Claims Against the Council for Personal Injury

When someone suffers a personal injury due to the actions or negligence of a local council, they may be entitled to make a claim for compensation. Local councils have a legal duty of care to maintain public spaces, infrastructure, and services to a safe standard. However, when they fail in this duty, accidents can occur, leading to injuries that range from minor to severe.

Making a claim against a council for personal injury involves demonstrating that the council was responsible for the area or activity where the injury occurred and that their negligence directly led to the injury. If you would like more information on the process of making a claim with one of our expert personal injury solicitors, then please do not hesitate to get in touch with us today.

Common accidents that lead to claims against the council

Claims against councils for personal injury often arise from a variety of common accidents. Here are some of the most frequent types of accidents that lead to such claims:

1. Slips, trips and falls on pavements: Uneven, cracked, or poorly maintained pavements are a common cause of trips and falls. Loose paving stones, potholes, or poorly repaired surfaces can create hazards, especially in areas with high foot traffic.
2. Slips on wet or icy surfaces: Councils are responsible for ensuring that public walkways are safe during adverse weather conditions. Failing to clear snow, ice, or standing water can lead to dangerous slipping hazards.
3. Accidents in public parks and playgrounds: Public parks and playgrounds are often managed by local councils. Injuries can occur due to poorly maintained equipment, hazardous conditions like broken glass or uneven ground, or failure to secure the area properly.
4. Falls due to inadequate lighting: Poorly lit areas, particularly at night, can increase the risk of accidents. Councils have a duty to ensure that public spaces, such as streets and parks, are adequately lit to prevent injuries.
5. Accidents on council-managed roads: Potholes, poor road surfaces, and inadequate signage on roads managed by the council can lead to accidents, particularly for cyclists and motorcyclists, who are more vulnerable to such hazards. These accidents can also lead to damage to property.
6. Injuries from building defects: Buildings and structures owned by the council, such as public libraries, community centres, or car parks, must be maintained to a safe standard. Injuries sustained can result from defects like broken steps, faulty handrails, or falling debris.

Time limits for claims against the council

In the UK, there are specific time limits, known as limitation periods, for making a personal injury compensation claim. These time limits are set out in the Limitation Act 1980. The general time limit for personal injury claims, including claims against the council, is three years from the date of the accident or from the date when the injured person became aware of their injury and its connection to the accident.

However, it is important to note that there are some exceptions and variations to the general limitation period. These exceptions include the following:

• Minors: If the injury claim involves a person who was under the age of 18 at the time when the accident occurred, the three-year limitation period does not begin until their 18th birthday. In such cases, a claim can be made at any time before the person turns 21.
• Mental Capacity: If the injured person lacks the mental capacity to make legal decisions, there is no time limit for making a claim. The limitation period only starts when the person regains capacity.
• Time Extensions: In exceptional circumstances, the court has the discretion to extend the limitation period. This typically occurs in cases where the nature of the injury or the circumstances make it difficult for the injured person to pursue a claim within the standard time frame.

How can Beacon Law assist?

At Beacon Law, our team of personal injury solicitors are highly experienced and capable of assisting clients on a wide variety of cases. We work tirelessly to achieve the best outcome for our clients, continually providing a high standard of service.

To find out more about our no win, no fee claims funding and legal fees, please have a look at the funding section on our website.

If you have suffered injuries at the fault of the council, then please call us today at 0330 1332 857 to start a council liability claim or complete our contact form at the top of the page to request a call back from a member of our personal injury team.

Beacon Law are a law firm registered in England and Wales with our registered office based in Manchester. We are authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.