2026
Doyles Guide
Australia Leading Lawyer Public Liability Compensation (Plaintiff)
Public Liability Lawyers
If you have sustained injuries from an accident in a public area or on another person's property, and have experienced any form of loss due to your injuries, you might have the right to file a public liability claim.
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- Step 1
Book a Consultation
Tell us about your situation in confidence. Our team will listen carefully and provide an initial assessment.
- Step 2
Understand Your Options
We'll explain your rights, the process, and the possible outcomes, so you know exactly what to expect before moving forward.
- Step 3
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With a clear plan in place, we'll represent your best interests and work to achieve the outcome you deserve.
Experts in Public Liability Claims
Burke Mead Lawyers are experienced public liability lawyers and experts in personal injury law, assisting clients with a range of legal services and professional advice. Our services are delivered by a team of personal injury law experts whose experience with public liability claims can help our clients resolve personal injury matters quickly.
To make a public liability compensation claim, you need to have experienced an injury — including physical and psychological injuries — that was caused by the negligence of another individual or business, in a public or private environment, with the exception of motor vehicle accidents or work-related injuries. All public places and buildings, including those used for private purposes such as rental properties, are required to have public liability insurance.
Our experienced lawyers specialise in resolving personal injury disputes through mediation and negotiation, and Burke Mead Lawyers are one of the leading personal injury law firms in Newcastle, the Central Coast and the Maitland Hunter Region.
What Can Be Claimed Under Public Liability
Public liability compensation is designed to cover the losses you suffered as a result of your injuries — and not all losses are financial.
Cost of treatment
Medical, hospital and rehabilitation costs incurred as a result of your injury.
Economic loss
Income lost through time taken off work, and any ongoing effect on your earning capacity.
Non-financial loss
Compensation can assist in managing the impact of non-financial losses, such as a physical injury.
Loss or damage of property
Legal action can extend to loss or damage of property resulting from another party’s negligence.
Where Public Liability Claims Arise
At a Shopping Centre
As a public place, if you are injured as a result of another person’s negligence at a shopping centre, you may be entitled to make a claim.
At Someone's Home
You can make a public liability claim for injuries suffered at a private residence, but you must be able to show negligence was a factor.
Rental & Private Property
Buildings used for private purposes, such as rental properties, are also required to hold public liability insurance.
Businesses, Events & Contractors
Action can be taken against a person, business, event, group or contractor found liable for injury or loss caused by their negligence.
Making a claim
How to Make a Public Liability Claim
The first step is working out whether you are eligible. Ask yourself: were you injured in a public place, was the injury caused by negligence, and have you suffered economic loss?
Time limits apply. Under public liability you have three years from the date of injury to claim compensation — or, in some cases, three years from becoming aware of your injury.
- 1
Establish eligibility: you were injured in a public place, the injury was caused by negligence, and you have suffered loss as a result.
- 2
Gather as much evidence of your injury as possible, including how and where the incident occurred.
- 3
Obtain the assessment of your injury by your treating doctors.
- 4
Collect proof of economic loss — records of time taken off work, doctors’ certificates and receipts for treatment.
- 5
Identify the person or entity responsible, then contact a personal injury lawyer who can assess the likely outcome and next steps.
Injuries That Can Lead to a Claim
Public liability is a personal injury matter, and there are many types of injuries and circumstances that could lead to a claim — including psychological as well as physical injury.
Once a claim is made it will be assessed, and if the insurer accepts liability it is likely to offer a settlement payment. Many public liability claims are settled without the need for court action.
- Fractures & broken bones
- Soft tissue & ligament damage
- Head & brain injuries
- Facial & dental injuries
- Wrist, hand & shoulder injuries
- Burns & scarring
- Lacerations & wounds
- Psychological injuries
Public Liability FAQs
How do I make a public liability claim?
The first step is discerning whether you are eligible. Ask yourself: were you injured in a public place? Was the injury caused by negligence? Have you suffered any economic loss due to the injury, such as time off work or the cost of treatment? If you answered yes, you may be eligible to make a claim and should contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your case. To help us understand your case, gather as much evidence of your injury as possible, the assessment of your injury by your treating doctors, proof of economic loss, and the identity of the person or entity responsible.
Can I claim if I was injured at someone’s home?
The short answer is yes — you can make a public liability compensation claim for injuries suffered at a private residence, but you must be able to show negligence was a factor.
What is public liability compensation?
Public liability compensation is designed to cover the losses you suffered as a result of your injuries. While not all losses may be financial, such as a physical injury, compensation can assist in managing the impact of non-financial losses or injuries.
What happens if I claim on public liability insurance?
Once you have made a claim it will be assessed, and if the insurer accepts liability then it is likely it will offer you a settlement payment. Many public liability claims are settled without the need for court action.
What are the benefits of working with a public liability lawyer?
There are many benefits to working with personal injury lawyers experienced in public liability claims. When making a compensation claim, you will need the knowledge and expertise of legal experts who understand the public liability claims process. Our experienced lawyers specialise in resolving personal injury disputes through mediation and negotiation, and Burke Mead Lawyers are one of the leading personal injury law firms in Newcastle, Central Coast, and the Maitland Hunter Region. We take a collaborative approach to understanding your unique circumstances, your needs currently and your needs moving forward. Our objective is focused on securing the best possible outcome for you and your future.
What is public liability and why is it important?
Public liability refers to the duty of care individuals and businesses have to the public to ensure their safety. If a person is injured on someone’s property, or sustains an injury due to the way a business was operating, that person could be entitled to make a compensation claim. It is important because it means we take accountability for the safety of those around us, and provides a means for those injured by carelessness to be compensated.
Can I claim if I was injured at a shopping centre?
Again, the short answer is yes. As a public place, if you are injured as a result of another person’s negligence, then you may be entitled to make a claim.
What can be claimed under public liability?
Generally speaking, legal action can be taken against a person, business, event, group or contractor if they are found liable for death or injury, loss or damage of property, or economic loss resulting from their negligence.
How long do I have to make a claim?
As with many laws, there are time limits on when you can submit a claim. Under public liability you have three years from the date of injury to claim public liability compensation, or in some cases three years from becoming aware of your injury.
Awards and recognition
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Public Liability Lawyers Near You
We help injured people right across New South Wales. You do not need to travel to an office for us to run your claim.
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