Public Liability Lawyers Brisbane
If you have been injured due to unsafe conditions in a public place or on someone else's property, you may be entitled to compensation through a public liability claim. Our Brisbane-based public liability lawyers assist clients across Queensland to pursue compensation for injuries caused by the negligence of property owners, businesses or government entities.
What is Public Liability?
Public liability refers to the legal responsibility of property owners, businesses, and organizations to maintain safe premises and prevent injuries to visitors, customers, and members of the public. When someone is injured due to unsafe conditions or negligent acts on another party's property or in a public space, they may have grounds for a public liability compensation claim.
Public liability claims in Queensland are governed by the Civil Liability Act 2003 (Qld) and require proof that the property owner or occupier breached their duty of care, and that this breach caused your injuries. Property owners have a legal obligation to take reasonable steps to ensure their premises are safe and to warn visitors of any hazards that cannot be immediately rectified.
Types of Public Liability Claims We Handle
Slip, Trip and Fall Accidents
- Wet or slippery floors in shopping centers
- Uneven pavements and walkways
- Poor lighting causing falls
- Damaged or missing handrails
- Cluttered walkways and obstacles
- Defective stairs or steps
Other Premises Accidents
- Injuries from falling objects in stores
- Swimming pool accidents
- Dog attacks in public places
- Amusement park and recreation injuries
- Injuries at restaurants and cafes
- Hotel and accommodation accidents
What Compensation Can You Claim?
Medical and Treatment Costs
Full reimbursement for all reasonable medical expenses incurred as a result of your injuries, including emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgery, specialist consultations, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, medications, and any ongoing medical care required for your recovery.
Loss of Income and Earning Capacity
Compensation for wages lost during your recovery period and future loss of earning capacity if your injuries permanently affect your ability to work. This includes compensation for reduced working hours, inability to return to your previous occupation, and diminished career advancement opportunities.
Pain, Suffering and Loss of Amenities
General damages for the physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life caused by your injuries. This recognizes the impact on your daily activities, relationships, hobbies, and overall enjoyment of life. The amount depends on the severity and permanency of your injuries.
Care and Domestic Assistance
Compensation for the cost of care and assistance needed due to your injuries, including professional care services, domestic help with household tasks, personal care assistance, and gardening or home maintenance services that you can no longer perform yourself.
The Public Liability Claims Process
Step 1: Document the Accident
Immediately report the incident to the property owner or manager and ensure an incident report is filed. Take photos of the hazard and accident scene, collect witness contact information, and keep all receipts and records. Seek medical attention promptly, even for seemingly minor injuries.
Step 2: Initial Assessment
Contact our office for a free consultation. We'll review the circumstances of your accident, assess the strength of your claim, identify the liable parties, and explain your legal rights and options. We'll advise whether you have a viable claim for compensation.
Step 3: Investigation and Evidence Gathering
We conduct a thorough investigation of your accident, including obtaining incident reports, CCTV footage, maintenance records, witness statements, and expert reports if needed. We also compile comprehensive medical evidence documenting the extent of your injuries and their impact on your life.
Step 4: Claim Lodgement and Negotiation
We prepare and lodge your formal claim with the at-fault party's insurance company, outlining your injuries, the negligence that caused them, and the compensation sought. We then enter into negotiations with the insurer to pursue an appropriate settlement on your behalf.
Step 5: Settlement or Court Proceedings
If a settlement is reached, we assist with finalising the agreement. If the insurer denies liability or the settlement offer is inadequate, we can commence court proceedings to protect your rights and pursue the compensation available.
How Our Brisbane Public Liability Lawyers Can Help
Public liability claims require proving that the property owner or occupier was negligent and that their negligence caused your injuries. Our team provides legal support throughout your claim:
Thoroughly investigate to establish negligence and identify all liable parties
Secure crucial evidence including CCTV footage before it's destroyed
Engage building, engineering, or safety experts to support your claim
Compile comprehensive medical evidence of your injuries and prognosis
Handle dealings with insurance companies to pursue the compensation available
We offer No Win, No Fee arrangements for eligible matters, meaning you generally do not pay our legal fees unless your claim is successful. Conditions apply.
Important Time Limits for Public Liability Claims
Queensland law imposes strict time limits for pursuing public liability claims:
- 3 years: You generally have 3 years from the date of the accident to commence court proceedings for a public liability claim
- Shorter timeframes: Claims against government entities may have shorter notice periods (as little as 6 months for local councils)
- Immediate action: Report the incident immediately and preserve evidence, as critical evidence like CCTV footage may be deleted within weeks
Time limits are strict. Evidence can be lost quickly, and missing statutory deadlines may prevent you from making a claim. We recommend contacting us as soon as possible after your accident to protect your legal rights.
Frequently Asked Questions
Serving clients across South East Queensland
We act for clients throughout the region. Find local representation near you:
Get Help With Your Public Liability Claim
If you've been injured due to unsafe conditions on someone else's property, you may be entitled to compensation. Our Brisbane-based lawyers assist clients across Queensland to protect their rights. No Win, No Fee for eligible matters. Terms and conditions apply.
Serving clients across Queensland | Bilingual service available