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When accidents occur on land where someone did not have permission to be — such as abandoned buildings, construction sites or private land — liability is not automatically excluded.

The Occupiers’ Liability Act 1984 governs the duty owed by occupiers of premises to non-visitors, including trespassers.

Accidents in shops, restaurants, rental properties, offices and private homes are often legally assessed under one key piece of legislation: the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957.

If you have been injured on someone else’s premises, this Act is likely to form the legal foundation of your claim.

The legislation establishes when a person or organisation that controls property can be held legally responsible for injuries suffered by visitors. It defines the standard of care required, the scope of that duty, and the circumstances in which liability may arise.

If you are injured on someone else’s property, whether in a shop, restaurant, rented accommodation or private home, the steps you take immediately afterwards can make a significant difference to both your recovery and your legal rights. Seeking prompt medical attention, reporting the accident, preserving evidence and obtaining early legal advice can protect your health and strengthen any potential claim. Under UK occupier liability law, those who control premises must take reasonable steps to keep visitors safe, and where they fail to do so, you may be entitled to compensation.