When you think of public liability claims, you might imagine accidents that happen in public places, such as slipping on a wet floor or tripping over a loose pavement. However, public liability is much more complex and diverse than that. It covers a wide range of situations where someone suffers an injury due to the negligence of another person or entity.
Public Liability: Not Just for Public Spaces
Many people assume that public liability only applies to incidents that occur in public spaces, such as parks, streets, or shopping centres. However, this is not the case. Public liability also covers injuries that happen on private property, such as homes, offices or vehicles. For example, if you are bitten by a dog at someone’s house, you may be able to make a public liability claim. The key factor is whether the person or entity responsible for the property or service owed you a duty of care and breached that duty, causing your injury.
Types of Public Liability Claims
Public liability claims can arise from a variety of scenarios, depending on the nature and location of the injury. Some of the common types of public liability claims are:
1. Business Premises Liability: Understanding the Duty of Care
Business owners have a legal obligation to provide a safe and secure environment for their customers and visitors. This means they have to take reasonable steps to prevent or minimise the risk of injury on their premises. For instance, they have to clean up any spills, remove any obstacles, and maintain any equipment. If they fail to do so, and someone gets injured as a result, they may be liable for a public liability claim. This is especially true for elderly people, who are more vulnerable to slip, trip and fall accidents.
2. Rental Property Claims: Making Landlords Accountable
Renting a property can also expose you to potential hazards, especially if the landlord does not fulfil their duty of care. Landlords are required to ensure that the property is in a good, safe and well-maintained condition, and that they fix any defects or damages that may pose a risk to the tenants. If they fail to do so, and you suffer an injury as a result, you may be entitled to a public liability claim. For example, if you fall down a broken staircase, or if you get electrocuted by a faulty switch, you may be able to hold the landlord responsible. Landlords usually have public liability insurance to cover these claims.
3. Faulty Product Claims: Exposing the Manufacturing Flaws
Manufacturers have a duty of care to ensure that the products they produce are safe and fit for their intended purpose. This applies to all kinds of products, from toys to tools, from food to furniture. If a product has a manufacturing defect that causes harm to the consumer, the manufacturer may be liable. For example, if you get food poisoning from a contaminated product, or if you suffer a serious injury from a defective electrical item, you may be able to seek compensation from the manufacturer.
4. Public Places
Public places are the most obvious and common source of public liability claims, but they are also the most diverse and varied. Public places include any place that is open to or used by the public, such as concerts, parks, sporting events, common areas in buildings, amusement parks and school yards etc. If you are injured in a public place due to the negligence of the person or entity in charge of the place, you may have a case. For example, if you are hit by a falling object at a construction site, or if you are injured by a faulty ride at an amusement park, you may be able to claim compensation from the responsible party. The scope of public places is very broad, and if you are unsure whether your case qualifies, don’t hesitate to contact one of our experts.
Questions or Concerns?
Do you have questions or concerns about public liability claims? Contact Somerville Laundry Lomax today for expert guidance and reliable service.