Injuries and Accidents at Marches and Demonstrations

Under UK law, everyone has the right to participate in peaceful protests and demonstrations in public places. Due to the fact that demonstrations are usually formed around important, topical social and political issues, they can become contentious and potentially dangerous. 

While most protest marches remain peaceful, serious incidents can occasionally occur due to factors like poor organisation, interference from aggressive or violent individuals or even police aggression and brutality. Any of these factors can result in those participating in the protest, or bystanders, being injured, particularly if the atmosphere of the protest becomes more volatile and morphs into a riot. People have been knocked down, crushed or hit during protests in the past. During 2020, there were displays of police brutality or intimidation against certain protestors throughout the world, as well as displays of violence between protestors from different camps. 

To learn more or to start your claim, get in touch with our expert team on 0333 358 2345 or contact us online. 

If you have been injured through no fault of your own due to a march or demonstration, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation. 

Common March or Demonstration Claims Types

There are several different ways in which people can be injured at a protest but there are also many different parties who could potentially be responsible for those injuries. Some of the most common claims types relating to protests and marches are:

• Claims against the organisers – this sort of claim usually happen when the organisation that planned the protest (such as a trade union, or an activist group) are at fault for their poor planning or walking route choice, which caused the injury.
• Claims against individuals – this claim type occurs when one specific person acted irresponsibly, resulting in injury.
• Claims against the police – this claims type refers to when an officer has directly caused an injury or if there is evidence to suggest that your injury was caused by the police escalating the situation or not handling, managing or containing the protest sufficiently and relatively peacefully. 

Common Injuries

There are many different injury types that can occur at a protest. The most common injury types include:

• Slips, trips and falls
• Impact injuries
• Injuries consistent with crushing
• Breaks and fractures
• Head injuries
• Emotional and psychological trauma

Compensation

These types of injuries can massively impact upon a person’s life, whether in the short or long term. Injuries can force someone to take time off work, resulting in a loss of income or the injuries can even cause someone to give up work completely if they are severe. Your injuries may result in the need for medical care, rehabilitation or even adjustments to your lifestyle which can impact upon your physical or mental health. 

Compensation cannot lessen the pain and suffering you have experienced, and it cannot rid you of the memories and injuries. However, it can help you to pay for treatment, regain lost income as well as helping with any adjustments to your home or life. Decreasing the financial burden can help bring closure and comfort.

To understand general compensation estimates for certain injuries, visit our compensation calculator. However, the best way to get an accurate estimate of how much compensation you are likely to receive is to speak to us.

Making Personal Injury Claims

If you have suffered an injury due to an incident at a protest that wasn’t your fault, you may be entitled to compensation. First Personal Injury is available to assist you and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. 

To learn more or to start your claim, get in touch with our expert team on 0333 358 2345 or contact us online.