Claims & Compensation2 min check

Public Liability Claim Checker

Quick check on whether a slip, trip or other accident in a public place could give you a viable UK claim.

Short answer

Public liability claims (slips, trips, falls in shops, restaurants, pubs, council pavements) succeed when you can prove: (1) the defendant owed a duty of care under Occupiers' Liability Act 1957, (2) breach (failed to take reasonable care), and (3) the breach caused your injury. Photos, witnesses and incident reports are essential.

Step 1 of 10%

How it works

We check the standard PL ingredients: where it happened (shop, public place, friend's home), evidence preserved (photos, accident book, witnesses), reported promptly, and within 3 years.

Worked example

Slip on unmarked wet floor in a supermarket → CCTV shows spill present 30+ minutes with no warning sign → likely breach of Occupiers' Liability Act. Modest injury claim ~£3k–£8k + lost earnings.

Who should use this

•People injured in shops, restaurants, hotels, gyms, parks
•Trip claims on poorly-maintained pavements (council)
•Injuries on private land you visited lawfully

Common mistakes

×Not photographing the hazard immediately (chains repair quickly)
×Not getting witness contact details
×Not reporting to staff and getting a signed accident report
×Missing 3-year limitation

Frequently asked questions

Can I claim against the council for a pavement trip?▾

Yes if defect is over the actionable threshold (typically 25mm depth) and council can't prove a reasonable inspection regime under s.58 Highways Act 1980.

What if I was wearing high heels?▾

Doesn't bar your claim, but may reduce damages for contributory negligence.

Are children's claims different?▾

Same legal test, higher duty of care to foreseeable child visitors. Limitation runs from age 18.

Related calculators

Personal Injury →Accident at Work →Loss of Earnings →Limitation →