Public Liability Claims in UAE

Public liability claims in the UAE arise when an individual suffers injury, property damage, or financial loss due to unsafe conditions, negligence, or wrongful acts occurring in public or publicly accessible spaces. These areas include shopping malls, parks, hotels, restaurants, government facilities, entertainment venues, residential buildings, and any location where the public is legally permitted to enter. Through our dedicated Compensation Claims Law practice, Al Kabban & Associates assists victims in pursuing compensation for harm caused by unsafe environments, structural failures, negligent security, and other preventable hazards.

Understanding public liability claims in the UAE

Under UAE law, the owners and operators of public spaces have a legal duty to ensure the safety of all visitors. When they fail to maintain safe conditions or neglect to warn visitors of potential hazards, they may be held liable for injuries or losses that occur as a result. Public liability claims fall under the UAE Civil Code’s tort provisions, which require proof of:

• A duty of care owed to the injured party
• A breach of that duty through negligence or unsafe conditions
• Causation linking the breach to the injury
• Actual damages suffered by the victim

Common scenarios leading to public liability claims

Public liability cases cover a wide range of incidents, including:

• Slip and fall accidents in malls or supermarkets
• Injuries caused by faulty escalators or elevators
• Falling objects from buildings or maintenance areas
• Accidents in amusement parks or recreational facilities
• Injuries in swimming pools due to lack of supervision or poor maintenance
• Accidents caused by broken pavements or unsafe walkways
• Burns, food poisoning, or allergic reactions in restaurants
• Security failures leading to assault or theft

Each case requires an investigation into the property conditions, maintenance practices, and safety standards at the time of the incident.

Legal responsibility and duty of care

Owners, operators, and managers of public spaces must take reasonable steps to prevent hazards. Their responsibilities include:

1. Maintaining safe premises

Regular inspections, cleaning, and maintenance are required to prevent dangerous conditions.

2. Adequate signage and warnings

Businesses must display warning signs for wet floors, maintenance work, or other temporary hazards.

3. Ensuring proper security

Hotels, malls, and residential buildings must provide adequate security, surveillance, and crowd control where necessary.

4. Complying with safety regulations

Authorities may hold property owners accountable for failing to adhere to fire safety codes, structural standards, or health regulations.

Types of injuries in public liability cases

Injuries sustained in public spaces vary widely depending on the incident. Common injuries include:

• Fractures and dislocations
• Back and spinal injuries
• Head trauma and concussions
• Cuts and lacerations
• Burns or scalds
• Allergic reactions or food poisoning
• Soft tissue injuries
• Psychological trauma (especially in security-related incidents)

Accurate medical assessment is vital to determining the extent of harm and calculating compensation.

Types of compensation available

Victims of public liability incidents may claim compensation for:

• Medical expenses — emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medication, physiotherapy
• Loss of income — wages lost during recovery
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Disability compensation where applicable
• Moral damages — pain, suffering, and emotional distress
• Property damage — damaged belongings such as phones, clothing, or vehicles
• Dependants’ compensation in fatal accidents

Evidence required for public liability claims

Strong evidence is crucial to proving negligence and securing compensation. Essential documentation includes:

• Photographs and videos of the hazard
• CCTV footage (if available)
• Incident reports from the location
• Police reports (in serious incidents)
• Medical reports and treatment records
• Witness statements
• Receipts for damaged property
• Employment and salary documents for income loss claims

Collecting evidence immediately strengthens the claim and prevents disputes over liability.

How to file a public liability claim in the UAE

1. Seek medical treatment

Immediate medical attention ensures injuries are documented accurately.

2. Report the incident

File an incident report with the property owner or management. Request a written copy.

3. Gather evidence

Take photographs, collect witness information, and request CCTV footage where possible.

4. Notify relevant authorities

Depending on the incident, report the matter to the police or local municipality.

5. Contact the insurer

Many public spaces have liability insurance. Notifying the insurer may help initiate the compensation process.

6. File a civil compensation claim

If the matter cannot be resolved through negotiation or insurance, a civil claim may be filed with the competent UAE court.

7. Court evaluation and expert reports

The court may appoint engineering, safety, or medical experts to assess:

• The safety of the premises
• The cause of the accident
• The degree of negligence
• The extent of injuries and damages

Common challenges in public liability claims

Victims may encounter several challenges, including:

• Property owners denying responsibility
• Lack of documentation or delayed reporting
• Insufficient CCTV or missing evidence
• Conflicting witness accounts
• Arguments that the victim acted carelessly
• Delays or low settlement offers from insurers

Expert legal support is essential to address these obstacles effectively.

Best practices for victims of public liability incidents

• Document the incident immediately
• Do not sign any release forms or settlements without legal advice
• Seek prompt medical attention and follow treatment plans
• Collect as much evidence as possible
• Maintain receipts, bills, and financial documentation
• Consult a lawyer early to protect your rights

Conclusion

Public liability claims in the UAE ensure that individuals injured in public or commercial spaces have a clear legal path to seek compensation for injuries, financial losses, and emotional harm. Whether the incident occurs in a mall, hotel, park, or residential tower, victims are protected by laws that demand safe environments and accountability for negligence. With decades of experience handling complex public liability cases, Al Kabban & Associates provides strategic, professional, and compassionate representation—ensuring that victims receive the justice and compensation they rightfully deserve under UAE law.