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Public liability lawyers

If you’ve been injured in a public place and someone is at fault, you may be eligible for public liability compensation. We're ready to take action for your injuries, right wrong and help get you the public liability compensation you deserve.

Free claim check

Who can make a public liability claim?

You have a right to be safe from injury when you’re out and about in the community, no matter which state or territory you’re in. Public liability laws are in place to protect you if you’re injured in a public place. 

You can make a public liability claim if you were injured in a public place and: 

  • A person, company or organisation was at fault and owed you a duty of care. This means they had an obligation to protect you from reasonably foreseeable injury on their property 

  • The duty of care was breached (or they failed in their obligation to you) 

  • Your injury is because of their breach of duty of care 

What is a public place? 

A public place in Australia could include public, commercial or retail properties such as:  

Lawyers have the skill, experience and expertise to guide you through every step of the court process. We’ll keep you informed, and work to make sure you feel confident and comfortable as your case progresses. 

Whether settled early or through the court process, a successful public liability claim means you’ll receive the compensation you deserve.

What public liability compensation is available?

When you’ve been injured in a public place, what you can claim public liability compensation for depends on several factors specific to your situation. You may be eligible to claim compensation for: 

  • Medical and rehabilitation costs 

  • The cost of receiving care and support in your home 

  • Past and future lost earnings 

  • Pain and suffering (which is claimed as ‘general damages’)

How long does a public liability claim take?

The length of time your public liability claim takes depends on your injuries and the medical treatment and rehabilitation required for recovery. Be aware that strict time limitations apply in each state and territory.  

It’s important to see an experienced public liability lawyer as soon as possible, so you don’t miss your entitlement to claim public liability compensation. 

How much will a public liability claim cost?

Ensuring everyone has access to justice is important to us at Shine Lawyers. This is why we offer our public liability legal services on a No Win, No Fee* basis. You won’t have to worry about legal fees unless we receive a successful outcome for you.  

*Conditions apply 

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Injury types

After an injury in a public place, it can be difficult to know how the extent of your injuries will affect your life currently and in the future. Our team has years of experience achieving successful outcomes for our clients and we know the best approach to ensure you are compensated for your immediate and possible future pain and suffering you may incur.  

Common injuries sustained from an accident in a public place can include: 

Additional claim types

You may be eligible for other forms of compensation depending on: 

  • The circumstances of your public liability claim 

  • The state or territory where you were injured in a public place 

They could include:

Preparing for a claim

When preparing to make a claim there are some important steps you need to take.  

Record and report the accident

  • Take photographs of the injury and the location where the injury occurred.

  • Complete an incident report or injury register if one is available to you.

  • If not, write down what happened to you – including the contact details of any witnesses.

  • Record any expenses or lost wages due to your injuries.

  • Keep any communication that you received from those responsible for your injury.

Medical treatment

Get a medical certificate to support your claim, preferably from your own doctor. Tell your doctor how you were injured. Keep any receipts for your medical treatment and record appointment dates.

Contact Shine Lawyers

Find out if you have a claim by using our fast and free online tool or contact us for an obligation-free legal consultation.

Check if you have a public liability claim with our simple, free online tool

What we will ask 

  • Details about the incident and yours or your loved one’s injuries in a public place 

  • Basic personal information that is relevant and necessary for your claim 

What happens next

  • Book a no-obligation appointment with a public liability lawyer right away, or 

  • Speak with our friendly Client Care team about your options 

How to make a public liability claim

We listen and assess your existing claim confidentially

During your initial obligation-free consultation we’ll take the time to listen and understand your individual needs. We’ll then map out the next steps and explain all the options available to you.

We will lodge your claim

We will work with you to ensure your claim form is submitted correctly and in line with the strict time limitations.

We’ll build your claim and keep you informed

We will work with you to gather all the documentation and medical evidence required to support your claim. You focus on your recovery and rehabilitation, and we’ll take care of the rest whilst always keeping you in the loop.

Once our investigations are complete, we will advise you of the best way forward.

We’ll negotiate to settle your claim early

An early settlement involves both parties getting together to discuss the resolution of your claim. We will conduct the negotiations on your behalf.

If required, resolve your claim in court

Only a very small percentage of cases result in a court hearing. 

If this happens, our legal experts have the skill and experience to guide you through this.

We will ensure you’re feeling comfortable and confident throughout this process and inform you of what’s required from start to finish.

  If your claim is successful, you will receive the compensation you deserve, so you can focus on your future.

No Win, No Fee*

We do our best up-front to make sure you understand your legal case, including whether your case is on our No Win, No Fee* basis.  

*Conditions apply

Learn more

Do you have a claim?

We’re here to make the claims process as simple and stress-free as possible.  

FAQs

Are there any Shine public liability lawyers near me?

With more than 40 branches across Australia and 1000+ team members, location is no barrier when it comes to accessing Shine Lawyers’ legal advice and support.  

If you’d like to speak to our public liability law team in person, you can see our full list of locations here.  

If you aren‘t able to find a location near you, we can easily arrange an obligation-free virtual appointment or discuss the option to meet at a location that’s comfortable and convenient for you. No matter where you are located, we will always provide the same, expert advice and manage your claim with the same level of quality and commitment.

Can I represent myself, or do I need a public liability lawyer?

It’s possible to represent yourself when making a public liability insurance claim. However successfully doing so will likely require: 

  • A thorough understanding of the public liability law, and public liability claim time limits 

  • A full understanding of your legal rights and entitlements 

  • A commitment to actively pursue the case to move it forward.  

  • Without an experienced public liability lawyer in your corner, it can be difficult to identify and highlight the strengths of your case.  

Without the right legal advice and support, You then may not receive the compensation you deserve. 

Why trust Shine to be my public liability lawyers?

We have helped thousands of Australians right wrong and access more than $1 billion per year in entitlements and compensation through our expert services.  

95% of the cases we represent are settled without the stress of going to court. 

We offer access to affordable legal advice including on a No Win, No Fee* basis and an obligation-free initial consultation so you can understand your rights and know where you stand.  

 *Conditions apply 

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