25 October 2022

If you have been injured due to someone else’s failure to take care of your safety, you may be entitled to make a public liability claim (sometimes called a Civil Liability claim).

There are many different locations where you could potentially suffer an injury due to lack of duty of care.  For example,

  • in a supermarket
  • in a park or leisure centre
  • your rental premises (due to failed upkeep and unsafe premises)
  • on a boat or jet-ski
  • at a recreational or sporting event
  • lack of security at a licenced premises
  • in a private building, such as a gym or shopping centre

Common injuries which you may seek to claim under public liability are:

  • animal attacks (such as dog attacks)
  • back or neck injuries
  • fractures
  • slips and falls
  • psychological injuries

To help with your public liability claim, it is recommended that you collect evidence, such as: 

  • taking photographs of the location where the injury occurred
  • taking photographs of the injury itself
  • writing down what happened following the accident
  • keeping track of any communication where a report was given with respect to the injuries you’ve sustained as well as any responses given
  • keeping medical records of your injuries, which include medical certificates, x-ray reports or other medical records
  • keeping track of any expenses or lost wages due to your injuries

For your public liability claim to be successful, we will have to prove:

  • that the person, company, or organisation which contributed to your injuries owed you a duty of care
  • that the duty of care was breached
  • that you’ve suffered an injury because of the duty of care being breached

Our lawyers are experts in claiming the following in public liability claims:

  • past and future medical expenses
  • past and future loss of earnings/ economic loss
  • pain and suffering
  • domestic care/assistance required around your home

Usually, the insurance company for the person or business at fault will pay for any compensation, not the person or business that contributed to the breach of duty of care.  Businesses are required to have public liability insurance for this reason.   

Once LawAdvice acts for you in your public liability claim, we ascertain the insurance companies details and lodge the claim for you with all the relevant documents, medical records, and financial documents to support your claim and ensure you get the best possible outcome for you.

The information is current as at the date of publication of this article. The above article is of a general nature only and does not constitute legal advice. Law Advice Compensation Lawyers are experts in public liability accident claims. For a free, no obligation assessment of your injury claim call us on 1800 122 555 or complete our Free Claim Advice Form and get the compensation you deserve.

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