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Claim against local authority for personal injury
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Contact us today by calling 0330 1332 857 to find out if you have a claim.
Did you know you can make a claim against a local authority if you suffer injuries due to the council’s negligence? Suffering an injury can be a traumatic event, especially if you sustain a severe injury with long term effects. If someone else was responsible for your accident, you may wish to seek justice and obtain compensation to help you get your life back on track.
Making a claim against the council may seem daunting. However, Beacon Law have a team of specialist personal injury solicitors to guide you through the process of making a personal injury claim. As well as helping you to recover compensation from the council, making a claim can also help you ensure you get access to the best treatment, rehabilitation and support for your injury as part of the claims process.
If you wish to sue the council for negligence, contact us today.
Reasons to claim against local authority
Beacon Law deal with local council compensation claims every day. The local authority has a duty of care to keep you safe in public spaces, such as on roads, pavements, council owned playgrounds, and libraries. Some of the most common types of claims we deal with include:
Pavement and highway accidents
Slips, trips and falls on potholes, raised paving slabs and uneven council owned ground are the most common types of claims against the local authority. The council has a duty under The Highways Act 1980 to maintain public roads and pavements. If the council fails in this duty and you suffer an accident as a result, they could be held labile for your injuries.
It is worth noting however, that there is a minimum requirement of 40mm for defects on the pavement or roads. Councils also often adopt strict procedures for inspecting defects and have a specific time frame to repair defects. This sometimes makes it more difficult to make a claim against a local authority.
Children are often injured whilst playing in playgrounds. Sometimes, there is no one to blame for children getting hurt. However, if injuries were caused by faulty playground equipment or unsafe surfaces in a playground, a claim against the local authority may be brought.
Accidents in a library or leisure centre
As in any public area, accidents can often happen in places like libraries or leisure centres. Your local library and leisure centre are most likely owned by the council. So, if you suffer an accident, such as a slip, trip or fall at any of these places, you may be entitled to make a claim under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957.
Making a claim against a local authority
If you have suffered an accident due to the council’s negligence, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention. Not only will this be vital for your recovery, your medical records will also help to support your case.
If you wish to make a claim, you should contact a solicitor, such as Beacon Law as soon as possible. There are time limits for making a claim. Claimants usually have three years from the date of the accident to lodge their claim at court.
There are some exceptions to this rule , however. Those under the age of 18 have until their 21st birthday to make a claim. Additionally, there is no time limit for those who lack mental capacity to make a claim. In these circumstances, someone else will be able to bring a claim on their behalf.
How much compensation could you be entitled to?
The amount of compensation you receive will be based on the severity of your injury and the impact it has had on your life. Your compensation will be split into general damages and special damages. General damages refers to compensation for your overall pain and suffering. Special damages refer to any additional financial losses you have sustained, such as loss of earnings or travel costs.
Making a claim with Beacon Law
Beacon Law are a law firm of specialist personal injury solicitors. Our lawyers can assist with all types of claims against a local authority.
You can request an initial consultation by completing the online help form, and an experienced solicitor will contact you to discuss your case. Alternatively, you can call us on 0330 1332 857, and we will be happy to assist you with your query.
Beacon Law are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority. To find out about our no win, no fee agreement, have a look at the funding section on our website.
Make a Claim
Contact us today to find out if you have a claim.
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Beacon Law
1st Floor
Shirley House
12 Gatley Road
Cheadle
Cheshire
SK8 1PY
Last Updated on December 4, 2024 by Stacey