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 because of 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.
This is not the case.
Public liability also covers injuries that happen on private property, such as homes, offices or vehicles.
For example, you may be able to make a public liability claim if a dog bites you at someone’s house.
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.
This must have caused your injury.
Types of Public Liability Claims
Public liability claims arise from a variety of scenarios depending on the nature and location of the injury.
Below are some common types of public liability claims.
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 requires them to take reasonable steps to prevent or minimise the risk of injury on their premises.
They must clean up spills, remove obstacles, and maintain equipment.
If they fail to do this, they may be liable for a public liability claim if someone is injured.
Elderly people are especially vulnerable to slip, trip and fall accidents.
2. Rental Property Claims: Making Landlords Accountable
Renting a property can expose you to potential hazards, especially if the landlord does not fulfil their duty of care.
Landlords must ensure that the property is safe and well maintained.
They must also fix any defects or damages that may pose a risk to tenants.
If you suffer an injury because they fail to do this, you may be entitled to a public liability claim.
For example, you may fall down a broken staircase, or you may get electrocuted by a faulty switch.
In these cases, you may be able to hold the landlord responsible.
Landlords usually hold 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 products, including toys, tools, food and furniture.
If a product has a manufacturing defect that causes harm, the manufacturer may be liable.
For example, you may suffer food poisoning from a contaminated product.
You may also suffer a serious injury from a defective electrical item.
In these situations, 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.
They are also the most diverse and varied.
Public places include any location open to or used by the public, such as concerts, parks, sporting events, common areas in buildings, amusement parks and school yards.
If you are injured in a public place because of negligence by the person or entity in charge, you may have a case.
For example, you may be hit by a falling object at a construction site.
You may also be injured by a faulty ride at an amusement park.
In these cases, you may be able to claim compensation from the responsible party.
The scope of public places is broad.
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.