Types of Public Liability Claims We Handle in Melbourne
From local parks to shopping centres to footpaths we use every day, public spaces play a big role in our lives. When they’re not properly maintained, accidents can happen, and injuries can follow. Under the Wrongs Act 1958 (VIC), you can file a claim for public liability for injuries that have impacted your life, where negligence can be proven against the occupier’s public liability insurer. These injuries can include:
Injuries caused by unsafe surfaces, obstacles, or poor maintenance
Accidents caused by spills, falling items, or trolley impacts
Injuries caused by unsafe or poorly maintained properties
Injuries caused by unsafe premises, spills, or poor maintenance
How much compensation can I receive in Victoria?
No Win No Fee*: Support Without the Risk
No win, no fee public liability lawyers in Melbourne help take some of the pressure off by providing legal services that aren’t payable unless the case is successful. If this is the case, your fees are subtracted from your compensation total. In the case it is not successful, you will not pay our legal team’s fees, only disbursements such as barristers’ fees, which will be discussed before commencing your claim.
Who Can Make a Public Liability Claim in Victoria?
Public liability claims can be lodged by anyone injured in public or private spaces due to negligence, as well as dependants of individuals who have died as a result of failed duty of care. If you are in doubt about whether you have a claim, our public liability lawyers in Melbourne can assess your case in a free consultation.
How Do I Make a Public Liability Claim in Melbourne?
After being injured in a public or private space in Melbourne, you’re not just dealing with the physical recovery; you’re also left wondering where to turn for support and what to do next. The idea of proving negligence can seem daunting, but that’s exactly what our dedicated public liability lawyers in Melbourne specialise in doing. We’ll help you prepare for the process and guide you through each step:
Step 1: Report the incident to the occupier/council
A formal report can help support your public liability claim in Melbourne, but even if one isn’t recorded, you should document how and when you notified the occupier or council and collect as much evidence as you can.Step 2: Take photographs of the incident area
Making sure you take photos of the incident area is very important for helping prove negligence in a public liability matter. Where possible, you should take photos at the time of the accident, preventing hazards from being moved or changed.Step 3: Obtain medical assessment
The sooner you can have your doctor document your injury and the extent of its impact the better. This will help down the track when timelining the event and the impact of your injury on your work and life.Step 4: Contact LHD Lawyers for advice as soon as possible
There is a lot of paperwork, overcomplicated terminology, and specifics to lodging a public liability claim in Melbourne. Our lawyers can assess your case and help take the stress of the manual lodging off your hands.Step 5: Claim lodged with insurer
Under the Wrongs Act 1958 (VIC), the at-fault party’s insurer must assess your case, and either deny your claim or make an offer. This can be negotiated or escalated to court if it’s not appropriate.Hear our client’s success stories
Starting the claims process can seem like a big step but without support, we can get you the compensation you deserve. Hear from some of our clients who can tell you just how simple the process is and how life-changing a compensation payout can be.
2025 in numbers
We’re committed to settling compensation claims across Australia and getting our clients the maximum compensation they’re entitled to.
+$220 million
Compensation settled
Allowing our clients and their families to get their lives back on track.
$2,140,000
Largest settlement
For a Motor Vehicle Accident Claim.
Over 2,000
Cases settled
We win over 99% of cases and we're confident we can settle yours.
Our Melbourne Public Liability Lawyers
We approach every public liability claim in Melbourne with and our local knowledge of Victoria’s claims process, and a great deal of compassion for what you’ve been through. It’s our job to give you the information you need to make informed, confident decisions. Meet our Melbourne team.
Joseph Catoggio
Partner*
Joseph is a dedicated personal injury lawyer with extensive experience in workers compensation and public liability claims. He is passionate about helping clients achieve justice and compensation, providing clear advice and strong support throughout every stage of the claims process.
Steven Notarianni
Director
Emily Priddle
Associate
Frequently Asked Questions
Got questions about making a claim? You’re not alone. Here are some of the most common things people ask us.
Still unsure? Get in touch, we’re here to help.
What is a public liability claim in Melbourne?
How long after a slip and fall accident can you still make a claim?
How much compensation can I receive?
Can I still make a claim if the injury was partly my fault?
Do I need to go to court for public liability claims?
How does No Win No Fee work for public liability claims?
Looking for Public Liability Claims Lawyers Outside of Melbourne?
LHD Lawyers has local teams throughout Australia, with teams in Perth, Sydney, Taree, Hobart and more who understand the ins and outs of each state’s public liability processes. Find your local public liability lawyers.
Contact Our Melbourne Office
A: Level 9, 555 Lonsdale Street Melbourne VIC 3000
P: 1800 455 725
E: [email protected]
Office Hours
Monday – Friday
8:30am – 5:00pm
Find A Lawyer in Victoria
Wherever you are in Victoria, you can access experienced, specialist VIC Public Liability lawyers who can provide you with expert legal advice and support at every step.
Our VIC offices are located in: