Understanding Public Liability: How Gordon Legal Helps You Navigate Injury Claims

Having an accident can lead to physical, emotional, and financial stress. If you’ve been injured in a public place, you may be entitled to seek compensation for your losses. At Gordon Legal, we understand how daunting it can feel to make a claim, especially when you’re dealing with injuries.

We’re here to guide you through the process of public liability claims, explaining how they work, how we can support you, and the steps involved. Below, we’ve answered some of the most frequently asked questions about getting legal help for public liability claims and navigating Victoria’s liability laws.

What is a Public Liability Lawyer?

A public liability lawyer is a legal professional who specialises in helping people pursue compensation for injuries or damages that occur in public places due to the negligence of another party. This could include slips or trips in a shopping centre, a carpark, footpaths, public park or playground. These lawyers are skilled in navigating personal injury law and can assist you with the legal process of making a public liability claim against the responsible party, often an individual, business, or local authority.

At Gordon Legal, our accident lawyers in Melbourne provide expert legal advice and representation to help you secure the compensation you deserve. We deal with various negligence claims and work with clients to ensure they are supported throughout their legal journey.

What Types of Accidents or Incidents Fall Under Public Liability Claims?

Public liability claims cover a wide range of accidents and incidents where injuries are caused by negligence in public or private spaces. If someone fails to ensure safety on their property or premises, and you get hurt as a result, you may be eligible for compensation.

Examples of public liability claims include:

• Slips, trips, and falls: Commonly occurring in public spaces like shopping centres, carparks, supermarkets, or on footpaths.
• Injuries in parks or playgrounds: Caused by defective equipment or poorly maintained grounds.
• Accidents at sporting venues: Such as injuries due to unsafe seating or hazardous conditions.
• Dog bites or animal attacks: In cases where the owner failed to properly control their pet.
• Injuries in rental properties: Where landlords failed to maintain the property in a safe condition.

Our team of Melbourne liability lawyers can help you determine if your accident or incident qualifies for a public liability claim and guide you through the process.

Are There Public Liability Lawyers in Melbourne Who Work on a No-Win, No-Fee Basis?

Yes, at Gordon Legal, we offer no-win, no-fee arrangements for public liability claims. This means you won’t have to pay any legal fees unless your case is successful. We believe that access to justice shouldn’t be determined by financial circumstances, and our no-win, no-fee lawyers in Melbourne are here to support you in pursuing your claim without upfront costs.

No-win, no-fee arrangements are especially helpful for those who are unsure whether they can afford to engage a personal injury lawyer. We are committed to providing legal services that are fair and accessible, ensuring you receive the legal help you need without financial pressure.

To speak to a no-win, no- fee lawyer about your public liability claim, get in touch today. 

What is the Difference Between Public Liability and Workers’ Compensation?

Although both public liability and workers’ compensation deal with injuries, they are two different legal areas.

• Public Liability: Covers injuries that occur in public or private places due to negligence by another party. These claims can involve accidents in public spaces like parks, footpaths, shopping centers, carparks or private properties.
• Workers’ Compensation: Applies to injuries that occur in the workplace. If you are hurt at work, you may be eligible for a workers’ compensation claim, which is designed to cover ongoing medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs for workplace injuries.

The key difference lies in where the injury occurred:

• Public liability relates to accidents outside of work.
• Workers’ compensation is specifically for accidents within your workplace.

If you are unsure whether your injury falls under public liability or workers’ compensation, our Melbourne injury lawyers can provide you with the right advice. 

How long do I have to file a public liability claim in Melbourne?

Filing a compensation claim might be the last thing on your mind after an injury or incident, but it’s crucial to act quickly, as strict time limits apply to making claims.

In Victoria, the time limit to file a public liability claim is generally 3 years from the date of the incident or when you first became aware of your injury. However, there are some exceptions:

1. Minors: If the injured person is under 18 years of age, the 3-year limitation period typically starts from their 18th birthday.
2. Persons with a disability: If the injured person has a mental or physical disability that prevents them from managing their legal affairs, the time limit may be extended.
3. Exceptional circumstances: In some cases, a court may grant an extension of time if it is just and reasonable to do so, having regard to the evidence

If you need more assistance on how to make a public liability claim, Gordon Legal can provide information specific to your circumstance. To learn more, contact one of our skilled public liability lawyers today. 

Have you been injured in a public place and unsure how to find a public liability solicitor? Get in touch. We’ve got a highly skilled and experienced team of compensation claim lawyers specialising in public liability claims.

For more information or to chat with an expert, please contact us via our website or call Gordon Legal at 03 9603 3000.