Public Liability Lawyers Wollongong
No Win, No Fee Public Liability Claims in Wollongong
If you’ve suffered an injury due to another person’s or occupier’s failure to keep their premises safe, whether public or private, you may be entitled to compensation for damages and losses.
Public liability claims fall under the Civil Liability Act 2002 and typically involve shopping centres, supermarkets, business premises, schools, local councils, government entities, or even private individuals such as neighbours. Common claims include:
- Slip and falls in shopping centres or other public places
- Trip and falls on footpaths or uneven surfaces
- Accidents at schools or universities involving children or adults
- Dog attacks resulting in injury
If you’re considering a claim, legal action must be commenced within three years from the date of the accident.
We offer an
initial consultation at no cost. Our solicitors will assess your entitlements and guide you through the process. We typically handle public liability claims on a
No Win, No Fee basis. This means you won’t pay legal fees unless your claim is successful.
Where to begin…
Notify the occupier
Notify the occupier/public authority of the accident immediately or as soon as possible afterwards. Keep a copy of any Incident Report
Details of the accident
Take photographs of the accident site and record the date, time, place of the accident. Note details of any CCTV footage/witnesses
Seek medical attention
Seek medical attention and follow the advice of your Doctors, making sure to keep records of the dates and nature of treatment
Get legal advice
Reach out to Hanna Lawyers so we can discuss your accident and determine if it is appropriate to take the next steps
Timing matters in public liability claims. The earlier we get involved, the better we can protect your rights and maximise your entitlements.
Experienced Public Liability Compensation Lawyers in Wollongong
With over 40 years of combined experience in the legal field, Hanna Lawyers has a strong track record in compensation claims, including public liability matters. We help injured individuals pursue fair, just compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and ongoing care.
If you’ve been injured in a shopping centre, public space, school, or private property, we provide the legal advice and representation you need to manage your way through the claims process successfully.
Our personalised approach means you’ll work directly with your solicitor — no delays, no confusion.
Our Clients Speak for Us
Public Liability Compensation Claim FAQs
What is public liability, and when can I make a claim?
Public liability law covers injuries caused by someone else’s failure to take reasonable care, whether in a public or private setting. Property owners, businesses, and organisations have a duty of care to maintain safe premises and prevent foreseeable risks.
If this duty is breached—such as a store owner failing to fix a torn carpet or a council neglecting a hazard on a footpath—you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
What is a duty of care?
A duty of care is a legal responsibility to take reasonable steps to prevent harm. Businesses, government entities, and private property owners must ensure safe conditions for visitors, customers, and the public.
Some injuries may fall under different areas of law:
- Motor vehicle accidents involve a duty of care owed by drivers and insurers.
- Workplace injuries fall under workers compensation laws rather than public liability.
Can I claim compensation for an injury on private property?
Yes. Property owners and occupiers must maintain safe premises to prevent injuries. Public liability claims may apply to accidents in:
- Office buildings
- Retail stores and shopping centres
- Private residences
- Government-owned land
- Construction sites
If an injury occurred due to negligent maintenance, hazards, or unsafe conditions, you may have a valid claim.
What types of compensation can I claim?
Public liability claims may cover:
- Medical expenses – past and future treatment costs
- Loss of income – compensation for time off work or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering – damages for lasting physical or emotional impact
- Care and support – reimbursement for assistance with daily activities
- Legal costs – coverage for expenses involved in pursuing a claim
Are there time limits for making a public liability claim?
Yes. In NSW, you generally have three years from the date of the accident to file a claim. In some cases, exceptions apply, such as if an injury was not immediately diagnosed or if the responsible party could not be identified. Delaying action can affect your rights, so seeking legal advice early is recommended.
How long does a public liability claim take?
The time frame varies depending on injury severity, evidence, and negotiations. Simple cases can settle quickly, but most take 12 to 18 months. Complex claims involving serious injuries may extend beyond two years.
Can I claim compensation if I was injured on someone else’s property?
Yes, but proving negligence is important. You must demonstrate that:
- The property owner failed to maintain safe conditions
- Their negligence directly caused your injury
- They knew or should have known about the hazard and had an opportunity to fix it
Will I need to go to court?
Most public liability claims settle out of court, often through negotiation. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached, court proceedings may be necessary. More than 90% of cases are resolved before a court hearing.
Can I claim compensation for pain and suffering?
Yes. Compensation for non-economic loss, such as pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life, depends on the severity of the injury. The amount awarded is based on a scale from minor injuries to extreme cases, such as quadriplegia or severe brain damage.
