Injury in public
Claims against the council
Local councils have a responsibility to maintain the public spaces we use each day, including roads, pavements and public buildings. If they have failed in this duty, and you’ve been injured as a result, you could be entitled to claim compensation against the council.
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When can I make a claim against the council?
The law demands that councils and local authorities keep roads, pavements and other council properties, such as libraries and schools, in a good condition. Unfortunately, this is a huge task, and faults are relatively common, from potholes and dangerous sections of paving to poorly maintained council houses and estates.
Where the council or local authority has failed in their duty to properly maintain public spaces, and you or a loved one have been injured due to their negligence, you could be entitled to claim compensation from the council. Doing so cannot undo what has been done, but it can help to support you and your family while you recover, as well as ensuring the council addresses the hazard that caused your injury.
It can feel daunting to consider a council claim after an injury. At Slater and Gordon, our team of industry-leading personal injury solicitors are on hand to support you with a professional, friendly approach, and a steadfast commitment to delivering the best outcome for you and your family.
What are the most common types of claims against the council?
As your local council is responsible for many of the public spaces people use every day, there are numerous types of claims that could be made against them if they fail in their responsibility to keep spaces properly maintained. Some examples of the areas they are responsible for include:
- Roads and pavements
- Council housing
- Public parks
- Leisure centres
- Local authority-maintained schools
- Libraries
- Council-owned buildings
- Waste disposal centres
- Public transport
Many of these spaces are used by a large number of people every day, and heavy use often means that structures and facilities require a high level of maintenance to ensure they remain fit for purpose and safe. Where the council has failed to carry out the proper maintenance and the area becomes unsafe, it can leave the public at risk of injury.
Whatever the danger was – whether it was a loose paving stone, a damaged kerb, an electrical fault or a slip in a leisure centre, to name a few – if you’ve been injured as a result of someone’s negligence, you may be able to make a claim against the council.
What evidence will I need to make a council claim?
To make a claim against the council successfully, it will need to be established that their negligence was at least in part to blame for your injuries. This should include evidence of how you sustained your injury, how severe your injury is or was, and who was to blame for your accident.
When you begin your claim, your solicitor will start by taking a detailed account of what has happened and how it occurred. From there, they will draw together the necessary evidence to support your case, which could include:
- Medical records to showcase the extent of your injuries and the impact they have had on your day-to-day life, including any test results
- Witness statements detailing how the accident occurred, or the suffering caused by your injuries
- Photographic evidence of the injury
- Video evidence, such as CCTV, that could have captured the accident taking place
What you should do following a pothole accident?
How can a claim help following damages caused by a pothole? Our experts explain what you have to do.
Really helpful and always on the other side of the phone if needed. Quick and easy service. Ashley
Excellent communication, in constant contact with the latest info regarding your case. David
Everything is moving along quickly and smoothly. Good professional service I'm glad I chose Slater and Gordon. Kenny Jackson
What is the process for claiming compensation from the council?
Making a claim for compensation can often seem overwhelming, particularly if you are still recovering from your injury. However, it doesn’t need to be a headache; our expert team of personal injury solicitors are here to ensure your claim runs as smoothly as possible, without any fuss.
To start your claim against the council, simply give us a call on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online and we can arrange a time to sit down and discuss your case. Our friendly solicitors will listen to the details of your case and explain clearly the process that we’ll follow to pursue compensation.
If we think you’ve got a claim, we’ll get the ball rolling and start collecting the evidence we need. This may involve arranging an examination by an independent medical expert to determine the extent of your injuries and how quickly you may recover.
Throughout the process, we’ll keep you fully up to date, and will continue to work tirelessly to achieve the best result for you and your family.
To discuss how we can help you claim the compensation you deserve, call us now on 0330 041 5869 or request a call back at a time that suits you.
Why should I choose Slater and Gordon?
It can be incredibly distressing to suffer an injury in a public place, and many people are left feeling vulnerable and wondering what to do next. In such difficult circumstances, it is essential that you have the support of a reliable, skilled solicitor you can trust.
Our industry-leading team of solicitors have earned top ranking from independent legal guides (Chambers and Partners, and the Legal 500), as well as esteemed accreditations from the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL).
We know that moving forward involves more than just legal advice and compensation, which is why we work closely with medical professionals to determine the impact of your injuries long-term and identify any additional support and rehabilitation you may need.
Why choose Slater and Gordon?
No Win No Fee
We’re no win no fee specialists, meaning there’s no financial risk when making a claim for an accident at work or in a public place.
Talk to the experts
We have teams of legal experts who specialise in representing those who’ve suffered injuries as a result of accidents at work and in public places.
Tailored advice
As specialists in accidents at work and public places, we'll ensure your case is dealt with swiftly, whilst ensuring you receive the maximum compensation.
Your local law firm
We’re a reputable National law firm with expert lawyers in local areas across England, Scotland and Wales.
Frequently asked questions about council claims
How much compensation could I receive for a claim against the council?
How much your claim might be worth depends largely on how serious your injuries are and how long a full recovery might be expected to take. However, in addition to damages for pain, suffering and loss of amenity, most claims include a sum to cover any loss of earnings as well as the cost of any medical treatment, physiotherapy or other necessary rehabilitation.
Is there a time limit for claiming compensation from the council?
There is a time limit of three years from the date of any accident for you to start a compensation claim, though you can be allowed longer if you are claiming on behalf of a child or someone with mental impairment.
You should also bear in mind that most injury compensation claims will require evidence to be presented, so you will need to make sure you have photographs, witness statements and medical evidence available to support your claim, even if the accident occurred up to three years ago.
How long does claiming compensation from the council take?
It can be difficult to say from the outset how long a council claim may take, as there are several different factors that can influence how long the claims process takes. For example, one of the most significant factors will be how quickly the other side (i.e. the council) admits responsibility for your accident. Only once this has been established can we begin to negotiate the amount of compensation owed.
Our solicitors always work hard to ensure the claims process runs as smoothly and efficiently as possible and will keep you fully informed of the progress we are making. To discuss your case in more detail, and learn how much compensation you could be owed, speak to a member of our team today.