Public liability law says that you have the right to be safe when you’re in a public place. It covers a wide range of circumstances where someone is injured or passes away because of the actions or inactions of someone else.
Individuals, businesses and organisations have a ‘duty of care’ to care for the safety of people who they can reasonably foresee will come onto their property. This covers privately and publicly owned space such as sporting fields, parks, gardens and footpaths, as well as public, commercial and retail property.
Anyone who causes or contributes to an accident may be found legally liable. Businesses and others who occupy property (other than residents) are required to carry public liability insurance, so compensation claims are mostly made against insurance companies.
Compensation may cover medical costs (including future costs); lost income; pain, suffering and lost enjoyment of life; and home help and attendant care.
What to know if you are making a Claim for Negligence (Personal Injury)
