We are personal compensation lawyers for public liability claims in NSW. If you sustain an injury in any public place, whether that place is controlled by a private person/entity (for example, a shopping centre or on a worksite managed by an entity other than your employer), or a government authority (for example, on a footpath or public park or reserve). and it can be shown that your injury happened because of someone else’s negligence, then you may be entitled to make a ‘public liability’ claim for appropriate compensation.
Types of ‘public liability’ claims which can arise include:
- Dog attacks (in private homes and public places)
- Slips and falls at private residences, including rental properties
- Slips and falls in a public place (for example, a supermarket or a footpath)
- Boating accidents
- Schoolyard accidents
- Sports field accidents
- Recreational activities (for example, accidents at public pools, rock climbing, sky diving, go-kart racing)
If you’ve suffered an injury as a result of someone else’s negligence, you should seek expert and experienced legal advice as soon as possible.
First steps if you’ve been injured in a public place in NSW?
You should attend your doctor to ensure that your injuries are treated and documented early.
As soon as you are able (and the earlier the better), you should attempt to report the injury to the site management or council or other relevant body. This will alert the potential defendant to contact their insurer and to investigate the injury by way of CCTV or witness reports.
One of the first steps we will take once you instruct us is to seek discovery of any CCTV footage and witness reports and to make contact with the relevant insurer.
What compensation is available with a public liability claim?
Possible damages (compensation) for a public liability claim include:
- non-economic loss (“pain and suffering”);
- economic loss for inability to work due to your injuries;
- past and future treatment expenses; and
- past and future domestic assistance and personal care needed due to the injuries you have suffered.
Hall Payne knows that when you have an injury, it is a very challenging time. Financial stress can make the situation overwhelming. You may not be able to work for a period of time which adds further pressure. The sooner a claim is made and accepted, the sooner you’ll receive compensation.
How long will my public liability claim take?
There is no single answer to this question. Each case is different. However, the sooner your claim is finalised, the sooner you can move on with your life. That said, a properly prepared and managed claim can’t be rushed.
Contact us for a free initial consultation with one of our expert public liability compensation lawyers to discuss your claim circumstances.
How much will it cost me to make a public liability claim?
Hall Payne will provide you with a free initial consultation to discuss your injury and the circumstances around it. The circumstances for each public liability claim are unique. We will provide an estimate of legal costs and the likely time frames that will apply to your claim.
If we consider you have reasonable prospects of success, we will act for you on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis.
Speak to one of our experts
1800 659 114
general@hallpayne.com.au
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