Public Liability Claims in Caravan Parks & Real Examples & Lessons

Introduction: why caravan parks attract public liability claims

Caravan parks are brilliant businesses—but they’re also busy, mixed-use environments. You’ve got moving vehicles, uneven ground, wet areas, play spaces, shared facilities, seasonal staff, contractors, and guests who may not know the site layout.

That combination means public liability (PL) claims are common. Most aren’t dramatic. They’re the everyday incidents: a slip on a wet shower block floor, a child injured on a play area, a guest tripping on a poorly lit path, or a dog bite near the reception.

This blog breaks down realistic claim examples (based on the kinds of incidents that regularly lead to claims), what typically goes wrong, and the lessons caravan park owners and managers can apply straight away.

What is public liability insurance for a caravan park?

Public liability insurance covers your legal liability if a member of the public is injured or their property is damaged due to your business activities.

For caravan parks, “the public” can include:

• Paying guests and visitors

• Day visitors (if you allow them)

• People using on-site facilities (shop, café, bar, pool)

• Contractors and delivery drivers (often better covered under employers’ liability or their own policies, but PL claims can still arise)

A PL claim usually involves:

• An allegation you owed a duty of care

• A breach of that duty (something unsafe, poorly maintained, or poorly managed)

• Injury or damage caused by that breach

• Losses (medical costs, lost earnings, care costs, legal fees)

Why “real examples” matter

Caravan park risk isn’t theoretical. Claims often come down to small operational details:

• Was the hazard foreseeable?

• Was the inspection regime documented?

• Were warning signs used appropriately?

• Was the repair done properly and on time?

• Was the area adequately lit?

Insurers and solicitors will look for evidence. If you can show a sensible system—inspections, maintenance logs, staff training, contractor controls—you’re in a stronger position.

Example 1: slip in the shower block after cleaning

Scenario: A guest slips on a wet floor in the shower block shortly after it’s been cleaned. They injure their wrist and claim for pain, suffering, and time off work.

What typically drives the claim:

• No clear “wet floor” signage

• Cleaning done during peak usage

• No documented cleaning schedule

• Floor surface not suitable when wet

Lessons:

• Use clear signage and place it where people actually enter.

• Schedule cleaning for quieter times where possible.

• Consider anti-slip flooring or treatments in high-risk wet areas.

• Keep a simple cleaning log (time, staff member, area cleaned).

Example 2: trip on an uneven path or pothole

Scenario: A visitor trips on a cracked path between pitches and the amenities block. They claim for a knee injury and physiotherapy.

What typically drives the claim:

• Defect present for weeks with no repair

• No temporary marking or barrier

• Poor lighting makes the defect harder to see

• No inspection records

Lessons:

• Implement routine inspections of paths, steps, kerbs, and pitch edges.

• Record defects and actions taken (even if it’s “temporary repair completed; full repair booked”).

• Improve lighting on key routes.

• Use temporary paint markings or cones while awaiting repair.

Example 3: child injured on a play area

Scenario: A child falls from play equipment and suffers a fracture. Parents allege the equipment was unsafe or poorly maintained.

What typically drives the claim:

• Missing or worn safety surfacing

• Loose fixings or damaged components

• No evidence of inspections

• Inadequate age-appropriate signage

Lessons:

• Follow a structured inspection regime: daily visual checks, weekly operational checks, and periodic competent inspections.

• Keep records and photos of maintenance.

• Ensure surfacing meets appropriate standards and is maintained.

• Use clear signage for age ranges and supervision expectations.

Example 4: swimming pool or hot tub incident

Scenario: A guest slips on wet tiles near a pool or hot tub area. Alternatively, a guest claims illness after using a hot tub.

What typically drives the claim:

• Inadequate slip resistance

• Poor housekeeping (water pooling)

• No documented water testing and treatment

• Lack of supervision rules or signage

Lessons:

• Use suitable anti-slip surfaces and mats where appropriate.

• Maintain a strict cleaning and squeegee routine.

• Keep water testing logs (times, readings, chemicals added).

• Display clear rules and enforce them consistently.

Example 5: falling branch or tree-related injury

Scenario: During windy weather, a branch falls near a pitch and injures a guest or damages a vehicle.

What typically drives the claim:

• No tree inspections

• Known dead/diseased tree not addressed

• Poor response to weather warnings

Lessons:

• Arrange periodic tree surveys by a competent contractor.

• Keep records of works completed.

• Have a severe weather plan (closing areas, moving guests, cordoning off high-risk zones).

Example 6: vehicle vs pedestrian on site

Scenario: A child runs into the roadway and is struck by a slow-moving vehicle. Or a guest is hit by a reversing delivery van near reception.

What typically drives the claim:

• Poor traffic management

• Lack of speed controls

• No designated pedestrian routes

• Deliveries happening at busy times

Lessons:

• Set and enforce low speed limits.

• Use speed bumps and clear signage.

• Create safe pedestrian walkways where possible.

• Manage delivery times and designate loading areas.

Example 7: dog bite or animal-related incident

Scenario: A guest is bitten by another guest’s dog on site. They allege the park failed to enforce rules.

What typically drives the claim:

• No clear pet policy

• No enforcement or incident reporting

• Prior complaints about the same animal

Lessons:

• Publish a clear pet policy (leads, restricted areas, waste disposal).

• Train staff on how to respond to incidents.

• Record complaints and actions taken.

Example 8: falling sign, barrier, or poorly secured fixture

Scenario: A sign or barrier falls in high winds and injures a guest.

What typically drives the claim:

• Poor installation

• No checks after storms

• Temporary signage not weighted or secured

Lessons:

• Ensure fixtures are installed by competent contractors.

• Inspect after severe weather.

• Avoid “temporary” solutions becoming permanent.

Example 9: burns or scalds in shared facilities

Scenario: A guest is scalded by excessively hot water in a wash block, or burned by a faulty appliance in a shared kitchen/laundry.

What typically drives the claim:

• No temperature control measures

• Lack of maintenance checks

• No fault reporting process

Lessons:

• Control hot water temperatures appropriately.

• Maintain appliances and keep service records.

• Make fault reporting obvious (signage, QR code, reception reporting).

Example 10: property damage claims (not just injuries)

Scenario: A guest’s caravan is damaged by a park-owned mower throwing a stone, or by a contractor’s work causing damage.

What typically drives the claim:

• Poor segregation of work areas

• No contractor controls

• No incident reporting and evidence gathering

Lessons:

• Separate maintenance work from guest areas.

• Use barriers and signage.

• Vet contractors and confirm they carry their own liability cover.

What insurers and solicitors will ask for after an incident

When a claim lands, insurers typically want evidence quickly. Common requests include:

• Incident report (what happened, when, where)

• Photos/video of the area (including signage and lighting)

• Witness statements and staff notes

• Maintenance and inspection logs

• Cleaning schedules and records

• Contractor details and risk assessments

• CCTV (if available)

• Previous complaints or similar incidents

If you don’t have records, it doesn’t automatically mean you’re liable—but it makes defending the claim harder.

A practical “claim-proofing” checklist for caravan parks

You don’t need to overcomplicate this. Focus on sensible systems you can evidence.

Site inspections and maintenance

• Daily walk-round checks during the season

• Weekly documented inspections of paths, steps, lighting, handrails, play areas

• Defect reporting process for staff and guests

• Prioritised repairs (temporary controls until permanent fix)

Cleaning and housekeeping

• Cleaning schedules for wash blocks and high-traffic areas

• Wet floor signage used correctly

• Slip-resistant flooring where needed

Lighting and signage

• Adequate lighting on main routes, steps, and crossings

• Clear signage for speed limits, hazards, and facility rules

Play areas and leisure facilities

• Documented inspection regime

• Maintenance records and competent periodic checks

• Rules displayed and enforced

Traffic management

• Low speed limits and physical controls

• Safe pedestrian routes

• Delivery management

Staff training and incident response

• Train seasonal staff on hazard spotting and reporting

• Simple incident pack: forms, guidance, camera/phone process

• Preserve evidence (photos, names, times)

Contractor management

• Check contractor insurance

• Agree method statements for higher-risk work

• Keep guests away from active work areas

Common exclusions and pitfalls to watch

Public liability policies vary, but common issues include:

• Failure to disclose material facts (e.g., new leisure facilities, events, inflatables)

• Incorrect business description (e.g., you run a bar/restaurant but it’s not declared)

• Unattended bouncy castles or high-risk activities without proper controls

• Poor risk management around hot tubs/pools

If you add new activities—events, fireworks, live music, water sports—tell your broker before you launch.

How much public liability cover does a caravan park need?

There’s no one-size-fits-all, but many parks choose higher limits because:

• Footfall can be high in peak season

• Injuries can be serious

• Legal costs add up quickly

A sensible approach is to consider:

• Your annual visitor numbers

• On-site facilities (pool, play areas, bars)

• Events and activities

• Contract requirements (local authority, lenders, landlords)

What to do immediately after an incident (to protect guests and your position)

• Make the area safe and provide first aid if needed

• Record the facts: time, location, conditions, what was being done

• Take photos/video before anything changes

• Capture witness details

• Keep any relevant items (broken sign, loose fitting)

• Report to your insurer/broker promptly

• Don’t admit liability on the spot—focus on care and facts

Final thoughts: reduce claims, protect reputation, keep the park running

Public liability claims aren’t just about payouts—they can disrupt operations and damage reviews and reputation.

The good news: most claims are preventable with basic systems, consistent inspections, and good record-keeping. If you can show you take safety seriously and you can evidence it, you’re in a much stronger position—whether you’re preventing incidents or defending a claim.

Call to action

If you run a caravan park and want to sanity-check your public liability cover, limits, and key risk areas, speak to a specialist UK commercial broker who understands visitor attractions and leisure risks. The right policy should match your facilities, footfall, and activities—without nasty surprises at claim time.