Public Liability
Lawyers Newcastle

If you’re hurt as the result of someone else’s negligent actions or failures, our Newcastle Public Liability lawyers have got your back. Our dedicated Personal Injury law team will provide guidance and support and secure you the compensation you deserve. With expert knowledge and extensive experience in public liability claims, we’re committed to achieving the best possible outcome for you at the earliest opportunity.

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Need To Make A Claim & Not Sure Where To Start? Talk To Our Newcastle Public Liability Lawyers.

If you’ve been injured because of someone else’s negligence and are struggling to return to work, or cover medical expenses, our expert Public Liability lawyers can help you get the compensation you deserve.

What Is A Public Liability Claim?

A public liability claim arises when a person is injured or dies as the result of someone else’s negligence. Owners and occupiers (whether individuals, government departments, or private organisations/associations) owe a duty of care to take reasonable precautions to protect people from reasonably foreseeable risks of harm. This includes businesses, organisations, public authorities, and individuals (e.g. homeowners), each required by law to take proactive steps to maintain a safe environment.

This legal responsibility, known as the ‘duty of care,’ ensures that precautions are in place to protect people from harm while on the owner/occupier’s property, or in their care. When this duty is breached, the injured parties (including close family members who’ve suffered mental harm) may be entitled to compensation.

How We Can Help With Your Public Liability Claim

Slip, Trip, &
Fall Accidents

Assisting with legal claims related to slip, trip, and fall accidents, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

Negligent Acts of Government Authorities

Providing expert advice, legal services and support for individuals injured due to the negligent acts and/or omissions of government authorities, ensuring fair compensation for your suffering.

Claims Against “Roads Authorities”

Representing clients injured on State and Council lands. We are experienced in navigating the complex legal framework which generally provides a statutory immunity to Local Council and other “roads authorities” (such as, Transport for New South Wales).

Rides & Attractions

Securing justice and compensation for clients injured on rides at theme parks, markets, shows and fairs.

Gyms & Fitness
Businesses

Providing legal assistance for injuries sustained in gyms or fitness businesses, helping you claim compensation for accidents caused by negligence or unsafe equipment and environments.

Dog Attacks

Helping victims of dog attacks seek compensation for injuries, loss and damage and securing the compensation you deserve.

Rental Premises

If you have been injured due to the negligence of your real estate and/or landlord, we can help you bring a successful claim for compensation.

Let Us Help You Navigate The Complexities Of Your Public Liability Claim With Confidence & Care.

Businesses, property owners, and public entities are legally required to have Public Liability Insurance to cover personal injury damages claims. This means that, in most cases, an insurance company will indemnify the named defendant and will ultimately be responsible for responding to your case and paying you compensation.

However, it’s important to understand that insurers often attempt to minimise or reject claims, which is why seeking independent legal advice is crucial. If you or a loved one has been injured, or if you’ve witnessed a death due to negligence in a public setting, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, loss and damage.

At The Law Office of Conrad Curry, our experienced public liability lawyers in Newcastle are committed to supporting you every step of the way. We take the time to listen and understand your situation, providing expert legal advice and guidance, to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Let us help you navigate the complexities of your claim with confidence and care.

Not sure where to start?

We’re here to help. Call us on 1300 808 933, or click here to send us a message, and one of our team members will contact you soon.

How We Can Help With Your Public Liability Claim

If you have suffered injury as the result of someone else’s negligence, our lawyers can guide you through the process. We offer:

Initial Case Assessment

Initial assessment and advice as to your case theory and prospects of success.

Evidence Gathering

We help you gather evidence to support your case.

Appointments & Reports

Arranging expert appointments and reports.

Negotiation with Insurers

Negotiation with public liability insurers to resolve your case.

Court Action (if needed)

Commencing Court proceedings.

Our team is dedicated to helping you get the compensation you deserve. Contact our specialist public liability lawyers in Newcastle today to find out how we can help.

What People Say

Meet Our People

We bring a combination of experience, knowledge and expert perspective to your case for breakthrough results.

Conrad Curry

Director

Tom Hunter-Leahy

Partner | Accredited Specialist – Personal Injury

Madeleine Smith

Associate – Medical Negligence & Personal Injury

Charlotte Walters

Associate – Personal Injury

Frequently Asked Questions

You may be eligible for compensation if you have suffered injury as the result of someone else’s negligence. Not every accident is compensable.

It will depend on:

  • whether the entity alleged to have been at fault owed you a duty of care
  • whether the duty of care was breached
  • whether it was reasonably foreseeable that a breach could lead to significant injury and/or death.

The compensation you can claim in public liability claims depends on the nature and severity of your injury. Generally, compensation is divided into four categories: medical and treatment expenses (including surgery, admission, medication and travel costs), lost income (past economic loss and future loss of income earning capacity), future out-of-pocket expenses and rehabilitation costs, and non-economic loss for pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life.

Our experienced public liability lawyers will help you determine the compensation you’re entitled to claim. We’ll work closely with you to gather the necessary evidence to build a strong case, ensuring we secure the best possible outcome for you.

If you are successful by verdict or settlement, compensation (also known as ‘damages’) is usually broken down into the following categories or “heads” of damage:

  • out-of-pocket expenses (e.g. travel, medication, medical and treatment expenses)
  • loss of income (past losses) and income-earning capacity (future losses)
  • the value of gratuitous assistance provided to you by family and friends
    (strict thresholds and caps apply)
  • non-economic loss for pain and suffering

Please be advised that there are statutory thresholds / limits on the payment of compensation under the Civil Liability Act 2002 (NSW).

“No win, no fee” means that you are not required to pay our professional fees unless and until you win your case. If we don’t secure a successful outcome for you, as defined and agreed with you, you are not liable to pay our fees. This applies to all personal injury claims, including public liability claims, motor vehicle accident claims, medical negligence claims, disability claims, work injury damages claims and historical abuse claims. We only get paid if and when you achieve a successful outcome, ensuring that we are fully committed to achieving the best possible result for you.

Can an insurer avoid liability for my claim?

Not every injury is compensable. Persons/organisations can avoid or limit liability where it is established that:

  • the person/organisation took reasonable precautions to prevent a reasonably foreseeable risk of injury/harm
  • you voluntarily assumed the risk, such as undertaking inherently dangerous recreational activities (although, there are exceptions)
  • whether the risk was an “obvious risk” and you could or should have taken more care of your own safety
  • you were wholly or mostly responsible for the accident
  • you have signed a legally binding waiver and/or disclaimer

In New South Wales, you generally have three years from the date of injury. In other words, three years from when it becomes apparent that you suffered injury as the result of someone else’s negligence. In most cases, time runs from the date of the accident and ceases when court proceedings are filed.

In New South Wales, the courts expect claimants to refrain from commencing proceedings unless their case is properly prepared. This means being in a position to substantiate (usually by way of medical and expert evidence) the damages claimed. Most injuries do not stabilise for the purposes of assessment until at least 12 months after the injury/accident. Therefore, most claims are advanced somewhere between 1-2 years post-injury.

Once court proceedings are commenced, an injured person can expect their matter to be resolved, either by verdict or settlement, within 6 to 18 months.

In most cases, your claim will not proceed to a final court hearing if it can be resolved through alternative means. In New South Wales, there is a strong focus on alternative dispute resolution, and most claims are successfully settled before reaching court. This typically happens by way of informal settlement conferences or mediations, where all parties work towards a mutually acceptable compromise. However, if a settlement cannot be reached, your case may well proceed to a contested hearing.

If you have suffered injury as the result of someone else’s negligence, here are the key steps to take:

  • Report the Incident: Immediately notify the person or organisation who caused or contributed to your injuries.
  • Document the Scene: Take photos of the location where the accident occurred and of your injuries. Obtain CCTV footage if available.
  • Seek Medical Attention: Visit your GP or a hospital to get proper medical treatment and record your injuries.
  • Contact Our Team: contact a specialist personal injury law practice (such as The Law Office of Conrad Curry) to discuss your claim

Once a lawyer has reviewed the circumstances surrounding your injury and confirmed that your claim has prospects for success, we offer a no-win, no-fee agreement, giving you peace of mind throughout the whole process and limiting up-front cost to you.