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.
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:
Parks and carparks
Hotels and gyms
At an airport, during a flight or during an activity while travelling
Marine spaces (if you’re boating)
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
Injury types
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:
Injuries caused by animals (e.g.: dog attacks, horse-riding accidents)
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
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.
Arrange a meeting with a public liabiltiy lawyer
Arrange a meeting with a public liabiltiy lawyer
Contact Shine Lawyers to make an initial obligation-free consultation with one of our public liability lawyers. We’ll take the time to listen and understand all the circumstances of your incident, injuries and their impact on your life. We’ll then map out the next steps and explain all the options available to you.
We’ll build your claim and keep you informed
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
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.
Commence the public liability claim process
Commence the public liability claim process
As your public liability lawyer, we’ll work with you to ensure your public liability claim is correctly submitted and in line with the strict public liability claim time limits.
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
Do you have a claim?
We’re here to make the claims process as simple and stress-free as possible.
Public Liability FAQs
Are there any Shine public liability lawyers near me?
Are there any Shine public liability lawyers near me?
With more than 40 branches across Australia and nearly 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?
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?
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
How to make a public liability claim?
How to make a public liability claim?
How you make a public liability claim depends on the state or territory in which you’re injured. You can make a public liability claim if you’re injured in a public place and you can prove three things: that someone owed you a duty of care; the duty of care was breached; and your injury is because of that breach. An experienced public liability lawyer can help with your claim, including identifying who owed you a duty of care.
How long does a public liability claim take?
How long does a public liability claim take?
In most cases, public liability claims can take anywhere between 12 and 18 months to reach resolution or settlement. Each claim depends on the complexity and circumstances of your injury, and whether your claim settles without going to court. However, an experienced public liability lawyer will advise you on the best way forward to maximise your claim entitlements.
