If you are injured in a public place, you may be entitled to make a public liability compensation claim. Some people do not realise that when an accident occurs in a public place, it may be due to the negligence of a local authority, property owner or other party. Often, this responsible party has an obligation to pay compensation for any injuries sustained. Whether you experienced minor cuts or bruises, or a serious injury with long-term consequences, you may be owed compensation that can cover pain, suffering and financial losses related to your accident.

The experts at Switalskis specialise in such claims, and can help to secure the maximum compensation for you after an accident in a public place. We'll discuss your circumstances with sensitivity, determine who was responsible for your accident and help you to make a public liability claim that covers all of your needs. We understand that these incidents can involve psychological trauma and lead to life-changing injuries, and it's important to hold local authorities to account when public spaces aren't safe.

Get in touch with our experienced serious injury solicitors today to arrange a free initial consultation and learn more about how we can help. Call Switalskis on 0800 138 0458 or get in touch via the form on our site.

There is no standard or average compensation amount when an injury happens in a public place, because the damages you will receive are based on the specifics of your injury and any financial losses related to the accident. To reflect your unique circumstances, compensation for public liability injuries is generally divided into two components:

• General damages cover pain, suffering and the effect of the injury on your quality of life. It can account for both physical and psychological harm.
• Special damages account for the financial losses which result from the injury, which not only includes past losses but anticipated future costs if you will have ongoing needs as a result of your injury.

Each of these elements is calculated differently, and it is important to work with a solicitor with strong experience in personal injury law to make sure you receive the maximum amount of compensation. All of the following factors should be considered:

• The severity and nature of the injury: the more serious your injuries, the higher the award. The Judicial College Guidelines form the basis of the calculation for general damages and provide compensation ranges for different types of injuries. Accidents that caused brain damage, spinal injury or limb amputation may have life-changing consequences, and you will receive more compensation than you would for cuts, bruises or bone fractures.
• The long-term impact: if you have experienced a permanent disability, lost function of a limb, or are expected to experience chronic pain or other lasting symptoms, you can receive more compensation. If your injuries have impaired your ability to work or carry out everyday tasks, this will also be taken into account, as will any effect on your lifestyle, hobbies, enjoyment of life or independence.
• Psychological injuries and mental health effects: any diagnosed mental health conditions related to the injury may be included in a compensation assessment, especially when a physical injury has led to psychiatric consequences.
• Financial losses and expenses: quantifiable financial losses and costs arising from the injury that can be taken into account include:
• Lost earnings if you stopped work, reduced hours or lost career prospects because of the injury or during your recovery, the lost earnings will be included.
• Medical expenses for private treatment, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, psychological counselling or other treatment requirements.
• Care and assistance costs for help at home, whether from family or paid carers, or adaptations to your home or vehicle to account for your injury and any permanent effects.
• Travel and mobility costs for transport to medical appointments, rehabilitation or therapy appointments.
• Home and vehicle adaptations such as ramps, stairlifts or an accessible bathroom if you need them as a consequence of the injury.
• Future needs: a younger claimant or one expected to live many years may receive more compensation to reflect longer-term impact, especially if they have ongoing care needs. Similarly, if the injured client can no longer work due to their injuries, we'll account for the potential earnings they have lost due to their accident.

Switalskis offers claims under a no win, no fee agreement, also called a conditional fee agreement. This arrangement means that you do not pay any legal costs up front, and will not owe us any fees if the claim is unsuccessful. This ensures you receive the maximum amount of compensation that you are entitled to, and can occupy the same financial position you would have been in if the accident had not happened.