Helping you understand Public Liability
Public liability doesn’t just cover incidents in public places. If you have an injury that has happened because another party has breached their duty of care, your injury could fall under public liability law, and you may be able to claim compensation.
Common examples of public liability include:
- Slips and trips on public or private property
- Unsafe premises (such as balconies, stairs or walking surfaces)
- Dog or animal attacks
- Physical assaults
- Sexual assaults or sexual abuse (including historical trauma such as childhood abuse)
- Aviation accidents
- Defective products or services
- Sporting accidents (including recreational and adventure activities)
- Injuries on private property including rental properties
- Health and fitness injuries (such as massage or personal training)
Check if you have a Public Liability claim
Find out where you stand with our Free Claim Check. Answer a few simple questions online and we can help with your next step.
Act quickly
If you’ve been involved in an accident, it’s important that you begin gathering evidence straight away as you only have one opportunity to obtain compensation. It’s also important to get legal advice as soon as possible so you know what you might be entitled to.
National Practice Group Leader Barrie Woollacott explains what is and isn't defined as a public liability claim.
While your employer is responsible for your safety at work - injuries sustained in the workplace are not categorised as Public Liability. These injuries fall under Workers Compensation.
Similarly, injured drivers, pedestrians and public transport users are all protected by a duty of care, but these injuries fall under Motor Vehicle Accidents.
Your entitlements
If you have a public liability claim, you may be entitled to:
Compensation for pain and suffering, as well as loss of enjoyment of life caused by physical injury, psychological injury or both
Payments for lost wages
Compensation for loss of future earnings
Medical and like expenses for your treatments, and ongoing care and recovery
Compensation for the loss of your ability to look after anyone dependent on you
Compensation for the care and help provided to you by loved ones that you would have otherwise had to pay for
No Win - No Fee*
We are the original No Win, No Fee* lawyers. This means that if you don’t win you don’t pay Slater and Gordon’s fees (the fees that we charge for the work we do on your case).
*For full T&Cs on No Win - No Fee, click here.
How we can support you
With over 65 years combined experience in successfully assisting clients with Public Liability claims, you can feel confident that we’re here to help you.
We settle most cases outside of court
We know the process and know that the earlier cases are settled, the earlier you receive the compensation you may be entitled to. In the rare chance your matter goes to court, you can be confident knowing that you’ll have one of the best legal teams on your side.
The largest and most skilled Public Liability team in Victoria.
We have the largest and most experienced Public Liability practice in Victoria, as well as lawyers in most other states. Each lawyer has the backing and support of an Australia-wide network to help ensure that you get the best possible outcome.
Free social work services
We understand that compensation is only one aspect of your journey after a life-changing accident. We know you need support, and we help provide it where you need it.
What to expect
Every Public Liability case is different but we have the experience to guide you through every step of the process.
We will give you further information and organise your free initial appointment
This gives you the opportunity to find out more about your claim and discuss your options so you can make the best decision for you.
The team will take you through everything that follows, throughout your entire case.
We’ll gather evidence, obtain reports, organise meetings and appointments. You will be involved every step of the way.
We will organise for you to be examined by an independent medical professional for the purposes of establishing your entitlement to pain and suffering or loss of enjoyment of life damages.
We’ll help support you at every step of your journey to get you the compensation you deserve so you can move forward with your life. While it’s very rare for cases to proceed all the way to court you can be confident of your legal representation including a specialist barrister when it’s required.
Meet the team
When you choose Slater and Gordon, you’ll have an experienced legal team looking after you. Slater and Gordon can provide some of the most experienced lawyers and legal support staff to make sure you get the support you need who will work hard to take care of you and your case.
