is it possible to make a Public Accident Claim?
If you have had the unfortunate experience of an accident in public, you may be entitled to claim compensation. For example, you could suffer an injury when you slip, trip or fall in public. You could even suffer an accident in public while you are on holiday. Wherever you have an accident in public, it may be possible for you to make a public accident claim.
An accident in public is often something you least expect and can take you completely by surprise. It has a huge impact on your daily life and causes you to have to make massive adjustments. It is, therefore, crucial that you make a public accident claim to receive the compensation you absolutely deserve.
At National Accident Helpline can help you today with this on . If it is easier, you can ask us to call you back here. And you can even begin a claim online.
How common are Public Liability claims?
Public liability claims for an accident that occurs in public are extremely common.
In 2019/2020 a massive 829,252 public liability claims were made. Out of these, 8% were due to slips, trips or falls.
How do I make an accident public claim?
If you want to make an accident in public, then it's simple and stress-free with National Accident Helpline. Where you have had an upsetting and painful experience, it is your right to make a compensation claim.
When you make a compensation claim with us at National Accident Helpline, we offer you a straightforward and friendly claim process for your accident in public. You can even get an idea of how much compensation you could claim, with the use of our compensation calculator.
When you make an accident in a public claim with National Accident Helpline, the first step towards gaining your compensation is to speak to one of our helpful and sympathetic advisors. They are genuinely interested in hearing how your accident in public occurred to see if you have a compensation claim. If you do have a potential claim, they will pass your situation to one of our highly experienced solicitors to get you your compensation as soon as possible.
At National Accident Helpline, we even offer you a no-win no-fee basis compensation claim. This means you do not have to pay a penny to make your claim, so should it unlikely not succeed, you have lost nothing.
Call us today at to start your compensation claim immediately. You can start the process online if you prefer, or just ask us to call you back here to begin your claim.
Last updated 10.07.23