Accidents in public places are more frequent than most people realise, particularly in towns like Leek, where pavements, public buildings, and communal areas may not always receive the maintenance they require. Whether you slipped in a local supermarket, tripped on uneven pavement in Leek Town Centre, or fell in Brough Park due to poor upkeep, you may be eligible to claim compensation under public liability law.
Public liability claims involve seeking compensation for injuries sustained in places where a third party, such as the council or a business owner, had a legal responsibility to ensure your safety. If this duty of care was breached and you suffered an injury as a result, you may have the right to pursue a claim.
At Marley Solicitors, we have helped numerous people in Leek and across Staffordshire recover compensation for public place accidents. We offer a straightforward, professional and personal service with no win, no fee agreements that ensure there is no financial risk for you.
Can I claim for a public place accident in Leek?
Yes, if your injury was caused by negligence, such as a council failing to repair a broken kerbstone or a store not cleaning up a spillage promptly, then you may be eligible to make a claim. Some of the most common types of public place accidents in Leek include:
- Trips on broken pavements, particularly in residential areas or around the town centre
- Slips in supermarkets or convenience stores, such as those along Derby Street or Stockwell Street
- Falls caused by loose flooring in public buildings like the library or post office
- Accidents in Brough Park, including defective play equipment or unsafe pathways
Leek’s smaller size does not protect residents and visitors from injury. In fact, under-resourced maintenance can increase the risk of everyday hazards being overlooked.
Marley Solicitors is familiar with Leek’s streets, shops and public facilities. That local knowledge matters. We understand how to gather evidence quickly and identify who is responsible for maintaining specific areas. This allows us to build a strong case and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
What qualifies as a public liability accident?
A public liability accident occurs when a person is injured in a space that is publicly accessible and someone had a duty to keep that space safe. These locations can include:
- Streets and pavements
- Public parks and play areas
- Shopping centres, stores and car parks
- Leisure centres and gyms
- Pubs, cafés and restaurants
- Public toilets and bus stations
In Leek, this might include a fall on Stockwell Street due to a damaged paving slab or an accident in a public car park near the market square. Wherever it happens, if someone had a responsibility to keep that space safe and failed to do so, you may have a strong case.
What evidence do I need to make a claim?
You can strengthen your claim by gathering as much relevant evidence as possible. We recommend taking the following steps immediately after your accident:
- Photograph the scene, including the hazard and the surrounding area
- Seek medical attention from your GP or at Leek Moorlands Hospital, and keep a copy of any records or treatment notes
- Report the accident to the premises or authority responsible, such as Staffordshire Moorlands District Council or a shop manager
- Collect witness details if anyone saw the accident happen
- Keep receipts for any expenses related to your injury, such as transport, prescriptions or missed work
This information will help demonstrate that the injury was not your fault and that someone else’s negligence led to your suffering.
What types of injuries can I claim for?
Public place accidents can lead to a wide range of injuries, many of which have long-term consequences. These include:
- Sprains and strains, particularly from falls on uneven surfaces
- Fractures and broken bones
- Cuts and lacerations from defective street furniture or sharp edges
- Concussions and head injuries
- Soft tissue damage
- Long-term mobility issues or pain from back injuries
These injuries not only affect your physical health but can impact your ability to work, drive or care for your family. You may be entitled to compensation not just for pain and suffering but also for financial losses, loss of enjoyment of life and rehabilitation costs.
Who is responsible for maintaining public spaces in Leek?
Identifying who is legally responsible for your accident is one of the first steps in making a successful claim. Depending on where your accident happened, the responsible party could be:
- The local council, for roads, pavements, parks and other public infrastructure
- Private businesses, for accidents inside shops, cafés or restaurants
- Landlords or housing associations, for injuries in communal spaces such as shared stairwells or gardens
For example, if you tripped on a loose tile inside a shop, the business owner or premises manager could be held liable. If you slipped on moss on a pavement near your home, the council may be at fault for not carrying out regular maintenance.
At Marley Solicitors, we investigate each claim thoroughly to identify the liable party and hold them accountable.
How long do I have to make a claim?
In most cases, you have up to three years from the date of the accident to make a personal injury claim. However, there are exceptions. If the injured party is a child, the three-year time limit starts from their 18th birthday. If the injured person lacks mental capacity, there may be no time limit.
The sooner you get in touch, the better. Prompt action means fresher evidence, clearer memories of witnesses and quicker access to support. Marley Solicitors offers free initial consultations so you can understand your rights with zero pressure.
Why choose Marley Solicitors for your Leek accident claim?
Our team is trusted across Staffordshire for personal injury cases. With offices supporting clients throughout the region, we are proud to offer:
- A deep understanding of the Leek area and its public environments
- Direct contact with an experienced solicitor, not just a call handler
- Clear, no-nonsense legal advice from day one
- A no win, no fee approach so you only pay if your claim succeeds
We understand how stressful accidents can be. Our job is to take the pressure off you and ensure you receive fair compensation while focusing on your recovery.
FAQs
Can I claim compensation for a fall in a public place in Leek?
Yes, if someone else was responsible for maintaining the area and failed in that duty, you can claim for your injury.
How much compensation could I receive?
The amount varies depending on your injury, its impact on your daily life and any financial losses. Claims typically include general damages for pain and special damages for expenses and losses.
Contact Marley Solicitors today
If you have suffered an injury in a public place in Leek, do not wait. Contact Marley Solicitors today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We will evaluate your claim, explain your rights, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. With our no win, no fee guarantee, there is nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Let us stand in your corner so you can focus on getting better.
