Lawyer for falls and accidents in public spaces and commercial premises

A fall on the street, in a supermarket, shopping centre, or shop may initially seem like “nothing serious” until the injuries, pain, sick leave, expenses, and the key question arise: do I have to bear this myself?

The answer is often no. That is why this is a very relevant area within accident and personal injury claims: these incidents are very common, often compensable when properly evidenced, and increasingly handled as dedicated practice areas by specialised law firms. This is reflected both in pages focused on street accidents, in landing pages on supermarket or shopping centre falls, and in public liability claims when the responsible party is a public authority.

The key point is simple: if the harm results from a lack of diligence, maintenance, signage, or safety measures, it is worth reviewing the case to pursue a proper claim.

If you fall in the street, in a supermarket, or in a shop, you may be entitled to compensation

Not every fall gives rise to compensation. But when there is a preventable defect, a lack of due care, or a hazard that was not properly prevented or signposted, there may be a legal basis for a claim.
If the responsible party is a service provider in relation to a consumer, Article 147 of the Spanish Consumer Law (TRLGDCU) establishes that service providers are liable for damages caused to consumers and users, unless they can prove that they complied with all required standards of diligence according to the nature of the service.
If the responsible party is a public authority, Article 32 of Law 40/2015 recognises the right to compensation for injuries or damages to property and rights resulting from the normal or abnormal functioning of public services, except in cases of force majeure or damages that the individual is legally obliged to bear.

I want to know if I can make a claim

It is not the same to claim against a business as against a public authority

One of the most common mistakes is treating different situations as if they were the same.
If the accident happens in a supermarket, shopping centre, shop, or private premises
The legal framework is usually civil liability / consumer protection, and the Spanish Consumer Law (TRLGDCU) is a key reference when the injured party is a consumer and the damage is caused by a service.
If the accident happens in a public street or public space
The applicable route is usually public liability against the public administration, provided the damage is actual, financially assessable, individually identifiable, and not something the injured party is legally required to bear. This is also reflected in the official guidance provided by the Spanish central government on public liability claims.
In practical terms: a fall in a supermarket and a fall caused by a damaged pavement may look similar physically, but legally they are not claimed in the same way.

What you can claim: injuries, expenses, and financial loss

If the case has a legal basis, the claim may include:

• temporary injuries;
• long-term consequences;
• medical or pharmacy expenses;
• travel and transport costs;
• damage to personal belongings;
• and financial loss if there was sick leave or loss of income.

The key point here is not to reduce the case to “I fell and got hurt”, but to reconstruct the full real impact of the accident. And that requires evidence and proper assessment.

What evidence makes the difference in these cases

In these types of claims, most cases are won or lost long before reaching court.
What usually makes the biggest difference is:

• photographs of the location and the defect;
• existing or missing warning signage;
• immediate medical report;
• witness statements;
• communications to the business or public authority;
• receipt, invoice, or any document proving presence at the location;
• and proof of expenses and long-term consequences.

The official public liability claim process also requires demonstrating the individual nature of the injury, the causal link, and a proper economic valuation of the damage.

I want to review injuries, photos, and expenses

How we handle your claim

1. We assess whether the case is truly viable
Not every fall has sufficient legal grounds. We will tell you if yours does.

2. We identify the correct responsible party
Business, insurer, property owners’ association, town council, or other public authority.

3. We organise the evidence
Photos, medical report, witnesses, timeline, expenses, and causal link to the damage.

4. We choose the correct legal route
Civil/consumer liability or public liability, depending on the case.

5. We pursue the claim strategically
Negotiation, formal claim, or legal proceedings when necessary.

What documentation do we need

If you already have it, it is useful to gather:

• medical report or emergency room report;
• photographs of the location;
• witness statements;
• receipt or proof of presence at the premises;
• formal complaint or incident report submitted;
• expense receipts;
• sick leave certificate, if applicable;
• and any document that helps establish the damage, location, and cause of the accident.

If you do not have everything, that is not a problem. We will tell you what is essential and what should be reconstructed as soon as possible.