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Public Injury Claims
If you’ve been injured in a public space and are unsure who is responsible, the situation can feel confusing and unfair. We provide clear, practical advice on public injury claims, helping you understand whether a claim is possible and what steps you can take next.
Have you been injured somewhere you expected to be safe?
An injury in a public place can leave you dealing with pain, disruption, and uncertainty about your rights. You may be unsure whether the accident could have been prevented, who is legally responsible, or whether making a claim is worth the emotional and financial effort. Our role is to help you understand your position calmly and clearly, without pressure, and to explain what support may be available to you.
An accident in a public place
You were injured in a public space such as a pavement, car park, park or public building, and are unsure who was responsible for keeping the area safe.
A defect that caused a fall or injury
You slipped, tripped or were hurt because something was broken, uneven, poorly maintained or left unsafe, and you are questioning whether this should have been dealt with sooner.
Time off work or reduced income
Your injury has affected your ability to work, either temporarily or longer term, and you are concerned about lost earnings or financial pressure during recovery.
Ongoing pain or lasting impact
What seemed like a minor accident has had a greater impact than expected, with ongoing symptoms, reduced mobility, or disruption to daily life.
Unexpected costs during recovery
You are facing additional expenses such as travel, treatment, care, or adaptations, and want to understand whether these practical costs can be taken into account.
Speak to our team
Martyn Trenerry
Consultant
Janeet Jawanda
Solicitor
Holly Minney
Head of Dispute Resolution
Aaron Burkett
Dispute Resolution Solicitor
Guidance on public injury claims
We provide clear legal advice and practical support to individuals who have been injured in public places, helping you understand your rights and whether a compensation claim may be available.
Who may be responsible
Public injury claims often involve accidents in places maintained by councils, transport authorities, schools, or other public bodies. Responsibility depends on who had a duty to maintain the area and whether reasonable steps were taken to keep it safe. We help identify the correct party and assess whether that duty may have been breached.
What needs to be shown
To bring a public injury claim, it must usually be shown that the organisation responsible failed to take reasonable care, and that this failure caused your injury. This may involve evidence such as maintenance records, photographs, witness statements, or medical reports. We explain what matters most in your circumstances.
Managing risk and expectations
Claims against public bodies can be subject to strict procedures and defences. We provide realistic advice on prospects, timescales, and potential outcomes, helping you decide whether to proceed and how best to protect your position.
Holly Minney
Head of Dispute Resolution
Schedule a call to discuss a public injury claim
Make an enquiry
Why choose Mullis & Peake
Public injury claims require careful handling and clear advice. Our approach is focused on reassurance, proportionate action, and practical outcomes.
Clear early assessment
Honest advice on whether a claim is likely to succeed, before you commit time or cost.
Experience with public bodies
Familiarity with claims involving councils and other public authorities.
Practical, client-focused guidance
Legal advice explained in plain English, with your priorities in mind.
Local, trusted support
A responsive Essex-based team you can speak to directly.
Frequently asked questions
A public injury claim usually arises when someone is injured in a place open to the public, such as pavements, parks, car parks, public buildings, or transport facilities. Claims are often brought against councils or other bodies responsible for maintenance.
You usually need to show that the organisation responsible failed to take reasonable care. This does not mean proving negligence beyond doubt, but showing that safety standards were not met and this caused your injury.
Yes. Elderly individuals are particularly vulnerable to financial exploitation.
Yes. Most public injury claims must be started within three years of the date of the injury, although there are exceptions. Early advice is important to avoid missing deadlines.
Evidence can include photographs of the area, witness details, accident reports, and medical records. We guide you on what is helpful and proportionate to gather.
Many public injury claims are resolved without court proceedings. Court action is usually a last resort if liability or compensation cannot be agreed.
Costs depend on the complexity of the case. We discuss funding options early and explain likely costs so you can make an informed decision.
Get in touch with our Public Injury Claims team
If you’ve been injured in a public place and need clarity about your options, we’re here to help. An initial conversation can often provide reassurance and direction, even if you decide not to proceed.
Specialist public injury claims advice
– Dedicated solicitors with deep experience.
Fast, confidential advice
– Clear guidance when you need it most.
No-obligation consultation
– Understand your options before you decide.
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