An accident in a public place refers to an incident where someone is injured because of unsafe or poorly maintained conditions in an area accessible to the public. This includes places such as parks, pavements, shopping centres, supermarkets, leisure centres, or public transport stations. If someone else’s negligence caused your injury, you may be eligible for compensation through a public liability claim.
In a busy borough like Hackney, accidents can happen in high-footfall areas such as Mare Street, Broadway Market, and Dalston Junction. A simple trip on a broken pavement or slip on an unmarked wet floor can result in serious injuries like fractures, head trauma, or back problems. Local facilities like Homerton University Hospital and St Leonard’s Hospital frequently treat injuries caused by public place hazards.
Marley Solicitors has years of experience helping people in Hackney claim compensation for injuries suffered in public places. We understand how disruptive such injuries can be to your health, work, and daily life. Our expert team ensures you receive the financial support you need to recover and move forward.
What is a public liability claim?
When someone sustains injuries in a publicly accessible area due to negligence, they can file a public liability claim. The owner or operator of the space has a legal duty of care to maintain safe conditions. If they fail to do so, they can be held liable for any resulting injuries.
To succeed with a claim, you must show that:
- The responsible party owed you a duty of care
- They breached that duty by allowing a hazard to exist
- Your injuries were a direct result of that breach
Marley Solicitors will guide you through each stage of this process, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurers.
Can I claim compensation for an accident in Hackney?
Yes. If your accident was caused by unsafe conditions in a public or private area that is accessible to the public, you may have a valid claim.
Common causes of public place accidents in Hackney include:
- Slips on wet or greasy floors in supermarkets, cafés, or shops
- Trips over uneven paving stones, potholes, or poorly maintained pavements
- Falls on defective stairs or broken handrails
- Injuries from falling objects in retail stores or markets
- Poor lighting or lack of warning signs in public buildings
- Faulty playground or gym equipment
- Accidents can occur during public events, festivals, or markets.
Hackney Council and local businesses have a responsibility to maintain safe conditions. If they fail to eliminate hazards or warn the public, they may be liable.
Who is responsible for accidents in public places?
The responsible party depends on where the accident happened. Examples include:
- Hackney Council – for defective pavements, street furniture, and local parks
- Transport for London (TfL) – for incidents in bus or train stations
- Private landlords or housing associations – for communal spaces such as stairwells or car parks
- Retailers or supermarkets – for spills, broken shelves, or unsafe equipment
- Event organisers – for hazards at public gatherings or markets
We investigate ownership, maintenance records, and safety inspections to determine who is legally responsible.
What types of injuries are common in public place accidents?
Public place accidents can cause a range of injuries, including:
- Soft tissue injuries like sprains, strains, or bruises
- Fractures and broken bones requiring plaster or surgery
- Head injuries such as concussions or cuts
- Spinal injuries from slips, trips, or falls
- Facial injuries or scarring
- Long-term chronic pain or nerve damage
- Psychological trauma can manifest as anxiety or a fear of going out
Even minor injuries can result in lost income, medical bills, or reduced mobility. Seeking early medical treatment is crucial for both recovery and legal documentation.
What evidence can strengthen my public injury claim?
Strong evidence is essential for a successful claim. Marley Solicitors will help you collect and present:
- Photographs of the scene – taken as soon as possible after the incident
- Witness statements – from anyone who saw the accident happen
- CCTV footage – often available from local shops or council-operated cameras
- Accident reports – from the premises manager, council, or police
- Medical records – showing your injury and treatment history
- Receipts and records – of travel, prescriptions, or lost wages
The more detailed your evidence, the stronger your case will be.
Local medical and rehabilitation services
Hackney residents often seek treatment for public place injuries at:
- Homerton University Hospital – providing A&E and orthopaedic care
- St Leonard’s Hospital – offering outpatient services and physiotherapy
- Hackney GP surgeries – such as The Lawson Practice or Springfield Park Surgery
- Urgent care centres and walk-in clinics – across East London
Marley Solicitors can work with your healthcare team to obtain medical evidence that strengthens your claim.
What can I claim for after an accident in Hackney?
A public liability claim can cover both financial and personal losses.
You may be entitled to:
- Compensation for pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life
- Reimbursement for medical expenses and private treatment
- Lost wages or reduced earning potential
- Travel costs for medical appointments
- Home help or care services
- Rehabilitation and physiotherapy sessions
- Counselling or therapy for psychological impact
We ensure every aspect of your injury and its long-term effects is included in the claim.
How do I start a claim for a public place accident?
Marley Solicitors makes the claims process simple and transparent.
Our approach includes:
- Free consultation – We evaluate your case and explain your legal options.
- Evidence collection – We gather photos, CCTV footage, witness statements, and medical records.
- Liability investigation – We determine who is legally responsible for your accident.
- Submitting your claim – We contact the relevant insurer or council.
- Negotiating a settlement – We fight for fair compensation based on your injuries and losses.
- Court action if necessary – While most claims settle out of court, we are ready to represent you if required.
- Payment of compensation – We ensure you receive the agreed amount promptly.
Our no win, no fee approach means you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Why choose Marley Solicitors for public place accident claims in Hackney?
We have a proven track record of helping Hackney residents recover compensation for accidents caused by unsafe conditions. Our clients choose us because:
- We understand Hackney’s streets, public areas, and local authorities
- We offer personalised support tailored to your case
- We have experience dealing with local councils, retailers, and insurers
- We keep communication clear, avoiding legal jargon
- We have secured successful outcomes for slip, trip, and fall claims across London
Case study: Compensation after supermarket slip in Hackney
A Hackney resident slipped on a wet floor in a local supermarket where no warning signs were displayed. She suffered a fractured wrist, which required surgery, and was unable to return to work for two months. Marley Solicitors obtained CCTV evidence and an incident report confirming that the spill had been left unattended for more than 20 minutes.
We successfully secured:
- Full compensation for lost wages
- Coverage for private physiotherapy sessions
- Damages for pain, suffering, and loss of independence
The claim settled for over £18,000 within six months, without needing court proceedings.
FAQs
How long do I have to make a claim?
In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to start a claim. For children, the time limit starts on their 18th birthday.
What if the accident was partly my fault?
You may still be entitled to compensation. The amount could be reduced based on shared responsibility, but you can still make a claim.
Do I need to report the accident?
Yes, reporting the incident to the relevant authority or business strengthens your claim. Always keep a record of your report and any reference numbers.
Will I need to go to court?
Most claims are resolved through negotiation. Only a small percentage go to court, and we handle all the legal work on your behalf.
What if there were no witnesses?
A lack of witnesses does not automatically prevent you from claiming. Other evidence, such as photos or CCTV footage, may be enough. We will assess the situation and advise on your options.
Can I claim for emotional or mental distress?
Yes. If the accident caused psychological harm, we can include counselling costs and compensation for emotional suffering.
Contact Marley Solicitors in Hackney
If you’ve suffered an accident in a public place in Hackney, you do not have to face the aftermath alone. Our team will handle your claim with care and determination, ensuring you get the compensation you need to recover.
Call Marley Solicitors today for a free, no-obligation consultation with our personal injury experts. We offer no win, no fee services, so you can pursue justice without financial risk.
