Nobody expects to suffer a serious injury in a public space, but this can happen. Slips, trips, and falls are all common incidents in public areas, and it is vital that you know what steps to take in this situation to protect your health, legal rights, and ability to claim compensation. This post will guide you through the main steps to take if you or someone you are with has an accident in a public place.
Prioritise Your Health & Safety
First, you must prioritise your health and safety. This means seeking immediate medical attention, even if the injury does not seem severe at first – many injuries do not present themselves straight away, and it is important to rule out potentially serious issues like concussion. In addition, obtaining a medical report is useful as it can serve as key evidence if you decide to make a claim.
Report the Incident to the Relevant Authority
Once you have ensured your health and safety, you should report the incident. You need to notify those responsible for managing the space, whether this is the local council, supermarket, transport operator, etc. Be sure to do this to make sure that any hazards are removed from the area and to create an official record of the incident.
Gather Evidence While You Can
You should also gather as much evidence as you can to establish fault and document the incident. This can involve taking photos of the hazard and any injuries sustained, taking witness contact details, and keeping records of any costs incurred. Keep in mind that evidence is often lost or removed quickly in public spaces, so you should try to gather evidence as soon as possible after the incident.
Understand Your Rights Under UK Law
You also should understand your rights under UK law. The Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957 outlines that those responsible for public spaces have a legal duty to take reasonable care to ensure visitor safety, which means local authorities and businesses need to maintain their premises. If they fail to do this, you could be entitled to compensation. Citizens Advice is a good starting point for guidance.
Seek Specialist Legal Advice
Finally, you should seek specialist legal advice to pursue compensation. You can receive compensation to cover the damages, but you need to consult a solicitor experienced in public injury claims. Many offer no-win, no-fee options to minimise financial risk.
It is hoped you will never have to use the information in this post, but these are the main steps you need to take if you are ever seriously injured in a public place. It is vital that you know how to protect your health, legal rights, and ability to claim compensation, which will hopefully help you find the best outcome in this situation.
