You may have heard about the term public liability but like many people, may not understand what it means and can completely miss out on compensation you deserve. One of the most common misconceptions is that public liability is a claim you can make only if you get injured in a public place, like a slip and fall at the supermarket.
However, there are many other injuries that come under public liability, including:
- Dog bite at a friend’s barbeque
- Theme/leisure park accidents
- Food poisoning after a restaurant meal
- Injuring yourself in your rental property
These are just some of the scenarios. In short, you could be injured in a public place or on private property and be eligible to make a compensation claim.
Public liability is a complex area of personal injury compensation that covers both physical and psychological injury claims, as a direct result of a person or entity’s negligence. These are injuries that don’t fall under workers compensation, medical negligence or motor vehicle schemes .
When to consider making a claim?
It is important to know that you have rights and entitlements if you’re injured and have suffered because of someone else’s negligence. Many people don’t even consider claiming public liability compensation because of various reasons:
You may be unaware that such compensation exists
You may have heard of public liability but don’t understand how it applies to your situations and your compensation rights
You may feel too embarrassed thinking that you were partly responsible for the accident and also at fault so assume you don’t have a case.
You may think that the injury is insignificant and brush it off as not serious
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Can’t I pursue compensation myself?
Especially if you think that your injury is not serious, you may be tempted to take the matter into your own hands. If you had a slip and fall on a wet patch at the supermarket, you might think that complaining to the manager is the least you can do.
While you may be offered a quick compensation to prevent you from escalating the complaint any further, it could be the minimum that you may be entitled to. Especially if your injuries come to the surface after a few weeks or months and requires medical treatment leaving you out of pocket.
What results can I expect from compensation lawyers?
Long-established lawyers such as Taylor & Scott fulfil the need to protect the rights of individuals. If the claims only involved filling in a few forms and waiting for payment, you probably wouldn’t need us at all. However personal injury law is complex and that’s why we are here to advise you on precisely what you're entitled to, if the compensation offer is fair or whether further negotiations are your best option. Our assistance is on-hand and ongoing for the duration of your claim, with services that include:
- A free, confidential and comprehensive consultation and case assessment
- Building your case; compiling documents, evidence, reports and more
- Present your case for examination by legal insurance representatives and other parties
- Enter into negotiations with opposing persons, organisations, or their legal team
- Proceed to trial with a winnable case if negotiations reach a stalemate.
It’s worth remembering that you are obliged to be treated with a duty of care by individuals or organisations. The obligation and onus is on them to provide an environment where risks are minimised, and harm is prevented. If negligence results in injury, suffering or loss, you have every legal right to make a public liability claim for damages.
PLEASE NOTE: there is a three (3) year time limit to commence Court proceedings, therefore you should consult a lawyer at the earliest available opportunity.
When you are ready, and it’s time to take action, Taylor & Scott compensation lawyers are right by your side. Need help with a claim? Arrange an appointment using our online contact form or call 1800 600 664.
At Taylor and Scott, We Care For You.
