Molly Newbery
Slipping on leaked liquid from a faulty Portaloo may sound unusual. However, for our client, it resulted in a broken ankle, months of recovery, and significant disruption to daily life. Ultimately, poor maintenance and a failure to manage risks led to a successful occupiers’ liability claim.
What Happened at the Event?
Our client attended a music festival and used a standard Portaloo provided on site. Unfortunately, as they exited the unit, they slipped on liquid and fell, fracturing their ankle.
Following a detailed investigation, the cause became clear:
- A fault in the Portaloo’s waste system caused a leak
- Liquid pooled on the floor and exit area
- No warning signs or preventative measures were in place
As a result, what appeared to be a minor oversight became a serious public safety breach.
Why This Was a Valid Occupiers’ Liability Claim
Under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957, anyone responsible for premises must take reasonable steps to keep visitors safe. In this case, the claim succeeded for several key reasons.
1. Unsafe Conditions Were Present
The Portaloo had a known defect that created a clear slip hazard. Despite this, the responsible parties failed to repair the fault or warn users of the danger.
2. The Injury Had a Serious Impact
The accident caused significant physical and emotional harm, including:
- A broken ankle
- Medical treatment and ongoing rehabilitation
- Time off work and loss of income
- Pain, discomfort, and psychological distress
3. Negligence Was Proven
The event organisers and facilities provider failed to meet their duty of care. Therefore, our legal team gathered strong evidence, including:
- Incident reports
- Maintenance and inspection records
- Witness statements
Together, this evidence clearly demonstrated negligence.
4. The Claim Was Made on Time
Importantly, the client brought the claim within the three-year time limit required under UK personal injury law.
Choosing the Right Solicitor for Public Place Injury Claims
Accidents in public spaces can be legally complex. For that reason, it is vital to choose a solicitor who understands occupiers’ liability law and knows how to prove fault.
When selecting a solicitor, look for someone who:
- Specialises in occupiers’ liability and public accident claims
- Offers a no win, no fee service
- Has experience handling non-obvious negligence cases
- Can demonstrate a strong track record of success
Why Choose NJS Law?
At NJS Law, we fight for fair outcomes—whether the injury is minor or life-changing.
- ⭐ 4.9/5 Trustpilot rating, trusted by hundreds of clients
- 🛡️ No win, no fee – you pay nothing unless we succeed
- 📚 Over 20 years’ experience in personal injury and public liability claims
- 🤝 Friendly, expert legal teams who listen and act quickly
FAQs About Injuries in Public Places
Can I claim compensation if I was injured on someone else’s property?
Yes. If the property owner or operator failed to keep the area safe and you were injured as a result, you may be entitled to compensation.
Is slipping in a Portaloo really a valid claim?
Yes. In this case, a maintenance fault caused the injury. Therefore, the accident resulted from negligence, not bad luck.
How much compensation could I receive?
Compensation depends on the severity of the injury and its impact. In this case, our client recovered £26,000.
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