The act of bringing an accident claim in the UK is one that historically has been only done in the most serious of cases. There has been a shift away from this kind of culture in the UK in recent years, bringing us more in-line with the USA. This has particularly had a bearing on local councils, who have been subjected to increasing numbers of expensive claims.

Common cases

The kinds of accident claim cases that are most commonly brought against local councils tend to centre on trips and falls on pavements and roads. Law states that the council is liable if the accident occurred as a result of a pothole that is deeper than one inch, or a slab that is higher than one inch. Unfortunately research suggests that this law is often abused; with many people taking advantage to bring a claim against the council for injuries that were sustained in a different situation.

Further areas of liability

Areas such as museums, swimming pools, schools and parks also fall under the responsibility of the local council. The number of incidents that occur in parks and schools that lead to accident claim cases is especially high due to the amount of children that use them.

Impact on social environment

Every accident claim case that the council has to compensate for means less money in the pot to maintain public areas. The lack of funds results in things such as more potholes, which increases the likelihood of other incidents. Due to the tough financial climate, with councils already looking at making cuts, the result is that areas deemed less important suffer. A prime example of this in practice can be seen in many of our parks that are being neglected, with swings and roundabouts being removed as the councils do not have the funds to provide safe environments.

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