Injuries in public places are more common than most people realise, and the effects can range from minor inconveniences to life-altering events. You may be walking through the marketplace in Devizes, shopping at a local supermarket, or dropping off your child at school when an unexpected hazard causes a fall, a trip, or even a serious accident. In these cases, you may have grounds for a public liability claim. This type of legal claim enables you to seek compensation if you have been harmed due to another party’s failure to maintain safety in a public area.
Marley Solicitors has helped many individuals and families in Devizes claim compensation for injuries suffered in public locations. Whether the responsible party is a local council, a business owner or a housing association, you have a legal right to hold them accountable. Should the injury not be your fault, we are here to assist you in proving it and pursuing the compensation you deserve.
Accidents in public spaces are particularly frustrating because they often happen in places we use every day and take for granted. In a town like Devizes, with its historic layout, mixed-use footpaths and older buildings, hazards are not uncommon. Paving stones become uneven, railings rust and break, and shopfronts sometimes neglect basic safety. Many of our clients are injured while going about everyday activities – walking to work, shopping at The Brittox, or attending appointments at Green Lane Surgery.
One common misconception is that accidents like these are just “bad luck”. In legal terms, that’s rarely true. If the hazard was known about or should reasonably have been identified and repaired, then the party responsible for maintaining the space may be considered negligent. That’s where a public liability claim comes in. It allows you to seek compensation for your pain, expenses, and any long-term impact the injury has had on your life.
Can I claim compensation for a public injury in Devizes?
Yes, you can. If your accident occurred in a public place and someone else was responsible for ensuring that space was safe, you may be entitled to claim compensation. It could be a business owner who failed to clear a spill, a council that did not maintain pavement standards, or a landlord who allowed hazards in a communal area to go unfixed. In each of these cases, the key factor is the duty of care – a legal obligation to keep the area reasonably safe.
What counts as a public place?
Injury claims don’t just apply to parks and pavements. “Public place” covers a wide range of environments, including:
- Supermarkets and retail shops
- Shopping centres and car parks
- Parks, playgrounds and sports fields
- Public toilets and communal areas in flats
- Libraries and council buildings
- Bus stops and transport hubs
- Hospitals and GP surgery premises
If your injury happened in one of these areas in Devizes, such as outside the Corn Exchange, inside a local convenience store, or even while attending a health appointment at Devizes Community Hospital, you may have the right to claim.
What is a public liability injury?
A public liability injury refers to any harm you suffer in a public or publicly accessible location due to someone else’s failure to maintain a safe environment. Some common examples in Devizes include:
- Slips on wet floors with no warning signs inside local shops
- Trips on uneven paving slabs in the Market Place or High Street
- Falls due to broken or missing handrails in communal stairwells
- Being hit by falling signage or shop displays
- Injuries caused by poor lighting in public walkways or alleyways
These might seem like minor hazards until you or a loved one is injured. Even a fall that seems simple can result in fractured wrists, damaged knees, head injuries or serious back pain – all of which can have lasting consequences.
Local context: Hazards unique to Devizes
Devizes has a unique charm and history, but its layout and infrastructure come with risks. Cobblestone areas near the Market Place can become slippery in bad weather. Several of the town’s older properties have exterior staircases and balconies that are poorly maintained. Public footpaths leading to Caen Hill Locks and the Kennet and Avon Canal are popular with walkers, but they are often uneven, cracked, or overgrown.
The Shambles indoor market also presents risks; from temporary stall setups to crowded conditions and wet floors. Public car parks around Devizes Leisure Centre and near supermarkets can also become dangerous, particularly during rain or ice.
These are places where Marley Solicitors has previously supported local clients in making successful claims for injury compensation. We understand the layout of the town, how responsibilities are divided between local authorities and private businesses, and what evidence is needed to build a strong case.
What to do after an injury in a public place
If you suffer an injury in Devizes while in a public area, you should take these steps to support your claim:
- Get medical treatment – Visit Devizes Community Hospital or contact your GP at practices like Lansdowne Surgery or St James Surgery.
- Take photos – Capture the exact scene, the hazard and your injury if possible.
- Gather witness details – Names and contact numbers of anyone who saw what happened.
- Report the incident – Tell the property owner, store manager or local council depending on the location.
- Record the details – Write down the time, date and description of what happened while it’s fresh.
- Speak to Marley Solicitors – Our team can assess your case quickly and advise on the next steps.
Timing is important. The earlier you report the accident and speak to a solicitor, the better your chances of a successful claim.
No win, no fee injury claims in Devizes
At Marley Solicitors, we believe in access to justice for everyone, not just those who can afford upfront legal fees. That’s why we offer most public liability claims on a no win, no fee basis. You don’t pay us a penny unless your case is successful.
This allows you to pursue a claim without financial stress. If your case doesn’t succeed, you owe nothing. If it does, our costs are recovered from the settlement. It’s a fair, transparent process that keeps the focus on your recovery and your rights.
How much compensation can I receive?
Compensation amounts depend on the severity of your injury and the broader impact it has on your life. Factors that influence the settlement include:
- The type and extent of the physical injury
- Recovery time and any permanent effects
- Loss of earnings from time off work
- Medical expenses, including physiotherapy or counselling
- Travel costs for appointments or treatment
- Costs of care, adaptations or mobility support
Someone who suffers a broken ankle from tripping over an exposed pipe outside a local shop might receive compensation in the region of several thousand pounds. More serious injuries like a fractured spine or head trauma could lead to settlements in the tens of thousands. Marley Solicitors always aim to secure the maximum compensation available, based on expert medical evidence and legal precedent.
Why choose Marley Solicitors in Devizes?
We are not just another national firm. We work closely with clients in Devizes and understand the specific challenges of pursuing local claims. We know how Wiltshire Council operates, what evidence it requires, and how to approach businesses that may be reluctant to accept liability.
When you work with Marley Solicitors, you benefit from:
- A dedicated case handler with experience in public injury claims
- Clear, straightforward advice tailored to your case
- Proven results for other clients in Devizes and Wiltshire
- A no win, no fee agreement with no financial risk
- Strong local insight and professional relationships
We handle the legal details so you can focus on healing. From your first call to the day your claim is settled, we’ll be with you every step of the way.
FAQs
Can I claim if I didn’t go to hospital straight away?
Yes, you can. As long as you received medical attention at some point and there is a record of your injury, you may still have a valid claim. It’s important to seek medical treatment as soon as possible, but a delay doesn’t necessarily prevent a claim.
What if the council denies responsibility?
This is common, but not the end of the road. Many successful claims involve some form of denial or dispute. With the right evidence and legal support, Marley Solicitors can still prove negligence and secure a settlement even when initial responsibility is denied.
What if I was partially at fault?
You may still be able to claim. This is known as contributory negligence. If your actions contributed to the accident, your compensation may be reduced, but you are not automatically disqualified from receiving it.
Take the first step towards compensation today
If you’ve been injured in a public place in Devizes, whether it was a pavement fall, shop injury, or accident in a council-managed space, don’t wait. For a free, no-obligation consultation, contact Marley Solicitors right now; we’ll listen to your story, assess your legal options and explain your next steps clearly.
You’ve got nothing to lose with our no win, no fee service – and everything to gain. Compensation can help with recoveries, lost income, and future security.
Let’s get started. Call Marley Solicitors now and find out how we can help you move forward.
