Public liability lawyers
Public liability claims:
Your rights, our fight
When accidents happen in public spaces or on private property, the physical, emotional, and financial impact can be severe.
At GMP Law, our experienced public liability lawyers are dedicated to helping you secure the compensation you deserve while providing compassionate support throughout the legal journey.
Why Choose Gerard Malouf & Partners
Understanding public liability claims
A public liability claim may be brought by any individual who has suffered an injury or loss due to another party’s negligence occurring in a public space or on private property.
Common types of claims include:
- Slips, trips, and falls: Individuals who have sustained injuries from slips, trips, or falls in public areas like parks, pavements, or shopping centres
- Rental property accidents: Tenants, or visitors, who have experienced an injury in a rental home as a result of landlord negligence
- Dog attacks: Individuals who have suffered an animal attack where the owner is negligent in their duty of care
- Travel accidents: People who have suffered injuries or illnesses due to negligence by airlines or cruise ships
- Restaurant and cafe negligence: People who have suffered illnesses or injuries due to negligence by restaurants and cafes.
We're here to help.
Eligibility for public liability compensation
To be eligible for a public liability claim in Australia, you must be able to prove:
- Duty of care: The person or organisation responsible for the space owed to you a duty of care
- Breach of duty: They failed to meet this duty of care through negligence or oversight
- Injury or loss: You suffered a genuine injury or loss as a direct result
- Reasonable foreseeability: The risk of injury was reasonably foreseeable and could have been prevented.
For example, you may be eligible if:
- A shopping centre failed to clean up a spill that caused you to slip and fall
- A landlord ignored repeated requests to fix a dangerous condition that led to your injury
- A business failed to maintain safe premises, resulting in your accident
- A council neglected to repair a hazardous footpath that caused you to trip.
Even if you’re uncertain about claiming, we encourage you to reach out. Our free initial consultation means you have nothing to lose by exploring your options.
Factors affecting compensation
Public liability claim payouts can vary significantly depending on the severity of your case.
You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Ongoing costs
- Non-economic (pain and suffering) damages
- Loss of earnings.
Several factors influence the amount of compensation you may receive:
- Location: Each Australian state and territory has different ways of calculating public liability compensation
- Settlement vs court: While court proceedings may result in higher payouts, they can be more expensive and time-consuming
- Contributory negligence: Your compensation may be reduced if you failed to act prudently (e.g., ignoring warning signs)
- Severity of injury: The extent and permanence of physical or psychological damage.
At GMP Law, we’re committed to helping you understand your rights and options. We’ll work tirelessly to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you’re entitled to under the law.
Learn more: Public Liability Claims: Your Comprehensive Guide
No Win No Fee
Fee transparency that you can trust
At GMP Law, we’re committed to ensuring you have nothing to lose.
If we don’t win your case, you won’t pay a cent for our services. This means you can focus on healing without worrying about legal costs.
How it works
No upfront costs
No contingency fee
We’ll only charge you if we win.
We maintain integrity by carefully evaluating each case. If we believe it’s unlikely to result in compensation or if the costs outweigh the benefits, we won’t take it on.
This commitment to our client’s best interests, as well as fee transparency, sets us apart from other law firms.
With a 98% success rate and over $4 billion in settlements, we’re dedicated to delivering exceptional results for our clients.
Frequently asked questions about public liability claims
Is there a time limit to make a public liability claim?
Yes, typically you have three years from the date of injury to file a public liability claim. However, it’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible to ensure the best outcome for your case.
GMP Law offers free initial consultations to help individuals explore their options. Our experienced lawyers can guide you through the complex process of making a public liability claim.
Can I make a claim against a council?
Yes, councils can be held responsible for accidents that occur on public premises for which they are responsible for maintenance. This includes parks, roads, sidewalks, and other public spaces. If you’ve been injured due to unsafe conditions, such as broken pavement, inadequate signage, or poorly maintained facilities, you may have grounds for a claim.
Our public liability team is well-equipped to navigate these complex claims against government bodies. We understand the intricacies involved in dealing with councils and have extensive experience handling similar cases. We can guide you through the process, ensuring that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Can I make a claim if the accident happened on private property?
Yes, you can file a public liability claim if the accident occurred on private property. Public liability claims can be made against a negligent party for incidents that happen in both public spaces and private premises. This means that if you were injured due to unsafe conditions, such as hazardous walkways, inadequate lighting, or other maintenance issues on someone else’s property, you may have a valid claim.
It’s important to establish that the property owner or occupier failed in their duty of care to maintain a safe environment. This could include failing to address known hazards, not providing adequate warnings, or neglecting to ensure that the premises were safe for visitors.
Our team can help you assess the circumstances of your accident and determine whether you have a strong case.
How long will my public liability case take to settle?
Most settled claims are resolved within 18 months. However, more complex cases may take longer, potentially a few years.
GMP Law’s public liability lawyers will work efficiently to ensure you receive maximum compensation in the minimum time possible.
Justice for victims of public liability negligence
At GMP Law, we’ve successfully represented clients from diverse backgrounds, handling claims for injuries resulting from public liability negligence.
$400,000 compensation for council footpath injury
Background
A Sydney man suffered a serious right ankle injury after tripping over a raised section of concrete on a council-maintained footpath while jogging.
The challenge
The council disputed legal liability, while the client faced significant income loss and required extensive domestic assistance.
GMP Law’s approach
Filed a claim in the District Court of NSW
Obtained expert reports on footpath condition and council maintenance obligations
Collected comprehensive medical evidence
Arranged independent medico-legal assessments
Negotiated effectively at the settlement conference.
Outcome
Successfully secured a $400,000 settlement covering pain and suffering, medical expenses, domestic help, and economic loss.
$180,000 settlement for injury in pub
Background
A patron at a Sydney inner-city pub suffered severe injuries after slipping on a wet bathroom floor.
The challenge
The client sustained multiple injuries requiring surgery, resulting in permanent impairments:
- 18% to the neck
- 30% to the lower back
- Significant loss of use in left arm and leg.
GMP Law’s approach
Filed a lawsuit against the pub
Challenged their inadequate cleaning and inspection records
Demonstrated clear negligence
Documented extensive injuries and impact on quality of life
Pursued permanent impairment compensation.
Real cases, real results
The compensation claim process: Your journey with GMP Law
Initial consultation
Evidence gathering
Claim submission
Negotiation
Court representation
Ongoing support
Our promise to you
Why trust GMP Law with your public liability claim?
At GMP Law, we handle your claim so you can concentrate on what matters most: your recovery.
We commit to
Clear, straightforward communication
Regular updates on your case as it progresses
A personal injury lawyer who understands your unique situation
Vigorous negotiation to maximise your compensation
Empathetic support throughout your journey
Specialised knowledge
Our accredited personal injury lawyers have years of experience in accident injury claims, giving us deep insight into the nuances of these claims.
Proven track record
Difficult case policy
Australia-wide assistance
With lawyers across the country, we’re here to help, wherever you are.
Meet the public liability team
Meet some of the diverse and dynamic compensation lawyers who support our clients with their public liability claims.
We're here to help maximise your compensation
Book your free, confidential consultation with one of our personal injury lawyers using the form below, or simply call us 1800 004 878.
