The Christmas build-up is an extremely busy time, with shops and supermarkets full to bursting on evenings and weekends, roads more hectic at peak times, and people generally out and about more as they pay visits and attend celebrations.
People are generally in a huge rush to get everything done in a limited amount of time, and this can put strain on not only individuals but also the facilities and venues where this increased activity is occurring.
The more people are crammed together in one place, the more likely there is to be an accident of some kind if things are not running smoothly and maintained effectively.
This article focuses on the kinds of accidents that may occur at peak times of the year, as well as what you must do if you were to take legal action against those responsible.
What types of accidents in public places around Christmas may occur?
Many types of accidents can occur in public, so we have narrowed this down to the kinds of things which may happen to an unfortunate shopper or commuter during the elevated volume of activity brought about by this time of year.
This could be a footpath, road or a public right of way, whether as a pedestrian, cyclist or driver.
- Supermarkets, shops, pubs, car parks etc.
All retail environments, including shopping centres or any property belonging to or managed by a retailer, such as car park stairways and ramps.
Such as wet, slippery flooring with inadequate or absent warning signs, slippery black ice in car parks and trip hazards.
Who is liable for my accident?
Who is liable for your accident depends on where it happened. Accidents occurring in or on a property, such as a shopping centre, for example, would be the responsibility of the owner. A road traffic accident involving another car would put liability on the driver who caused the crash.
Am I eligible to make a claim for compensation?
If you had an accident in a public place and you were not to blame, you may be eligible to claim compensation.
Our in-house team of Personal Injury Solicitors will be able to advise you best on the likelihood of your claim being successful, so please do feel free to give them a call on 0113 200 9720.
What evidence would I need?
What evidence you would be able to obtain would depend on the type of accident you were in, but such proof could be a combination of the following:
- Accident book logs – A log of the accident report to prove that the cause of your fall was reported. Ensure that you keep copies of letters received in relation to your accident, such as from insurance companies.
- CCTV footage – Car park, store, shopping centre etc.
- Circumstances – You must be able to provide details of exactly where, why, and how the accident happened, what the danger was, and how it was preventable.
- Photographs – Show what caused the accident with measurements to show scale. It is also useful to show the injuries sustained, especially with scarring.
- Witness accounts and contact details – To prove that risks were avoidable and that accident details are corroborated. For example, an employee has confirmed the area has been defective for some time, this will assist your case. Try to obtain their contact information.
- GP appointments, A&E visits, therapy sessions, physiotherapy etc. – Our team will be able to assist with gathering medical records. It also helps if accident circumstances are logged in your medical records, to support the fact that you have been injured.
If I didn’t report the accident, can I still make a claim for compensation?
Without a written record of the accident taking place, the chances of winning the case reduce considerably, unless there is other compelling evidence available.
Therefore, if you cannot report the incident at the time, then report the accident as soon as possible to the shop/supermarket/landlord, etc.
We recommend either sending a letter or writing an email to inform the company of the incident. This will provide them with sufficient time to investigate the circumstances.
Are there any charities or organisations that can assist me?
Here are a coupe of useful resources to bear in mind:
Why should I choose Oakwood Solicitors Ltd to make my accident claim?
Our in-house team of legal experts has years of experience in running and pursuing accident claims. We will ensure that we update you at every stage of the case and you will have an experienced, dedicated case handler from the very beginning.
It can be very stressful after an injury, and our team can assist you by breaking down the legal jargon during the process, ensuring that you are listened to.
Further reading
Accidents in public places – Oakwood Solicitors
Accidents in supermarkets – Oakwood Solicitors
Common supermarket claims: Slips, trips and falls – Oakwood Solicitors
WHAT TO DO NEXT
If you have suffered an accident, harassment or bullying either at work or at a work event, get in touch today for a no-obligation consultation. Choose one of the methods on the right-hand side of this page or call us on 0113 200 9720 to find out how we can help.
Alex Singleton joined Oakwood Solicitors in April 2021 as an experienced Paralegal, having worked in Personal Injury since 2018. Currently, Alex works in the Employers’ Liability and Public Liabilit…
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