If you've suffered a personal injury and believe the council was at fault, we can help you make a no win no fee personal injury claim against the council.
We are a trusted claims management company helping people make personal injury claims for over 15 years.
Claim Against the Council for Negligence
We have helped hundreds of people from across the UK make successful compensation claims against councils and local authorities for accidents and injuries caused by negligence.
Whether you have tripped on a damaged pavement or a pothole, been injured in a council house, or suffered an accident or illness while working for a local council, you could have a valid personal injury claim.
Councils and local authorities are responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of certain public spaces and properties. They owe a duty of care to people who use these areas to take reasonable steps to ensure they are safe to use.
Failing to meet this duty of care can result in accidents and injuries. If this has happened to you within the past three years, you could be entitled to make a personal injury claim on a no win no fee basis, although different time limits can apply in some cases.
As the solicitors we work with specialise in helping people with accident claims against councils, they are well placed to provide you with the expertise you need to make a claim.
This guide explains everything you need to know about making a personal injury claim against the council. If you’d like to speak to an advisor, feel free to contact our friendly team for a free and confidential claim assessment.
Key points about claims against the council
- Eligibility: You may be able to claim if you were injured due to the council’s failure to maintain public spaces or property.
- Council Responsibility: Local authorities must take reasonable steps to keep public areas like roads, pavements, parks, and walkways safe for the public.
- Time Limit: You usually have 3 years from the date of the accident to start a personal injury claim.
- Compensation: The amount you can claim depends on the type of injury and how it has affected your life, including financial losses.
- No Win, No Fee: Your solicitor will handle your claim on a no win, no fee basis. You only pay a fee if the claim is successful.
Friendly legal advisors are available to discuss your personal injury claim against the council today.
- Find out if you have a valid claim
- No win no fee service
- We are available 7 days a week
- Experienced personal injury lawyers
Table of Contents
Can I sue the council for negligence?
Being involved in an accident of any type can be distressing. As well as the obvious pain and suffering that your injury may cause, you may also find yourself unable to work and financially affected.
Some injuries may be relatively minor and clear up within a matter of days or weeks, but more severe injuries can have a long-lasting or even permanent impact on your health and day-to-day life.
If your accident was caused by negligence on the part of the council or a local authority, you may have grounds to claim compensation.
Use the claim assessment tool below to find out if you may be eligible to make a claim.
Unfortunately, we can only help if you have suffered an injury in an accident that wasn't your fault. If you have made a mistake, please click below to start again.
Based on your answers, we're not sure if we can help. However, if you enter your details below, we'll give you a call back to discuss your accident. It's completely free, with no obligation.
By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners.
Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy.
Based on your answers, we're not sure if we can help. However, if you enter your details below, we'll give you a call back to discuss your accident. It's completely free, with no obligation.
By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners.
Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy.
Based on your answers, we're not sure if we can help. However, if you enter your details below, we'll give you a call back to discuss your accident. It's completely free, with no obligation.
By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners.
Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy.
Based on your answers, we're not sure if we can help. However, if you enter your details below, we'll give you a call back to discuss your accident. It's completely free, with no obligation.
By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners.
Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy.
Based on your answers, it looks like you may have a valid claim. Enter your details below and we’ll call you back to discuss your options. It’s completely free, with no obligation.
By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners.
Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy.
What types of accident claims can be made against the council?
Councils have a responsibility to take reasonable steps to ensure people are safe when using public spaces. This includes roads and pavements, public parks and playgrounds and council-run properties such as leisure centres and schools.
If the council has failed in its duty of care and you have suffered an injury as a result, you may be able to sue the council for negligence.
Below are some common types of council accidents that could lead to a compensation claim against the council for negligence.
When they fail to meet this duty of care, roads and pavements can be left in a dangerous state, with raised paving slabs, potholes and damaged kerbs.
If you have tripped on a road or pavement defect and been injured, you may be entitled to make a pavement accident claim against the council. You may also be entitled to make a claim against the council if you have been injured from hitting a pothole while driving a car or riding a bicycle.
If they fail to meet this legal obligation and it results in you suffering an accident or illness at work, you may be entitled to claim compensation.
An injury lawyer can help by providing you with a no win no fee service. Find out more about making a work accident claim against the council.
Your local authority has a responsibility to make sure council housing is safe and adequately maintained. Failing to do this can put you and your family at risk of injury. This could include accidents such as:
- tripping on loose or badly worn carpets
- being injured from falling roof tiles or damaged guttering
- injuries caused by faulty electrical items
Providing it happened within the last three years and you suffered an injury, contact a personal injury solicitor who will be happy to discuss your case and let you know if you may be entitled to compensation.
So if you or your child has been injured due to a failure to maintain a safe school environment, you may be eligible to claim compensation.
Find out more about school accident claims.
Whilst general wear and tear is unavoidable, councils responsible for these areas have a legal duty to perform regular checks to keep members of the public safe. As well as playground equipment such as swings and climbing frames, this also applies to paths, playground flooring and the surrounding areas.
They must carry out regular inspections and maintenance and promptly address any identified hazards to prevent accidents. Local councils must also ensure that all staff members are qualified and trained and can provide adequate supervision to visitors.
A failure to properly maintain or manage such facilities can lead to various accidents, such as slips and trips, falls from height, drowning and injuries from faulty equipment. If an injury occurred because the council failed to uphold its legal duties, a specialist solicitor could help you make a compensation claim against your local council.
What evidence will I need to make a compensation claim against the council?
If the local council was negligent in its legal duty of care towards you and you want to start a council compensation claim, you will need various types of evidence to support your case.
The evidence must clearly show how you’ve been injured due to the council’s negligence, the injuries you’ve suffered and their impact on your day-to-day life. For this, you could use the following types of evidence:
- Medical records that show the type and severity of the injuries you suffered, any diagnostic tests, the treatment you received and the expected recovery times;
- An independent medical report from a specialist who will assess the long-term effects of your injuries and your future care needs;
- Photographs or videos of the accident scene and any hazards that contributed to it, such as damaged safety tiles, potholes or poor lighting;
- If available, you can also use CCTV footage to show how the accident happened;
- Pictures of any visible injuries and damage to your property and of your recovery process;
- The names and addresses of witnesses so that your solicitor can contact them for a statement if the defendant denies liability;
- A copy of an accident report that you should file with the local authorities immediately after the incident. This should contain details of the accident, including the time, date, location, and how it occurred;
- Your testimony of how the accident took place and the impact it has had on your ability to work or engage in daily activities;
- Any correspondence between you and the local council regarding the accident, safety concerns or your injury;
- You also need to keep all evidence of financial losses and expenses related to the incident, such as receipts and invoices.
Your solicitor will review all the evidence you have and help you gather anything else you may need to claim compensation from the council. 
What are the time limits for making a claim against the council?
In most cases, a claim against the council for personal injury will need to be made within three years from the date of your accident. For this reason, we would usually recommend you make a claim as soon as possible after the accident. Once the three-year time limit has passed, you might be time-barred from claiming compensation.
Starting a claim soon after an accident also makes the process of gathering evidence to support your claim much easier. Whether this is taking photos of a damaged pavement, measuring a pothole or interviewing somebody that witnessed the accident that caused your injury.
Under the Limitation Act 1980, there are a couple of exceptions to the three-year rule that applies to most personal injury claims:
- If you are claiming on behalf of a child (under 18 years old), the three-year time limit does not begin until their 18th birthday.
- If you were injured when you were a child and a claim has not already been made on your behalf, you have three years from the date of your 18th birthday to start the claim yourself.
- If you’re claiming on behalf of a person that doesn’t have the mental capacity to make a claim themselves, the limitation period is suspended while they lack capacity.
Your solicitor will only receive a success fee if they win your claim. They will explain any potential costs before you decide whether to proceed.
Learn moreWhat are the most common types of injuries in council negligence claims?
An accident on council property can result in a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-changing. This includes injuries caused by accidents involving potholes or pavement defects, or other types of accidents on council-owned property, such as faulty equipment in playgrounds or insufficient training of employees.
As long as the council’s negligence caused your injuries, you could start a compensation claim against the council for any of the following:
- Cuts and lacerations can be due to falls or contact with sharp objects or broken furniture in parks, playgrounds or leisure centres. While not typically severe, a deep cut can lead to infections, may need stitches and cause permanent scarring.
- Broken bones can result from trips and falls due to poorly maintained walkways, uneven stairs or wet floors. A fracture can affect any part of the body, but the wrists, ankles, hips and legs are most commonly affected. A severe break may need surgery and cause ongoing pain and mobility issues.
- Dislocations occur when a bone shifts out of its position in a joint, typically due to a fall, sudden twisting or a direct blow. This can cause severe pain, swelling and deformity. A dislocated bone may need immediate medical care and physical therapy to prevent further damage and restore strength and range of motion.
- Head injuries can occur from slips, trips and falls, falling objects and broken equipment. These range from minor concussions to traumatic brain injuries and can cause a variety of symptoms, such as headaches, dizziness, seizures and loss of consciousness. Severe injuries can have permanent consequences.
- Back injuries are common and can range from muscle strains to herniated discs and spinal cord trauma. Symptoms of back injuries include pain, limited mobility, muscle spasms and weakness in the legs. Severe trauma can lead to chronic pain, permanent loss of sensation and paralysis.
- Electric shocks can be caused by faulty outlets and electrical equipment in schools or council homes. They can cause burns, muscle contractions, respiratory distress and even damage to internal organs. In the most severe cases, electrocution can be fatal.
- Sprains and strains affect the muscles, tendons or ligaments and occur when these are overstretched or torn due to falls, repetitive movements or other causes. Symptoms include pain, weakness and limited mobility. Severe tears need surgical repair and rehabilitation.
- Nerve damage can be due to various types of traumas and can cause numbness, burning, muscle weakness or loss of coordination. In severe cases, nerve damage can result in partial or complete paralysis of the affected limbs or body parts.
- Respiratory issues can be due to exposure to toxic fumes, asbestos, fires, or accidents in swimming pools. They can cause coughing, shortness of breath, chest tightness, fatigue and reduced lung function.
No matter what type of injury you’ve sustained, if negligence can be proven, you may be able to sue the council for damages.
How much compensation can I claim against the local council?
How much compensation you receive by claiming against the council for negligence will ultimately depend on how severe your injury is and what impact it has had on your life.
Examples of some of the factors that are taken into account to work out the amount of council compensation you receive include:
- Any loss of earnings from being unable to work due to your injuries
- The cost of any medical treatment needed to aid your recovery, such as physiotherapy
- Travel costs to attend any GP or hospital appointments
- The cost of any accessibility changes that need to be made to your home or vehicle as a result of your injury
The best way to find out how much compensation your claim is worth is to discuss your accident with an experienced injury lawyer. To arrange a free claim assessment, call free on 0800 470 0472 or request a callback. You can also try our compensation calculator below to get an estimate of how much compensation your claim could be worth.
Compensation Calculator
Use our simple compensation calculator to find out how much compensation you could be entitled to. It only takes a couple of minutes.
Calculate NowWhat type of injury or illness did you sustain?
Please select the relevant area of the body that was affected.
What type of injury or illness did you sustain?
Please select the relevant option from the list below.
What type of injury or illness did you sustain?
Please select the relevant option from the list below.
How severe was the injury or illness you sustained?
Please select the level of severity that most accurately describes your injury or illness.
You have selected the following injury
Did you have to take time off work?
If you had to take time off work because of your injuries, you can include any lost earnings, overtime, bonuses and commission payments in your claim.
If you are still off work, you can also include any future lost earnings you anticipate.
Please estimate your lost earnings below or leave blank if you would like to skip this.
Did you have any other expenses?
If you have incurred any other financial expenses, such as travel costs or medical expenses, you can add these below.
Your claim could be worth:
Want to find out more?
Simply enter your details into the form below and a friendly legal adviser will give you a call to discuss your claim. The solicitors we work with provide a No Win No Fee service, so there are no upfront costs and no financial risk.
By submitting this form you agree to be contacted by our partners. Find out how we handle your data in our privacy policy
Will a solicitor help me make a no win no fee council compensation claim?
Yes. No matter where you are in the UK, the injury solicitors we work with can offer you a no win no fee service. You will not be asked to pay any upfront legal fees to process your compensation claim.
If your claim for council negligence is successful, your solicitor’s costs are covered as a percentage of certain parts of the compensation awarded (such as damages for your injuries and past losses), capped at 25%. If your case is unsuccessful, you are not required to pay your solicitor for the work they have done.
You can find out more information about the no win no fee service here or contact us for a free initial consultation. This is provided with no obligation to proceed, and one of our personal injury lawyers will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Can I make a council compensation claim on behalf of somebody else?
If a loved one was injured in an accident caused by poorly maintained roads or another type of negligence, you may be able to sue the council for injuries on their behalf. For example, you could make a claim on behalf of your child before they turn 18 or on behalf of an adult who cannot handle the claims process due to a lack of mental capacity.
To claim for someone you love, you must first apply to the court to be named as their litigation friend. Once appointed, you will have a duty to make sure that your loved one’s rights are protected and several other responsibilities, which include:
- Approving and signing legal documents
- Going to court hearings
- Liaising with solicitors and taking legal advice
- Making decisions about the claim and any compensation offers from the defendant
- Ensuring your loved one attends all medical appointments
- Paying any fees requested by the court
When you make a council compensation claim on behalf of someone else, a judge usually needs to approve the settlement during a court hearing. This process aims to ensure the injured party receives a fair settlement that meets their needs.
Once approved, your solicitor can advise how the funds should be managed, which may include a personal injury trust where appropriate.
How long do claims against councils usually take?
There is no set amount of time to settle a compensation claim against the council. While a straightforward claim could take around six months, more complex cases can take a few years to resolve. Several aspects of your case will determine how long it will take, such as:
- The type and circumstances of your accident
- The extent of your injuries and your expected recovery times
- How long it takes to gather supporting evidence
- How fast the other party responds to your claim notification
- Whether the defendant admits liability from the start
- The time it takes to negotiate a settlement
- Whether you can settle out of court or you have to go to trial
If you want to ensure a timely resolution of your case, you should try to gather as much evidence as possible and provide any information or documents your solicitor needs as soon as possible.
If the other party admits liability or you have strong evidence of negligence, you can also apply for interim payments. These partial payments can help cover immediate financial needs, such as medical treatments and care costs, while your claim is being processed.
Want to find out more? Contact us today for a free consultation
If you feel you may be entitled to make an injury claim against the council, it is a good idea to contact a solicitor as soon as possible. Although you have three years from the date of the accident to initiate a claim, getting legal advice early on can help preserve evidence.
At CouncilClaims.co.uk, we can put you in contact with experienced personal injury lawyers who will provide you with a free claim assessment with no obligation attached. Enter your details into our simple online claim form, and a friendly and experienced legal advisor will give you a call to discuss your claim. Alternatively, you can call free on 0800 470 0472.
By contacting an injury solicitor early on, they can help to ensure any vital evidence you need to support your accident claim is captured, such as taking photographs of pavement defects before they are repaired, for example.
Friendly legal advisors are available to discuss your personal injury claim against the council today.
- Find out if you have a valid claim
- No win no fee service
- We are available 7 days a week
- Experienced personal injury lawyers
*Personal injury claims are provided on a no win no fee basis. If your claim is successful, your solicitor will receive a success fee of up to 25% of your compensation. If any additional costs could be payable, such as taking out legal protection insurance, these would be fully explained upfront by your solicitor before you decide to proceed with your claim. Termination fees may apply based on time spent on your case, or in situations such as: lack of cooperation, deliberately misleading your solicitor, failing to attend scheduled medical or expert examinations, or not appearing at a required court hearing. Please visit our guide to no win no fee claims page for further information.
