Public liability

Being injured in a public or private space can be sudden and unsettling, especially when you expected the area to be safe. Public liability law exists to protect people who are hurt because a business, council, landlord, or property owner failed to take reasonable care.

These claims often arise from slips, trips, falls, or other accidents caused by hazards that should have been fixed, cleaned, or properly managed. Public liability matters can be highly fact‑specific, and early investigation is often crucial, particularly when evidence needs to be preserved or the circumstances of the incident are disputed.

At Leonard Lawyers, we help you understand your rights, assess whether negligence occurred, and guide you through the claims process with clarity and confidence.

Why Early Advice Matters

Public liability claims often rely on evidence that can disappear quickly: spills are cleaned, hazards are repaired, CCTV footage is overwritten, and witnesses become harder to locate. Seeking advice early helps ensure:

  • Key evidence is identified and preserved

  • The circumstances of the incident are properly documented

  • Your injuries and losses are assessed promptly

  • You understand your rights before dealing with insurers

  • Strict time limits are not missed

Even if you’re unsure whether you have a claim, an early conversation can provide clarity and protect your position.

How We Help

We assist individuals across a wide range of public liability incidents, including:

  • Slips and falls in supermarkets, shopping centres, car parks, or hospitality venues

  • Trip hazards on footpaths, parks, or public areas caused by uneven surfaces or poor maintenance

  • Injuries in rental properties due to unsafe structures, faulty fixtures, or inadequate repairs

  • Accidents in hotels, bars, gyms, or entertainment venues involving hazards such as broken flooring, poor lighting, overcrowding, or faulty equipment

  • Incidents on public transport caused by sudden movement, unsafe boarding conditions, or poorly maintained areas

  • Dog attacks or animal‑related injuries in public or private spaces

  • Injuries at schools or childcare settings where supervision or safety measures were inadequate

  • Boating or recreational accidents where safety obligations were not met

We help you determine whether a duty of care existed, whether it was breached, and whether that breach caused your injury. From there, we gather evidence, manage communication with insurers, and work to secure fair compensation for the impact the injury has had on your life.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Public liability refers to the responsibility of individuals, businesses, councils, and property owners to maintain safe environments for people who visit or use their premises. If someone is injured because reasonable care wasn’t taken, the responsible party may be liable.

  • Common examples include slips, trips, falls, dog attacks, unsafe rental properties, poorly maintained public areas, accidents in hospitality venues, and injuries caused by faulty equipment or inadequate supervision.

  • In most cases, compensation is paid by the insurer of the business, council, or property owner responsible for the area where the incident occurred.

  • Depending on your injuries and circumstances, compensation may cover medical expenses, rehabilitation, lost income, pain and suffering, domestic assistance, and out‑of‑pocket costs.

  • Many public liability claims resolve through negotiation. If court proceedings are required, we guide you through the process and represent you throughout.

  • Strict time limits apply. In most cases, you have three years from the date of injury to commence court proceedings. Early advice is important to ensure evidence is preserved and deadlines are met.

  • We listen to your experience, assess whether you may have a claim, explain the legal process, and outline the next steps. Your initial consultation is free and confidential.