Claims against a council work a little differently to claims against a business or an individual. Highway authorities have a defined duty under the Highways Act to maintain roads and pavements, and a specific legal defence is available to them if they can show a reasonable system of inspection and repair was in place.
That defence isn't automatic, and it's exactly the kind of thing worth having checked properly rather than assuming a claim against a council is harder than any other.
What kinds of council claim do we handle?
Pothole and road surface injuries
To drivers, cyclists and motorcyclists.
Pavement and footpath defects
Including trip hazards from uneven paving.
Poorly maintained parks and public land
Including play areas, footpaths and open spaces.
Faulty or absent street lighting
Contributing to an accident.
Disrepair in council-owned buildings
Including housing and public buildings.
School and nursery accidents
Where the council is the responsible body.
What if I was partly at fault?
Partial responsibility reduces compensation proportionally rather than removing the claim. Councils frequently raise their statutory maintenance defence; whether it actually holds up depends on their inspection records, not just their assertion.
What you could receive
Council injury claims cover general damages for the injury and its effect on your life, and special damages for financial losses, including lost earnings, treatment costs and, for vehicle-related claims, damage to the vehicle itself.
We'll talk you through what's realistic for your situation once we've reviewed the details. We won't overpromise, and we won't quote a figure before we've properly understood your case.