Public liability compensation is designed to cover the costs associated with your injury — including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and ongoing rehabilitation. These claims are made against the insurance policy held by the responsible party (such as a business, property owner, or event organiser). 

Examples of public liability claims include: 

• Slips, trips, and falls in public places (e.g. shopping centres or footpaths) 

• Building or balcony collapses 

• Injuries at schools or playgrounds 

• Food poisoning from restaurants or cafes 

• Physical assault or sexual assault 

• Accidents on public transport (bus, train, plane, ship) 

• Injuries caused by defective products (product liability) 

• Recreational and sporting injuries 

• Injuries at gyms, massage clinics, or with personal trainers 

• Dog bites or animal attacks 

• Injuries on private property 

• Injuries in rental properties due to unsafe conditions 

If you’ve been injured in a public or private space due to someone else’s negligence, here’s the process to follow to make a public liability compensation claim: 

1. Seek Legal Advice 

Speak with an experienced public liability lawyer to understand your rights and determine whether you have a valid claim. Early legal advice ensures you take the right steps from the beginning. 

2. Gather Evidence 

A strong claim relies on clear evidence. This may include: 

Photos of the accident scene and your injuries 

Witness statements 

Incident reports 

Proof of financial loss (e.g. medical bills, lost wages) 

3. Undergo Medical Assessments 

Independent medical reports are essential to support your claim. These assessments help document the extent of your injuries and any ongoing treatment or rehabilitation needs. 

4. Lodge the Claim 

Once your case is prepared, your lawyer will submit the claim to the relevant public liability insurer. This includes completing and filing the necessary claim forms. 

5. Negotiate a Settlement 

Most public liability claims in Queensland are resolved through negotiation or mediation, avoiding the need for court proceedings. Your lawyer will work to secure a fair settlement that reflects your injury and losses. 

When settling your public liability claim, your insurer may be required to pay some of your legal costs. How much they pay is dependent on your overall settlement. A compensation lawyer will outline how this works when reviewing your case. 

Yes. In Queensland, strict time limits apply to public liability claims. It’s important to seek legal advice as soon as possible to ensure your claim is lodged within the required timeframe. 

TPIL Lawyers offers no win, no fee* legal support for public liability claims. This means you won’t pay legal fees unless we successfully resolve your case. 

Unlike many firms, our dedicated public liability team limits their caseload to ensure your claim receives the attention it deserves. We’ll help you: 

• Navigate the legal system with confidence 

• Access medical treatment and rehabilitation 

• Understand your rights and entitlements 

• Maximise your compensation outcome 

We operate on a no win, no fee* basis, so you won’t need to worry about legal costs during the claims process.