5 Minute Read

Leisure centres, swimming pools and sports halls run by local councils should provide a safe environment for visitors. If you are attending a fitness class, using the gym or taking your children swimming, you are entitled to expect that floors, equipment and communal areas are properly maintained.

Unfortunately, hazards such as wet surfaces, faulty equipment or poorly lit walkways can lead to accidents.

If this happens to you, it may be possible to initiate a personal injury claim against a local authority such as Middlesbrough Council, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council or Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council.

What duty does the council have to prevent slipping and tripping accidents in leisure centres?

Local authorities owe a duty of care to members of the public who use their leisure facilities. Under the Occupiers’ Liability Act 1957, councils must take reasonable steps to ensure visitors are safe when using their premises.

This does not mean they are liable for every accident. However, they must have proper systems of inspection, cleaning and maintenance in place. Hazards such as wet floors in pool changing areas or broken floor tiles in gyms should be dealt with promptly once known.

When can you make a claim following an accident in a council-run leisure facility?

To succeed in a claim against a council, you will usually need to show:

• The leisure facility was unsafe. For example, a slippery poolside without adequate warning signs or a treadmill with a known fault.
• The unsafe condition caused your accident and injuries.
• The council knew, or ought reasonably to have known, about the hazard but failed to address it in good time.

Councils often defend these cases by arguing that they had an adequate inspection or cleaning regime, or that the hazard appeared too suddenly for them to have acted. Having the right evidence makes a big difference.

Are claims against council-run leisure centres common in Teesside & North Yorkshire?

We have seen no evidence to suggest that leisure centres in Teesside and North Yorkshire are more hazardous than those elsewhere in the country. However, given the large number of facilities available for local communities, accidents do happen and many could have been avoided with proper maintenance. As a result, claims of this nature are relatively common.

There are many council-run leisure facilities in Teesside & North Yorkshire

• Billingham Forum (Stockton-on-Tees)
• Craven Leisure Centre (Skipton)
• Harrogate Leisure & Wellbeing Hub (Harrogate)
• IB Leisure (Ingleby Barwick, Stockton-on-Tees)
• Knaresborough Leisure & Wellbeing Hub (Knaresborough)
• Loftus Leisure Centre (Redcar & Cleveland)
• Middlesbrough Sports Village (Middlesbrough)
• Mill House Leisure Centre (Hartlepool)
• Neptune Centre (Middlesbrough)
• Rainbow Centre (Middlesbrough)
• Ripon Leisure & Wellbeing Hub (Jack Laugher Centre) (Ripon)
• Scarborough Sports Village (Scarborough)
• Selby Leisure Centre (Selby)
• Stokesley Leisure & Wellbeing Hub (Stokesley)
• Tadcaster Leisure Centre (Tadcaster)
• Thornaby Pavilion (Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees)
• Thornaby Pool (Thornaby, Stockton-on-Tees)
• Whitby Leisure Centre (Whitby)
• York Leisure Centre (York)

Common hazards in leisure centres that cause accidents

Typical examples include:

• Wet and slippery poolside areas without warning signage
• Damaged or loose floor tiles in changing rooms or sports halls
• Poor lighting in stairwells or corridors
• Broken or poorly maintained gym equipment
• Spilled drinks or cleaning products left unattended
• Inadequate supervision in play or sports areas

These can all result in slips, trips and falls leading to broken bones, head injuries or long-lasting mobility problems.

What should you do after an accident in a council-run leisure centre?

If you are injured in a leisure centre or swimming pool, it helps to:

• Seek medical attention and keep copies of all treatment records
• Take clear photographs of the hazard and surrounding area
• Note the exact location, date and time of the incident
• Collect witness details if anyone saw what happened and take note of any security cameras
• Report the accident to the leisure centre staff and ensure it is logged in the accident book
• Keep receipts for expenses and records of any lost earnings

Time limits for making a public liability claim against local authorities such as Middlesbrough Council, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council & Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council

In most personal injury claims in England and Wales, you have three years from the date of the accident to start court proceedings. There are some exceptions, including for children.

The sooner you seek legal advice, the easier it is to secure evidence, locate witnesses and build a strong claim.

To learn more about the limitation period, read: How long do I have to make a personal injury claim?

How much compensation could I receive if my leisure facility accident claim is successful?

Compensation varies depending on the seriousness of your injury and its impact on your life. You may be entitled to damages for:

• Pain and suffering
• Medical treatment and rehabilitation costs
• Loss of income if you cannot work
• Care and support needs

Each case is assessed on its own merits, and a solicitor can give more tailored advice once the evidence is reviewed.

No win no fee leisure centre accident claims

Most people don’t want, or can’t afford, to pay directly themselves. That’s why at Askews, we can usually act for you on a ‘No Win No Fee basis. We can also advise on other funding options that you may have available to you.

Askews Solicitors are Middlesbrough & Redcar-based experts in public liability claims involving accidents in leisure facilities

If you have been injured in a council-run leisure facility in Teesside or North Yorkshire, our experienced team can advise whether you have grounds for a claim. We have a strong track record of holding local authorities accountable and securing fair compensation for injured visitors.

Contact Us today for a free initial consultation. Or visit Public Liability Claims to learn more about how we can help.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice.