Injury in a public place claims allow people to seek compensation when they’ve been hurt due to someone else’s negligence in a public setting. This includes accidents caused by poor maintenance, a lack of warnings, or hazardous conditions in areas open to the general public. In Salford, where foot traffic is high across busy spots like Salford Precinct, Chapel Street, and the University of Salford campus, these accidents are not uncommon.
Whether you slipped on a wet supermarket floor, tripped on a cracked pavement near Langworthy Road or were injured in a park like Peel Park, you may have grounds to bring a public liability claim. Marley Solicitors can help you understand your rights and explore your options on a no win, no fee basis.
What is a public liability injury claim?
A public liability injury claim is a legal route that allows individuals to seek compensation after being injured in spaces that are open to the public. These claims are typically made against the person or organisation responsible for the upkeep and safety of the area.
Examples include:
- Salford City Council (responsible for public paths and roadways)
- Private businesses such as supermarkets, gyms and restaurants
- Housing associations or landlords of residential estates with shared communal areas
If their negligence contributed to your accident, you may be entitled to compensation.
Can I claim if I was injured in a public place in Salford?
Yes, you may be able to claim compensation if you suffered an injury in a public place and the accident was caused by someone else’s failure to maintain a safe environment. To make a successful claim, it must be shown that:
- The responsible party had a legal duty of care
- That duty was breached through negligence
- The breach directly caused your injury
For example, if you tripped on an unmarked pothole outside a GP surgery on Eccles Old Road or slipped on an icy supermarket entrance without grit or signage, you could have a case.
Examples of public places where accidents happen
In Salford, accidents in public places happen in a wide range of locations, including:
- Retail parks and supermarkets (e.g. Tesco Salford or Aldi on Heywood Way)
- Bus stops and transport stations like Salford Crescent Station
- Parks such as Lightoaks Park or Ordsall Park
- School grounds and university campuses
- Pubs, cafés and restaurants
- Pavements and public walkways
- Car parks (public or privately managed)
The nature of the location often affects who is liable and how your claim is assessed.
Common types of public place accidents
Marley Solicitors regularly supports Salford residents who have experienced:
- Slips on wet or icy surfaces without warning signs
- Trips on raised paving slabs or loose tiles
- Injuries from broken steps, handrails or kerbs
- Accidents involving falling shop displays or shelving
- Cuts or bruises caused by sharp or unsafe fixtures
- Playground accidents involving faulty equipment
We often liaise with clients who have sought medical care from local facilities such as Salford Royal Hospital, the Cornerstone Medical Practice or Springfield Medical Centre following their injuries.
What to do after a public place injury
Taking the right steps immediately after your accident can help strengthen your claim:
- Report the accident: Notify the premises owner, council or manager and ensure it is logged.
- Take photographs: Capture the scene, any defects or hazards and your injuries.
- Seek medical attention: Visit a GP or hospital to assess and document your injuries.
- Collect witness details: Get names and contact information of anyone who saw the accident.
- Keep a record of expenses: Save receipts for travel, prescriptions and any lost earnings.
Marley Solicitors offers free consultations to review your situation and help you decide if a claim is appropriate.
Who is responsible for your injury?
The party responsible depends on where the injury took place:
- Salford City Council: Maintains pavements, public highways, parks and some housing estates
- Private businesses: Responsible for maintaining their premises and customer areas
- Landlords or housing associations: Liable for shared areas in rental properties
Our solicitors investigate all aspects of your case to determine liability. This includes requesting inspection logs, maintenance schedules and incident reports to establish whether safety protocols were followed.
How long do I have to make a claim?
You typically have three years from the date of the accident to start your claim. There are some exceptions:
- For children, the three-year period starts on their 18th birthday
- In the event that the person is mentally incapable, the time limit may not apply until (or unless) capacity is regained
We always advise starting your claim as early as possible to ensure evidence is preserved and witness recollection remains strong.
How much compensation could I receive?
Compensation for public place injuries is typically divided into two categories:
- General damages: Cover the pain, suffering and loss of amenity caused by your injury
- Special damages: Include financial losses like time off work, transport costs, medical treatment and future care
Some rough examples include:
- Minor sprains and bruises: £1,000 – £4,000
- Moderate fractures or dislocations: £4,000 – £12,000
- Serious head, back or neck injuries: £15,000 – £100,000+
Each case is unique. During your consultation, Marley Solicitors will give you a realistic estimate based on your specific circumstances.
Why choose Marley Solicitors in Salford?
Marley Solicitors has supported countless clients across Salford and Greater Manchester in recovering compensation after injuries in public places. We are known for our approachable service, deep legal knowledge and commitment to securing the best possible outcome.
Clients trust us because:
- We work on a no win, no fee basis
- We offer clear and practical advice from day one
- We understand the local area, including how local authorities and insurers operate
- We keep your claim progressing with minimal disruption to your daily life
Whether your injury happened in a high street shop, a local park or a poorly maintained housing estate, we’ll help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
FAQs
Can I claim compensation for a public place injury in Salford if there were no witnesses?
Yes. While witness statements are helpful, a claim can still succeed if there is other supporting evidence, such as photographs, CCTV footage, or medical records.
Do I have to go to court to make a public injury claim?
Most public liability claims are settled outside of court. Only a small percentage proceed to a hearing, usually where there is a serious dispute over liability or compensation.
Speak to a solicitor in Salford today
If you’ve suffered an injury in a public place in Salford, contact Marley Solicitors today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen carefully to your situation and explain your legal options clearly. With our no win, no fee approach, you can pursue compensation with confidence and peace of mind.
