While summertime brings more outdoor fun and activities, our team of Personal Injury lawyers warns that sunshine can sadly also bring an increase in accidents and, specifically, accidents in public areas.
An accident in a public place can be in a park, recreational facility, on public roads, shopping centres, outlets, restaurants, cafes and more. Whether it’s a private business or a local council, the legal occupier of the location where the accident happened has the lawful responsibility to provide a safe environment.
If you have been injured in a public place, you might be entitled to make a claim for your injuries and for any loss of earnings, medical and rehabilitation costs, and any support you may require later at home.
We believe it’s important to have an idea or be prepared for worst-case scenarios, and knowing what to do in the sad event of an accident in a public place can later on save you a lot of suffering, stress, time and even money.
We have a wealth of experience in public liability cases, so we have some tips you should follow if you have had an accident in a public place:
1. Take photographs and witness details
We understand that at the time of the accident, you will be shocked, but you may be surprised how your brain will immediately spring into action. So, if possible, your first step should be to take pictures of the accident scene and the surrounding areas, any hazards, or spills. In addition, make sure to take pictures of your injuries.
Next, speak to and take witnesses’ contact details, this is an important factor for public injury claims.
2. Seek medical attention
It is vital to visit the hospital or your GP, to not only to make sure you are getting the right medical attention and to be treated but to also prove your injuries and how they might affect your life in the long term. Sometimes adrenaline can mask the true extent of your injuries and even if you think your injury is minor you must still get checked out.
By seeking medical attention, your injuries are also documented and a medical report can later be used as evidence for your claim.
3. Take notes
When an accident happens it can feel like life is in fast-forward, but when you find a few minutes of peace to sit down, take your closest notebook or use your notes app on your phone to write down everything that happened. Ideally, it’s best to do this while everything is still fresh in your memory even if it’s sporadic notes that can help you later on with your case.
4. Keep all receipts and document your losses
During the process of your accident claim, we try to calculate the amount of compensation you should receive for financial losses that occurred because of your accident. So, it’s vital that you keep all receipts, medical, and transportation costs to the hospital and anything related to your accident.
5. Report the accident
Before the accident claim process starts, you must report the accident to the owner of the premises where the injury happened. For example, if you were injured in a restaurant you will have to report the accident on the premises. Most businesses have an accident reporting procedure that should be straightforward to follow.
6. Speak to our solicitors
Whether it’s a minor or serious accident, it can affect your life in many ways, from needing to take time off work to rehabilitation and financial losses. An accident in a public place can be life-altering, however, we are here to help you and assist you before, while and after claiming.
Get in touch with us for an initial free consultation to first establish whether you have the grounds to pursue a Public Liability claim and then to plan your next steps.
Our team of highly experienced lawyers includes members of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) and will be by your side every step of the way. Whatever your need or enquiry, please fill in our online contact form and we will get in touch.
