Public Liability Lawyers

A public liability accident refers to any injury that occurs in a public place where another party may be responsible due to their negligence. It’s important to note that workplace injuries and injuries sustained in motor vehicle accidents are not covered under public liability claims.

Common injuries that are typically included in public liability claims are:

• Back, neck, or hip injuries caused by:
  • Slip or trip and fall accidents
  • Defective products or faulty goods
  • Physical or sexual assaults
  • Sporting or recreational accidents
  • School accidents
  • Dog attacks
  • Boating accidents
  • Accidents at entertainment venues
  • Workplace accidents where a third party, not you or your employer, is at fault

To successfully file a public liability claim, you must meet the following requirements:

• Injury in a Public Place: You must have sustained an injury in a public location such as a shopping centre, schoolyard, pub, or during a recreational activity like horseback riding.
• Fault of Another Party: The injury must be due to the negligence or fault of another party.
• Timely Filing: The claim must be filed within the statutory time limits set by Queensland law.

Two critical factors will be examined to determine if your claim qualifies under public liability:

• Duty of Care: It must be established that the responsible party owed you a duty of care.
• Breach of Duty: It must also be shown that the party failed to meet this standard of care, leading to your injury.

Filing a public liability claim involves several key steps:

1. Report the Incident

• Immediate Reporting: Report the incident to the relevant authority as soon as possible. This could be a property owner, manager, or supervisor at the location where the injury occurred.
• Document the Report: Ensure that the incident is documented officially, which may include filling out an incident report or receiving written confirmation of the report.

2. Seek Medical Attention

• Immediate Care: Visit a doctor or medical professional as soon as possible after the incident. Even if your injuries seem minor, a professional assessment is crucial for your health and for documenting your injuries.
• Obtain Medical Records: Keep all medical records, receipts, and reports, as they will be essential for your claim.

3. Gather Evidence

• Photographs and Videos: Take photographs or videos of the accident scene, your injuries, and any conditions that contributed to the incident (e.g., wet floors, faulty equipment).
• Witness Information: Collect the names, contact details, and statements of any witnesses who saw the incident.
• Personal Notes: Write down your account of the incident while your memory is still fresh. Include details such as the date, time, location, and how the accident occurred.

4. Consult a Public Liability Lawyer

• Legal Advice: Contact a public liability lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer will guide you through the process, advise you on your legal rights, and help you understand the potential outcomes of your claim.
• No-Win, No-Fee: Many personal injury lawyers, including those at Gajic Lawyers, operate on a no-win, no-fee basis, meaning you won’t pay legal fees unless your claim is successful.

5. Lodge the Claim

• Legal Process: Your lawyer will help you file the claim with the appropriate authorities or insurance companies. They will ensure all necessary documentation is submitted correctly and within the legal time limits.
• Time Limits: Remember, there are strict time limits for filing a public liability claim in Queensland. Your lawyer will ensure that your claim is filed promptly to avoid any potential issues with deadlines.

6. Ongoing Communication

• Stay Informed: Maintain regular contact with your lawyer and provide any additional information or documents they may need. They will keep you updated on the progress of your claim.
• Follow-Up Medical Care: Continue any recommended medical treatments and keep your lawyer informed of any changes in your condition.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your public liability claim is handled efficiently and that you have the best chance of receiving the compensation you deserve. If you need further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact us for a consultation.

Compensation for public liability claims in Queensland is determined based on several factors, including:

• Pain and Suffering: The impact of the injury on your quality of life.
• Loss of Income: Both past and future income losses due to the injury.
• Medical Treatment Costs: The value of past and future medical care and rehabilitation.
• Care and Assistance: The cost of any past and future care or assistance required due to the injury.

These factors are evaluated based on medical reports, expert evidence, and records of medical care and expenses.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a public place, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact our team of professional Compensation Lawyers in Brisbane at Gajic Lawyers for expert advice and assistance tailored to your unique situation.