Public Liability Claims

Find out your rights to compensation if you’ve been injured in a public place due to someone else’s negligence.

Public liability law covers a wide range of circumstances where you may have been injured, or where someone close to you has died, due to the negligent acts of another person or a company. Depending on the way that you were injured, you may have a right to benefits and lump sum compensation in a Public Liability Claim.

What circumstances are covered?

Public liability includes a range of circumstances:

  • Injuries in schools and churches including abuse

  • Falls in public spaces (for example, in a supermarket or playground)

  • Injuries from poorly maintained equipment, footpaths, bike tracks or public spaces

  • Injuries from dog attacks

  • Residential accidents, and others

 
 

Common questions about public liability claims

Victims of Crime Compensation

If you are the victim of a criminal act, you may be entitled to compensation, even if the culprit has not been charged or convicted. Victims of crime compensation can include:

  • Special financial assistance

  • Medical benefits

  • Loss of wages

  • Compensation for stolen items

Strict time limits apply to bringing general compensation claims.

We don’t handle Victims of Crime claims. However, if you have a potential public liability claim and we’re representing you in that matter, we will be happy to guide you on how to pursue a separate Victims of Crime claim.

 
 

Why choose us?

With decades of experience in personal injury law we have the knowledge and insight to get the best outcomes for our clients.

Take the stress out of pursuing a claim and focus on your recovery. We are a compassionate and understanding team with no hidden fees or charges, free initial advice when and where you need it.

 

Key steps

Key steps in a public liability claim

Below, we’ve outlined the key steps in making a public liability claim, from your initial consultation through to gathering evidence, meeting deadlines, and assessing the likelihood of success.

  • 1. Free initial meeting

    Start by discussing your situation with us at no cost. Learn about your potential claim, understand the process, and clarify any concerns before deciding to proceed.

  • 2. Investigate

    We identify whether someone owed you a duty of care, failed to meet that duty, and caused your injury or loss. We then determine whether the law supports your claim and gives you a reasonable chance of success.

  • 3. Assess compensation potential

    We assess your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering, check if you meet the “significant injury” threshold, verify the defendant’s ability to pay, and confirm that you’re still within the legal time limits to file your claim.

  • 4. Court lodgement

    If the evidence supports the claim, we lodge Court documents. The Court can require the parties to take a number of steps to resolve a case before it goes to a hearing.

  • 5. Mediation

    The parties will meet to attempt to agree to resolve the case before the matter goes to a court hearing. A mediation is often the best chance for the parties to agree to resolve the case.

  • 6. Court hearing

    The parties argue their cases in Court. Only a handful of public liability cases are heard in Victorian Courts each year (most resolve at mediation).

 

Ready to take your first step towards resolution?

Been injured in a public place by someone else? Get in touch for a free initial consultation with one of our public liability lawyers to find out your rights and entitlements.