If you have suffered an injury due to an accident in a public place in Alresford, you might be entitled to compensation. Whether you were injured in a shop, on pavement, in a park or any other public setting, the law is on your side. At Marley Solicitors, we help individuals in Alresford understand their rights and claim the compensation they deserve.
In this blog post, we will explore how accidents in public places happen, who may be responsible, what steps to take after an incident, and how compensation is calculated. We’ll also address some of the most common concerns and questions people have about starting a claim.
What is an accident in a public place?
An accident in a public place is any incident that leads to injury or harm, occurring in an area accessible to the public. These areas include:
- Public pavements and roads
- Parks and recreational areas
- Shops and supermarkets
- Restaurants and cafés
- Shopping centres
- Car parks
- Public buildings such as libraries, schools and hospitals
The key factor is that these spaces are open to the public and should be maintained in a safe condition. When those responsible for the upkeep of such places fail to do so, and someone is injured as a result, a compensation claim may be possible.
Who is responsible for your accident?
The responsible party depends on where the accident occurred and the specific circumstances. In general, responsibility lies with:
- Local councils (for public highways, footpaths and parks)
- Private businesses (for shops, restaurants, and shopping centres)
- Landowners or occupiers (for car parks or private land accessible to the public)
Under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957, those who have control over public spaces have a legal duty to ensure the safety of visitors. If this duty is breached and it leads to injury, they can be held liable.
For example, if a council fails to repair a broken paving slab on a high street in Alresford and you trip and injure yourself, the council may be liable. Similarly, if you slip on a spillage in a supermarket that wasn’t cleaned or signposted in time, the store may be held responsible.
Common types of public place accidents
While every case is different, some types of accidents happen more frequently than others. In Alresford, as in other towns across the UK, the following are some of the most common:
- Slips, trips, and falls are often caused by wet floors, uneven pavement, potholes, poor lighting, or debris left in walkways.
- Playground injuries: Faulty or poorly maintained play equipment in parks or schools
- Supermarket accidents: Spills, falling stock, or damaged trolleys
- Car park injuries: Uneven surfaces, lack of signage or poorly lit areas
- Falling objects: Items falling from shelves or signage in disrepair
- Sports facility incidents: Poor maintenance of gym equipment or sports fields
These accidents can lead to injuries such as fractures, sprains, head injuries or even more serious, long-term conditions.
Steps to take after an accident in Alresford
If you have suffered an injury in a public place in Alresford, it is important to take the right steps as soon as possible. These include:
- Seek medical attention
Your health should always come first. Visit your GP, walk-in clinic or hospital, even if the injury seems minor. - Report the incident
Notify the manager, owner or relevant authorities. For example, report a street accident to the local council or a supermarket fall to the store manager. Make sure the report is recorded in their accident book. - Gather evidence
- Take photographs of the accident scene, including what caused your injury
- Get contact details of any witnesses
- Retain any receipts, prescriptions or medical reports
- Keep a diary
Record your symptoms, recovery progress, missed workdays, and any financial losses. - Speak to a solicitor
Contacting a personal injury solicitor like Marley Solicitors can make the claims process smoother and improve your chances of success.
How much compensation can you claim?
Compensation is typically divided into two categories:
- General damages: For pain, suffering, and loss of amenity
- Special damages: For financial losses such as lost earnings, travel expenses, medical costs, and ongoing care needs
The amount you can claim depends on the severity of your injury, how it has affected your life, and any future implications. For example, a fractured wrist that heals fully may result in a smaller payout than a head injury with lasting cognitive effects.
As a rough guide, here are some example compensation ranges (based on Judicial College Guidelines 16th edition):
- Minor soft tissue injuries: £1,000–£4,000
- Moderate ankle injuries: £12,000–£24,000
- Serious head injuries: £40,000–£205,000
Special damages vary widely and are calculated based on your actual losses and expenses.
Time limits for making a claim
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to start a compensation claim. However, there are exceptions:
- If the injured person is under 18, the time limit starts from their 18th birthday
- For those without mental capacity, the time limit may not apply until capacity is regained
- In fatal accident cases, family members have three years from the date of death
It is always best to speak to a solicitor as soon as possible to ensure deadlines are met and evidence is preserved.
Do you need to go to court?
Most public place accident claims are settled out of court. If liability is clear and the injuries are well-documented, the defendant may agree to a settlement through negotiation.
However, if the responsible party denies liability or disputes the extent of your injuries, court proceedings may be necessary. Even then, many cases settle before the court date arrives.
Marley Solicitors will guide you through every stage, whether negotiating a fair settlement or preparing for court.
Why choose Marley Solicitors for your Alresford claim?
At Marley Solicitors, we understand the physical, emotional and financial impact an accident can have. Our team of personal injury experts is dedicated to helping Alresford residents secure the compensation they are entitled to.
Here is why people in Alresford trust us with their accident claims:
- Local knowledge: We understand the unique features of Alresford’s public spaces and can identify liable parties quickly
- No win, no fee: You do not pay us unless we win your case
- Proven success: A strong track record of securing fair compensation for public accident victims
- Friendly and professional: We treat every client with empathy and respect
From your first call to the final settlement, we will be by your side to ensure your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
Frequently asked questions
Can I claim compensation if I was partly at fault?
Yes, in some cases you can. This is known as contributory negligence. For example, if you were not paying attention but the area was still unsafe, the compensation amount may be reduced rather than denied entirely.
Will it cost me anything to claim?
Most claims are handled on a no win, no fee basis. This means you only pay if your claim is successful, and the fee will be taken from your compensation. We will explain all costs upfront.
What if the council says they are not liable?
Councils often defend claims vigorously. However, if they failed in their duty to inspect or maintain a public space, they can be held responsible. We will gather evidence to build a strong case on your behalf.
Is there a time limit on council claims?
Yes, the general three-year limit applies. However, it is especially important with council claims to act quickly, as proving liability can take time.
Start your Alresford public accident claim today
If you have been injured in a public place in Alresford, do not suffer in silence. Marley Solicitors are here to help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We will listen to your story, explain your options and guide you every step of the way.
Call Marley Solicitors now or complete our online form to get started.
