An unexpected injury or death is devastating. At Zaparas Lawyers we understand that if the injury was not your fault, the consequences you suffer can feel even worse.
This is why public liability compensation deals with the law surrounding accidents or injuries in public places. If you have been injured in a public place in Queensland, and it was someone else’s fault, you could be entitled to a public liability compensation claim.
If you are, you may be entitled to claim damages for pain and suffering as well as recovering lost wages and medical expenses. We can help you to pursue your claim for the injuries and any financial losses you have suffered.
In short, if you suffer as a result of something that somebody else should have prevented, your local Queensland team at Zaparas Lawyers is here for you.
FAQs
What are some examples of Public Liability claims?
Types of injuries typically involved in public liability claims include:
- injury in a park or in other public places
- injury in a rental property
- injury on private property, such as a shopping centre or other retail outlets, as well as amusement or theme parks, nightclubs and other entertainment venues
- injury from an animal (not your own), such as a dog bite or horse-riding accident
- injury in the grounds of a school
- injury from a recreational activity or sport, aviation or boating activity such as a jet-ski or while diving
- food poisoning
- injury while working under host employment or labour hire arrangements.
It is always best to seek legal advice as soon as possible after an accident or injury in public. This ensures you get timely, appropriate legal advice that aims to protect your rights.
I've slipped/tripped/fell and now I'm injured. What can I do?
Immediately after your injury, make sure you contact the relevant authority and lodge an incident report, take photos of the accident scene and gather details of any witnesses who saw the incident.
We then encourage you to contact Zaparas Lawyers who can determine the legal avenues available to you.
What will I be entitled to?
The amount of compensation to which you are entitled depends on the nature of your public liability claim and the facts of your case.
Compensation payments depend on your age, how badly you were injured, how much you have lost in earnings and how much you have paid out of your own pocket for your treatment.
Throughout your public liability claim, your local Queensland team at Zaparas Lawyers will gather evidence to assist us in determining your compensation entitlements.
How long does it take?
No two public liability claims are the same, and the length of time it takes to resolve your claim will depend on a range of factors.
Most public liability claims are resolved within 18 months. More complex cases can take longer. It depends on how serious your injuries are, and the treatment you will need to restore your health.
I'm not sure if I want to pursue a claim. Are there any limitations of time?
Yes, in every case, strict time limits apply which will impact on your ability to make a claim.
Typically, you need to lodge your claim within three years of the date you were injured. It is important you seek legal advice as soon as possible after you are injured to ensure your rights are protected.
What is the cost of the first consultation? What are the legal fees?
Zaparas Lawyers operates on a ‘No win, No charge’ basis. This means we will pay for all costs and disbursements in relation to your claim.
Put simply, there is no cost to you at all unless you are successful in your claim.
What should I bring to my appointment?
You should bring all relevant documentation you have such as medical reports, radiological investigations and any other documents that may be relevant to your appointment. Clear photographs of the place where you were injured are also beneficial. These photographs should be taken close to your date of injury, especially when an accident has occurred on a footpath or other public area as the area may be repaired by the time you attend our office for an appointment.
English is my second language. Can you still help me?
Our firm has a diverse and multicultural team comprising of lawyers and law clerks who speak different languages including: Greek, Cantonese, Mandarin, Serbian, Croatian, Bosnian, Macedonian, Turkish and Singhalese. We also have a network of the very best interpreters who can attend interviews and appointments free of charge to our clients.