Public Liability Lawyers

Public liability generally refers to accidents that occur in public spaces such as council or government owned footpaths, roads, parks, public schools and stadiums. If you are injured because those responsible for the space failed to take reasonable care, you may be able to claim compensation.

Public liability claims usually involve accidents in publicly owned spaces, for example council footpaths or public facilities. Accidents in places that are privately owned but open to the public, such as rental properties, supermarkets and shopping centres, are often treated as common law liability claims and are sometimes called slip and fall claims.

You may be able to claim for pain and suffering, including loss of enjoyment of life, financial loss such as past and future loss of income, medical and rehabilitation expenses you have already paid and are likely to incur in the future, and the value of past and future care provided by family members or paid carers.

Keeping receipts, invoices, travel records and a diary of how your injuries affect your day to day life can significantly strengthen your public liability claim. These records help prove the financial and practical impact of your injuries, which supports any compensation you seek.

If your case has good prospects and you have a right to compensation from an insurer, Adelaide Legal may back you with a no win, no fee agreement. This usually means you do not pay legal fees for professional work unless your claim succeeds, although some out of pocket expenses may still be payable.

Costs depend on the complexity of your matter. If your claim falls under a no win, no fee agreement, professional legal fees are typically payable only if you receive compensation. Where a no win, no fee arrangement is not suitable, the firm will give you an estimate of legal fees and any funds required to commence your claim before you decide how to proceed.

A public liability claim usually cannot be finalised until a medical professional considers your injuries to have stabilised, so the full long term impact is known. A straightforward claim may take around 12 to 18 months to resolve, while more complex matters can take longer. You should be kept informed about likely timeframes as your matter progresses.

To succeed in a public liability claim, you generally need to show that an entity, such as a council or property owner, was responsible for the space, that they owed you a duty of care and breached that duty, and that you suffered injury and loss as a result of that breach. Your lawyers will gather evidence, obtain medical reports and, where appropriate, negotiate with the relevant insurer on your behalf.

Pace Adelaide Legal provides clear advice on what you are entitled to, offers approachable and supportive lawyers and focuses on achieving the best possible outcome for you. They understand that discussing personal injuries and worries can be difficult and aim to become part of your support network while guiding you through the claims process.