If you have suffered an injury in a public place in Southwell, you may be entitled to make a public liability claim. Accidents can happen anywhere: in a shop, on a pavement, in a park, or at a public event, and when they are caused by someone else’s negligence, you are entitled to seek compensation.
This guide from Marley Solicitors explains what public liability claims are, how they apply to incidents in Southwell, and how our legal team can help you secure the compensation you deserve.
What is a public liability claim?
Public liability claims are a type of personal injury claim made when someone is injured due to unsafe conditions in a public space. These claims are typically brought against businesses, local authorities, or property owners who have failed in their duty to ensure the safety of visitors or members of the public.
For example, if you trip on uneven pavement outside a shop in Southwell or slip on a wet floor in a local supermarket, the organisation responsible for maintaining that area may be liable for your injuries.
Common types of public liability accidents in Southwell
Public liability claims can arise from a wide range of scenarios. Some of the most common types of public accidents we deal with in Southwell include:
- Slips and trips on poorly maintained pavements
- Injuries from falling objects in shops or retail centres
- Accidents caused by potholes in public car parks
- Falls in parks or playgrounds due to damaged equipment or unsafe surfaces
- Food poisoning from local cafés or restaurants
- Accidents at public events or festivals
If any of these situations sound familiar, you could have grounds for a public liability claim.
Who can be held responsible?
Responsibility for public safety lies with the person or organisation that owns or manages the premises or public spaces. In Southwell, this could include:
- Newark and Sherwood District Council
- Local business owners
- Supermarkets and retail chains
- Event organisers
- Private landlords
When you make a public liability claim, your solicitor will identify who is legally responsible and help you present a strong case for compensation.
What must be proven in a public liability claim?
To successfully claim compensation, you will need to prove:
- Duty of care: The person or organisation responsible for the area owed you a legal duty of care.
- Breach of duty: They failed to maintain safe conditions or act reasonably to prevent harm.
- Causation: Their negligence directly caused your injury.
- Loss: You suffered physical, emotional, or financial harm as a result.
For example, if you were injured due to a broken paving slab in Southwell town centre, you would need to show that the council (or the responsible body) knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to fix it in a reasonable time.
What compensation can you claim?
The amount of compensation you can receive will depend on several factors, including the severity of your injury, how it has affected your life, and the financial losses you have incurred. Compensation may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of earnings (past and future)
- Medical expenses and treatment costs
- Travel expenses
- Care and assistance costs
- Compensation for psychological impact
Our solicitors will work to ensure that every aspect of your injury and its consequences are taken into account.
Time limits for making a claim in Southwell
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to start a public liability claim. However, there are exceptions:
- If the injured person is under 18, the time limit starts from their 18th birthday
- If the injured person lacks mental capacity, there may be no time limit
- Claims involving public bodies (like councils) may require early notice
If you were injured in Southwell, it is crucial to speak to a solicitor as soon as possible so that evidence can be preserved and deadlines met.
What evidence do you need?
Strong evidence is key to a successful public liability claim. Our team will help you gather and present the following:
- Photographs of the accident scene
- Witness statements from people who saw the accident
- Medical reports and treatment records
- CCTV footage, where available
- Incident reports filed with the responsible party
- Receipts for any expenses related to the injury
The sooner you speak to us, the easier it will be to collect reliable evidence before it is lost or altered.
No win, no fee public liability claims
At Marley Solicitors, we handle most public liability claims on a no win, no fee basis. This means you will not pay any legal fees unless your case is successful. If we win your case, our fee will be a percentage of your compensation, agreed in advance.
This arrangement allows you to pursue justice and compensation without worrying about upfront costs or financial risks.
Why choose Marley Solicitors for your Southwell public liability claim?
When it comes to public liability claims in Southwell, Marley Solicitors offers:
- Local knowledge: We understand the common hazards in and around Southwell and have experience dealing with local authorities and businesses.
- Specialist expertise: Our team focuses on personal injury law, including public liability claims, so you receive targeted, professional support.
- Compassionate approach: We know how disruptive and distressing an injury can be. Our solicitors provide clear, supportive guidance every step of the way.
- Proven results: We have a strong track record of securing fair compensation for clients in Southwell and across Nottinghamshire.
Steps to make a claim with us
If you think you have a valid public liability claim in Southwell, here is what to expect:
- Free consultation: Contact us for a no-obligation discussion about your accident and injury.
- Case assessment: We will evaluate the strength of your claim and explain your legal options.
- Gathering evidence: If you decide to proceed, we will begin collecting the necessary documents and information.
- Negotiating settlement: We will handle all communication with the responsible party or their insurer.
- Going to court: Most claims settle out of court, but if necessary, we will represent you in court proceedings.
Contact our Southwell public liability solicitors today
If you have been injured in a public place in Southwell and believe someone else was to blame, do not suffer in silence. Marley Solicitors is here to help you understand your rights and recover the compensation you deserve.
Contact our dedicated public liability team today for a free consultation. We are ready to listen, advise, and support you through every step of your claim.
