Public Place & Public Liability Lawyers in Brisbane
Public liability law can cover injuries caused by unsafe premises, such as slips, trips and falls, or poor maintenance. We handle public liability claims across Queensland.
- English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese
- No Win No Fee
- Free First Consultation
- English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese
- No Win No Fee
- Free First Consultation
- Eligibility
Who may be liable
Businesses, councils and property owners have a legal duty to take reasonable care for the safety of people on their premises. A person injured because that duty was breached may have a claim.
Slip, Trip & Fall in Public Areas
Property owners and occupiers must take reasonable care to keep walking surfaces safe. If a spill, uneven surface or obstacle caused a fall, they may be liable.
Shopping Centres & Supermarkets
Retailers owe shoppers a duty to take reasonable care to keep their premises safe.
Footpaths, Parks & Public Property
Councils must take reasonable care with public spaces, though the law gives public authorities some special protections. Broken paths, poor lighting or other hazards may give rise to a claim.
Hotels, Restaurants & Venues
Hospitality businesses owe a duty of care to guests. Wet floors, faulty equipment, or unsafe conditions can ground a claim.
Slip, Trip & Fall in Public Areas
Shopping Centres & Supermarkets
Footpaths, Parks & Public Property
Hotels, Restaurants & Venues
Schools & Daycare
Schools and care providers owe children in their care a duty to take reasonable care for their safety. If supervision or safety standards fell short, the school or provider may be liable.
Rental & Private Property
Landlords owe tenants and visitors a duty to take reasonable care. If poor maintenance or a known hazard caused an injury, the landlord may be liable.
Sport, Recreation & Theme Parks
Operators must take reasonable care to manage foreseeable risks, though special rules apply to dangerous recreational activities. Equipment failures, inadequate safety measures or poor supervision may be grounds for a claim.
Injuries Caused by an Animal
Animal owners must take reasonable care to control their animals. Dog attacks and other animal injuries in public or private spaces can lead to a claim.
Schools & Daycare
Rental & Private Property
Sport, Recreation & Theme Parks
Injuries Caused by an Animal
- Common Injuries
Injuries a public liability claim can cover
Public liability claims can cover physical and psychological injuries, from soft tissue injuries to permanent impairment.
Fractures & Broken Bones
Head & Brain Injuries
Back & Spinal Injuries
Soft Tissue & Muscle Injuries
Burns & Scalds
Psychological Injuries
Nerve Damage & Chronic Pain
Existing Conditions Made Worse
- What a claim covers
What public liability damages can include
Damages in a public liability claim can include medical and treatment costs, lost income, care, and pain and suffering.
Medical & Treatment Costs
Hospital, GP, specialists, physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and medication.
Lost Income
Wages lost while recovering, and future earning capacity if your injury affects your ability to work.
Pain & Suffering
Compensation for the physical and emotional impact on your daily life.
Care & Assistance
Care received during recovery, from family or paid carers. Unpaid care from family can be claimed only above minimum hours set by law.
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Travel to appointments, home help, equipment, and other recovery-related costs.
Medical & Treatment Costs
Lost Income
Pain & Suffering
Care & Assistance
Out-of-Pocket Expenses
Time limits apply
Queensland law sets time limits for public liability claims. A Notice of Claim, the written notice to the party responsible that starts the claim, is generally due within 9 months of the incident (or of symptoms first appearing), or within 1 month after you first instruct a lawyer, if that is earlier. Court proceedings generally have to start within 3 years.
- How we work
How we work
Personal injury and TPD claims
Ascent's practice is personal injury claims and TPD insurance claims.
Service in your language
Ascent works with clients in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, and Vietnamese.
Principal review
The principal reviews each matter at key stages.
Flexible appointments
After-hours, weekend and online appointments are available by arrangement.
Personal injury and TPD claims
Service in your language
Principal review
Flexible appointments
- How It Works
How a matter proceeds
We Formally Engage
If you decide to go ahead, we provide a costs agreement and formally take on the matter. No upfront payment is required.
We Prepare the Claim
We gather the evidence and medical reports and deal with the insurer on your behalf.
We Formally Engage
If you decide to go ahead, we provide a costs agreement and formally take on the matter. No upfront payment is required.
We Prepare the Claim
We gather the evidence and medical reports and deal with the insurer on your behalf.
- FAQ
Common questions
Common questions
Answers to common questions.
Not reporting the incident at the time doesn't necessarily prevent a claim. Evidence such as CCTV footage, incident logs and witness accounts can sometimes still be obtained afterwards.
A claim may still be possible. Some injuries, such as soft tissue injuries, back problems and concussion, are not obvious at first. If symptoms were not apparent at the time, the 9 months for the Notice of Claim generally runs from when they first appeared. The notice is also due within 1 month after you first instruct a lawyer to act on the claim, if that is earlier.
The party responsible may be a business owner, council, landlord or someone else, and sometimes more than one. Identifying who is responsible is part of our work on a claim.
Not necessarily. Before court proceedings can start, the Personal Injuries Proceedings Act requires pre-court steps, including a compulsory conference where both sides try to settle the claim. If the claim does not settle, it can go to court.
It depends on factors like your recovery time, the severity of the injury, and how quickly information can be obtained.
If you can, keep: photos of the area and your injuries, incident reports, witness details, medical records and referrals, receipts for treatment, and records of time off work.
No. We act on a No Win No Fee basis, so there is no upfront charge. Our professional fees are payable only if the claim succeeds. If your claim goes to court and fails, the court can order you to pay part of the other side's legal costs. Specific cost arrangements are explained at the first consultation.
A denial from the property owner or their insurer doesn't end a claim. Liability is often disputed at first, and it is decided on the evidence, such as CCTV footage, maintenance records and witness statements.
In many cases, yes. Queensland law recognises contributory negligence — this means your compensation may be reduced to reflect your share of responsibility.
