Public liability lawyers in Yeovil

Public liability law protects individuals who suffer injuries or damage due to unsafe conditions or negligent actions in public places. If you have experienced an injury in Yeovil caused by a business, property owner or local authority failing in their duty of care, you may be eligible for compensation. At Marley Solicitors, we specialise in handling public liability claims across Somerset, including the Yeovil area.

What is public liability?

Public liability covers accidents and injuries that occur in spaces accessible to the public. These may include roads, pavements, shops, parks, leisure centres, schools, and other locations maintained by private owners or public bodies. Property occupiers and managers have a legal responsibility to ensure their premises are reasonably safe for visitors, customers and passers-by.

A party may be considered negligent and liable for damages if they cause an injury due to a hazard that they should have identified and rectified. Common examples include:

• Slipping on a wet floor in a supermarket
• Tripping on broken paving in a public park
• Falling due to faulty handrails or stairs in public buildings
• Injuries from falling objects in retail environments
• Accidents caused by poor maintenance of communal or shared areas

Who can be held liable in Yeovil?

Determining responsibility is a critical part of any public liability claim. In Yeovil, responsibility could lie with:

• South Somerset District Council: If the incident occurred on public roads, pavements or local parks
• Private businesses: For injuries on commercial premises like shops, pubs, gyms and supermarkets
• Landlords and housing associations: For injuries occurring in communal areas of rented flats or buildings
• Event organisers: For accidents at festivals, sports events or public gatherings due to poor planning or lack of safety measures

What should you do after an accident in a public place?

If you have suffered an injury in Yeovil in a public or publicly accessible area, it is important to take the following steps:

1. Seek medical attention: This not only supports your recovery but also creates a medical record. Yeovil District Hospital (run by Somerset NHS Foundation Trust) is the key local medical facility.
2. Report the incident: Notify the relevant party, such as a store manager, local councillor, or property manager.
3. Gather evidence: Take photographs of the hazard, your injuries and your surroundings. If possible, capture the scene immediately.
4. Collect witness details: Independent witness statements can help confirm your version of events.
5. Keep documentation: Retain medical reports, receipts, travel expenses, and any correspondence related to the accident.

What can you claim for in a public liability case?

If your case is successful, compensation is awarded to cover various losses and impacts:

• Pain and suffering: Physical and emotional consequences of your injury
• Medical expenses: Including treatment, rehabilitation and ongoing care
• Loss of income: If your injury forced you to miss work or reduced your ability to earn
• Travel costs: For attending medical appointments or therapy sessions
• Future losses: If your injury has a lasting impact on your ability to work or live independently
• Adaptations to home or lifestyle: Such as installing mobility aids or hiring in-home care services
• Impact on daily life: Including interference with hobbies, family responsibilities or general wellbeing

Each case is assessed individually based on its own facts. The severity of the injury, the recovery time, and any lasting damage will influence the amount awarded.

How long do you have to claim?

Under UK law, the standard time limit for making a public liability claim is three years from the date of the accident. There are exceptions for:

• Children: The three-year limit starts from their 18th birthday
• People lacking mental capacity: The time limit does not begin unless they regain capacity

If you’re unsure whether your case is within the time limit, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible.

How do public liability lawyers build a strong case?

At Marley Solicitors, our team follows a structured process to support your claim:

• Initial consultation: We will review your incident, the circumstances and available evidence.
• Gathering supporting documentation: This includes medical records, witness statements, photos, and council or business maintenance logs.
• Liaising with medical experts: We often work with professionals from local services such as Yeovil District Hospital, Preston Grove Medical Centre and Hendford Lodge Medical Centre to obtain independent assessments.
• Valuing your claim: We use established guidelines and case precedents to determine the full value of your damages.
• Negotiating with insurers: Most public liability claims are resolved out of court, through negotiation or mediation with insurers.

Why choose Marley Solicitors as your public liability lawyers in Yeovil?

At Marley Solicitors, we combine specialist legal expertise with a deep understanding of local issues and authorities. Our Yeovil clients benefit from:

• A free consultation to evaluate your case
• No win, no fee service, removing financial risk
• Experienced personal injury lawyers with a strong track record in public liability claims
• Local knowledge of Yeovil’s parks, buildings, roads and regulatory bodies
• Clear communication at every stage of your case
• Commitment to securing the best possible outcome

We work closely with medical experts and local institutions to ensure accurate documentation and support during your recovery.

Common public liability accident scenarios in Yeovil

Examples of real-world cases that could give rise to a public liability claim include:

• A pedestrian tripping over a loose paving stone outside a supermarket on Middle Street
• A child injured by poorly maintained play equipment in a park
• A customer slipping on a wet floor without warning signs at a restaurant near Yeovil Country Park
• An attendee at a community event injured due to inadequate crowd barriers
• Someone falling in a poorly lit stairwell in a shopping centre car park
• A resident slipping on icy communal stairs that had not been gritted despite weather warnings

Each of these scenarios involves a breach of duty that, if proven, can result in compensation being awarded.

Frequently asked questions

Can I claim for a fall on a public pavement in Yeovil?
Yes, if the fall resulted from poor maintenance or a known hazard that was not addressed by the council or property owner, you may be able to claim. Evidence such as photos and witness statements will be important.

How much compensation can I get for a public liability injury in Yeovil?
Compensation depends on the type and severity of the injury. For example:

• Minor injuries: £1,000 – £3,000
• Moderate injuries requiring treatment: £3,000 – £8,000
• Severe injuries with long-term consequences: £10,000 – £25,000 or more

Our solicitors can provide a more specific estimate based on the details of your case.

Contact Marley Solicitors today

If you have been injured in a public place in Yeovil and believe someone else was at fault, do not delay. Marley Solicitors are here to guide you through your claim with compassion and professionalism.

Our no win, no fee service and local legal expertise ensure that you receive quality representation without financial risk.

Contact us today for a free consultation and begin your journey towards the compensation you deserve.