If you get injured or sustain bodily harm in commercial or public premises or after using a product, you can pursue compensation by filing a public liability claim. Public and commercial premises that serve members of the general public are required to take measures to ensure the safety of their customers.
For example, commercial properties should place a sign to warn customers of the slippery floor during cleaning and get public liability insurance. But, even with these precautions, accidents can still happen, resulting in injuries or loss.
Public liability laws protect people’s right to safety. If you sustain injuries in a retail or commercial property, or public property, or after using a product, following the six tips below can help you secure a favorable outcome as you pursue a public liability claim.
- Get Medical Attention
If you get injured in a company premises, public space, or by a product you bought, the first step toward pursuing a public liability claim is to seek treatment. Getting medical attention prevents your injury from getting worse and controls the damage.
Ensure that you follow your doctor’s instructions—take medication and attend every appointment your doctor schedules to treat your injuries.
- Hire A Public Liability Lawyer
The other thing you need to do to make your pursuit of a public liability claim successful is to hire a public liability attorney. Working with public liability lawyers enables you to prepare the evidence you need to support your liability claim.
Share your injury records and the correspondence you’ve had with those responsible and your insurer with your attorney. An attorney can also take statements from witnesses and help you compute a comprehensive claim for your injuries. Ideally, your compensation should cover past and future medical expenses, loss of earnings, cost of care, pain and suffering, and reduced quality of life.
- File A Report With Your Insurer
If you get injured while in the premises of a commercial or public property, file a report of the incident with your insurer right away. Report the same to those in charge of the commercial or public premises.
Reporting the incident with your insurance firm is critical in getting guidance on the process of filing a public liability claim. The insurer can also review your insurance policy covering your injuries and check potential exemptions.
- Prepare Your Evidence
You need to provide proof of the harm caused by a product or injury sustained in business premises to pursue a public liability claim. The proof must show that the harm or injuries suffered resulted from the other party’s breach of duty of care. Evidence gathered may be in the form of pictures, witness statements, and medical records.
Take photos of the injuries sustained and the place where the accident happened. Also, document the events surrounding the injuries. If people witnessed your accident, get their contact details, then work with a public liability lawyer to record witness statements.
Keep proper medical records of your injuries, including medical certificates, x-rays, and appointment dates. If you lost any income due to the injuries, or incurred other expenses, ensure they’re correctly maintained.
Furthermore, maintain a record of any communication between your insurer and those responsible for your injuries. Write down details of all phone and face-to-face conversations, including the date and time when they took place. Maintain copies of email communication and copies of documents sent to you.
- Demand For Compensation
Using the compensation estimates compiled by your lawyer, send a formal demand letter to the person responsible for your injuries or their insurer. Your demand letter should outline all the damages you suffered from the accident and the amount you want as compensation.
It should contain the details about the accident, including the injuries suffered, treatment received, pain suffered, and the resultant emotional distress.
- Negotiate For A Fair Settlement
An insurance adjuster is likely to respond to your demand letter with a proposal that’s lower than the estimate you quoted. Avoid accepting the offer, and instead talk to your lawyer to start the negotiation process. Have a minimum settlement estimate in mind. This amount should be enough to cater to your medical expenses and losses. During negotiation, refuse to accept anything less than the minimum settlement amount.
Final Thoughts
Although owners and workers in commercial and public premises must take the necessary precautions to keep their customers safe, you can still suffer from injuries in those spaces. You can pursue compensation for your injuries, damages, or loss by filing a public liability claim if this happens to you. Apply the six tips discussed above and increase your chances of getting a fair settlement on your public liability claim.
