What is carelessness?

Over the years, the Law has built up standards of care in all fields of human conduct. If someone’s behaviour does not live up to these standards of care, and causes you harm, they are legally negligent and you are entitled to make a personal injury claim against them.

For example, if you work in a factory, your employer has a duty to provide you with safe premises, a safe system of work, safe equipment and proper training. If you suffer an accident because your employer hasn’t complied with these requirements, then you can claim compensation from him. If you are a member of a trade union, contact your official for initial help.

If you are involved in a road traffic accident, you would look to the standard of driving of the drivers involved in the accident. Every driver has a duty to drive carefully, keep a look out for other road users and comply with the highway code. If they don’t, and you are injured as a result, then you can claim compensation.

Every local authority has a duty to keep roads and pavements in a reasonable condition. If they don’t, and you have an accident as a result, you may be able to make a claim against them.