On Slippery Pavements, Bus Stops, and Other Locations

Accidents in public places are unfortunately common. During autumn and winter, hospital emergency wards are often filled with people suffering injuries from slips and falls on icy pavements or bus stops. However, dangerous incidents in public spaces occur throughout the year: falls on uneven pavements, slips on wet shopping center floors, or accidents caused by defective shop equipment. What may seem like minor incidents can result in property damage, serious injury, or even loss of health or life.

In such cases, the injured party has the right to claim compensation for accidents in public places. If you have suffered an injury due to a fall on a slippery surface, an accident at a bus stop, or any other public area, you should know your rights and the steps to take in order to pursue a claim. For instance: are you entitled to compensation for a broken arm caused by slipping on an icy pavement?

Which Accidents Qualify for Compensation?

Compensation is available to individuals who sustain injuries as a result of negligence in securing or maintaining public spaces. The most common examples include:

• Falls on icy, unsalted pavements or bus stops;
• Falls on staircases in public facilities, e.g. underpasses;
• Accidents on playgrounds;
• Slips on wet, unsecured floors in shops.

To qualify for compensation, the accident must be directly caused by the poor condition of the surface or equipment due to the negligence of the responsible entity (owner, administrator, or supervisor).

It is important to note that accidents resulting from the injured party’s own fault may not entitle them to compensation. For example, if a 15-year-old suffers an injury on playground equipment designated only for children up to 12 years old (as stated in the regulations), compensation may not be granted.

Who Is Liable for an Accident in a Public Place?

Responsibility for public space accidents generally rests with the entity managing or administering the given area, most often:

• Local authorities – municipal or local government bodies responsible for maintaining roads, pavements, playgrounds, parks, and bus stops. If the accident resulted from negligence such as poor snow removal, inadequate protection of building works, or lack of maintenance of playground equipment, the authority may be held liable.
• Housing cooperatives or associations – these entities manage pavements, playgrounds, and stairwells within residential complexes. Claims should be directed against them, or against an external company they have appointed to manage the premises.
• Private companies – if the accident occurred on private property such as a shopping mall, fitness club, or car park, the owner or property manager is liable.

How to Claim Compensation for a Public Place Accident

To successfully pursue a claim, the injured party should:

1. Document the accident site – take photographs of the scene, noting the date and time, and describe the circumstances. Witness statements or contact details are also valuable.
2. Report the accident – notify the appropriate authorities, such as the municipal police or the police, particularly if injuries have occurred. In commercial facilities (e.g. shopping centers), the staff should draw up an incident report.
3. Seek medical attention – visit a hospital or family doctor immediately, or call an ambulance if necessary. Obtain and retain all medical documentation: hospital records, doctors’ notes, sick leave certificates, prescriptions, and invoices for orthopedic equipment. Without proof of injury, a compensation claim cannot be substantiated.
4. File a claim – once documentation is collected, submit a compensation claim to the insurer of the entity responsible for the accident. To expedite the process and maximize the compensation awarded, it is highly advisable to seek assistance from an experienced claims management firm.

How the PKPP Works

• We analyze each case free of charge and assess potential compensation.
• We sign a transparent and fair agreement with the client.
• We assist in collecting the necessary documentation and identifying the liable insurer.
• We submit the compensation claim to the insurer.
• We negotiate fair compensation for injury and health impairment.
• If the insurer proposes an unreasonably low settlement, we take the case to court and represent the client throughout the proceedings.
• We handle both civil and criminal cases at every stage.
• Compensation is paid directly to the client’s account.

What Determines the Amount of Compensation?

The amount of compensation awarded depends primarily on:

• The type and severity of injury – more serious injuries, especially permanent impairments (e.g. loss of ability to work, permanent disability), justify higher compensation. Long-term or chronic pain is also considered.
• Medical and rehabilitation costs – full reimbursement of documented treatment and rehabilitation expenses may be claimed.
• Loss of income – if the injured party is unable to work as a result of the accident, they are entitled to compensation for lost earnings.
• Property damage – if personal belongings (e.g. a mobile phone) were damaged in the accident, compensation may also be claimed.

Important: If you hold a private life insurance policy, check whether your insurer provides cover for accidents in public places.

Remember: it is not only victims of road accidents who are entitled to claim compensation. Anyone injured as a result of an accident in a public place also has the right to pursue due compensation.