What you need to consider when launching a slip and fall accident claim in Victoria

This article explains how to begin your slip and fall accident claim and outlines what evidence you may need to collect, how your claim may take to resolve, what common mistakes you should avoid, and what to do if your public liability claim is rejected or disputed.

Have you recently suffered an injury in public due to someone else’s negligence? If you’ve slipped and fallen, you may be entitled to personal injury compensation. Gordon Legal’s experienced no-win, no-fee public liability team is ready to listen, provide expert advice, and help you confidently begin your claim. Contact us on (03) 9603 3000 or by completing an online enquiry form today!

Do I need a lawyer to file a slip-and-fall accident claim in Australia?

If you’ve suffered injuries due to a third party’s negligence in public, it is strongly recommended that you contact one of our expert public liability lawyers. Our public liability team will be able to:

• Assess the viability of your claim.
• Help collect all of the relevant evidence to support your claim.
• Manage the communication between yourself, insurers and medical experts.
• Arrange further medical examinations to assess the scope of your injury.
• Negotiate your settlement on your behalf so that your compensation is maximised.
• Advocate and fight for you in Court, if necessary.

The slip-and-fall accident claims process can be an incredibly complex system. However, Gordon Legal’s expert no-win, no-fee public liability team is ready to assist you from the beginning of your claim to its end. Contact us on (03) 9603 3000 or by completing an online enquiry form to launch your claim now!

What evidence should I gather for my slip-and-fall accident claim?

Collecting and preserving strong evidence is crucial for a slip-and-fall claim to be successful. Therefore, it is recommended that you:

• Take photographs of the area that caused you harm.
• If available, access any CCTV footage that may have captured your fall.
• Record the contact details of any witnesses who saw what happened.
• Complete an incident report if the accident occurred in a place like a supermarket or a shopping centre.
• Collect any relevant medical records you may receive as you seek treatment for your injuries.
• Finally, an accurate account of what happened should be documented somewhere. This account should include how the accident occurred, where it occurred and what time of day it was.

With access to substantial evidence like this, our public liability lawyers can construct a strong personal injury compensatory claim on your behalf. If you need any guidance about what evidence you should begin collecting, it is recommended that you contact us on (03) 9603 3000, and one of our friendly team members can help guide you in the right direction.

What common mistakes should I avoid when filing a slip-and-fall accident claim?

There are some common mistakes that many people make after suffering an accident that could potentially harm their claim. Some of these include:

• Delaying seeking medical treatment following the accident. Accurate medical records are crucial pieces of evidence in a public liability claim.
• Failing to complete an incident report or notifying the relevant council about the incident.
• Delaying the lodging of your claim. The statute of limitations for public liability claims is three years in Victoria.
• Not taking photos of the area that caused your accident. Photo evidence is essential for our team to assess your claim.

The best way to avoid these common mistakes is to contact one of our experienced personal injury team members. At Gordon Legal, we will ensure that your claim is handled correctly, improving your chances of receiving a fair settlement for your injuries.

How long does settling a slip-and-fall accident claim in Australia take?

The length of time it may take to resolve a slip and fall accident claim can vary depending on several factors, including:

• The severity and complexity of your injuries.
• How readily accessible and accurate your medical records are.
• The conduct of the responsible party during settlement negotiations.
• Whether the matter progresses to Court or is settled before trial.

Generally, a successful public liability claim can take between 12 and 18 months to fully resolve. At Gordon Legal, our expert team is committed to keeping you updated throughout the process and will ensure all relevant deadlines are met. Get in touch on (03) 9603 3000 or online today to begin the claims process!

What should I do if my slip-and-fall accident claim is rejected?

If the relevant insurer or property owner disputes your accident claim, you should:

• Review their reasoning with the team at Gordon Legal.
• Gather additional evidence, if necessary.
• Be open to attending alternative dispute resolution systems, such as mediation.
• Be prepared to lodge proceedings in Court if considered appropriate.

In many cases, these initial reasons for contesting can be overcome. Gordon Legal’s no-win, no-fee personal injury team are incredibly experienced with handling complex compensation claims, including ones that have been disputed. By lodging your claim with us, our team will commit to advocating on your behalf so your claim has the best chance of resulting in a fair settlement.

Ready to begin your claim? If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall that was the fault of another party, don’t wait. Contact a member of our compassionate team on (03) 9603 3000 or by completing an online enquiry form today to arrange a free consultation!