If you have been injured in a public place due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to make a public liability claim. Accidents can occur in shopping centres, supermarkets, restaurants, hotels, footpaths, parks and other public areas, often leaving victims with physical injuries, financial losses and emotional distress. Our experienced Galway public liability solicitors provide clear, practical legal advice to help clients pursue the compensation they may be entitled to receive.
What Is a Public Liability Claim?
A public liability claim arises when a person suffers an injury because the owner, occupier or person responsible for a premises has failed to take reasonable care to ensure it is reasonably safe. Businesses, local authorities, landlords and other occupiers owe a legal duty to reduce the risk of foreseeable accidents.
Common public liability accidents include:
Slip and trip accidents.
Falls caused by uneven pavements or defective footpaths.
Wet floor accidents.
Injuries caused by poor lighting.
Falling objects in shops or retail premises.
Accidents in hotels, restaurants and cafés.
Injuries sustained in parks or recreational facilities.
If your accident was caused by another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to pursue a public liability compensation claim.
What Should You Do After a Public Liability Accident?
The steps you take immediately after an accident can have an important impact on both your recovery and any future claim. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, report the accident to the owner or manager of the premises, and ensure it is recorded in the accident report book where available.
If it is safe to do so, take photographs of the accident scene and any hazards, obtain the names and contact details of witnesses, keep receipts for medical expenses and other financial losses, and seek advice from an experienced personal injury solicitor. Early legal advice can help preserve important evidence and ensure your claim is properly prepared.
How Is a Public Liability Claim Made?
Most public liability claims in Ireland are first submitted to the Injuries Resolution Board for assessment before court proceedings can be considered. Your solicitor will prepare the application, obtain the necessary medical evidence and gather the documentation required to support your claim.
If liability is disputed or either party rejects the Board’s assessment, court proceedings may become necessary. Throughout the process, your solicitor will explain your legal options and work to achieve the best possible outcome.
What Compensation Can Be Claimed?
Compensation is intended, as far as money can, to place you in the position you would have been in had the accident not occurred.
General Damages
Pain and suffering.
Special Damages
Medical and rehabilitation expenses.
Loss of earnings.
Future loss of income.
Travel expenses.
Care and assistance costs.
Other financial losses resulting from the accident.
Every claim is assessed individually, taking account of the nature of the injuries, the impact on your daily life and the financial losses you have suffered.
Why Choose Kerrigan Solicitors?
Public liability claims often involve insurers, medical evidence and complex legal issues concerning liability. Our experienced solicitors will guide you through every stage of the claims process, ensuring your case is professionally prepared and your legal rights are protected.
Assess the strength of your claim.
Gather supporting evidence.
Obtain independent medical reports.
Correspond with insurers on your behalf.
Advise you throughout the Injuries Resolution Board process.
Represent you if court proceedings become necessary.
Our aim is to make the claims process as straightforward as possible while allowing you to focus on your recovery.
Time Limits for Public Liability Claims in Ireland
Strict legal time limits apply to public liability claims. In most cases, proceedings must be commenced within two years from the date of the accident or from the date you first became aware of your injury. Because evidence can disappear and memories may fade, it is advisable to seek legal advice without unnecessary delay.
Contact Kerrigan Solicitors
If you have suffered an injury in a public place due to unsafe conditions or negligence, our experienced public liability solicitor is here to help. We provide clear, practical legal advice and guide clients through every stage of the claims process.
We can assess your circumstances, explain your legal options and guide you through the public liability claims process with clear, practical advice. Contact us today on 091 820630, through our website at kerrigansolicitors.ie, or by email m.kerrigan@kerrigansolicitors.ie to arrange a confidential consultation.