Common entitlements to compensation - Public liability and car accident claims

There may be points in life where things may not exactly go your way and you suffer from some kind of injury or harm as a result of an individual or entity’s negligent or wrongful actions. Understandably, these unfortunate times can be overwhelming and sometimes life-changing, but it’s important to know that you may be entitled to compensation benefits.

Following an accident like this, it’s paramount that you immediately connect with a lawyer who has your best interest in mind. This ensures you are equipped to be awarded damages to hopefully get your life back on track as fast as possible.    

Public liability claims and car accident claims are two of the most common types of compensation claims Sydney lawyers deal with. Though widespread, the injuries can be undeniably life-changing and will always be worthy of a thorough legal analysis. 

Explore the ins and outs of public liability and car accident claims

Public liability claims 

A public liability claim describes a potential entitlement to compensation for injuries or harm resulting from the negligence of another person or entity. These claims are exclusive to accidents occurring on public, commercial or retail property where someone else is responsible. Public liability law protects your right to safety in these areas, and even extends to rental premises. 

To be awarded compensation, a lawyer must be able to prove that a person, company or organisation breached a duty of care and that you’ve suffered an injury accordingly. This is based on a law that binds the owners and occupiers of public spaces, commercial properties, retail premises and residencies to a promise of care. These entities must provide a safe environment by preventing foreseeable harm.

Injuries and harm that can compensated with a public liability claim occur in:

• Parks and public pools
• Clubs, bars, shopping centres and gyms
• Rental premises 
• Schools or daycare
• Planes and boats

Injury or harm resultant of an accident may lead to dire, expensive consequences, sometimes affecting the trajectory of one’s life. A good lawyer is committed to securing their client with the support, monetary or otherwise, to compensate for such losses big and small. This may include past and future medical expenses and loss of earnings, pain and suffering, loss of life enjoyment and the care provided by friends, family or any other individual. 

In the event of an accident and the affairs that proceed it, you must collect as much evidence as you possibly can. This evidence is used to demonstrate and verify the extent and impact of your injuries, and will support the losses claimed. Try to:

• Take photos of the injury and the location it occurred. Report the situation instantly to a manager/security and collect an incident report/CCTV footage.
• Write down what happened to you. Collect eyewitness reports and record their details.
• Keep any medical records surrounding your injury.

Following an accident, do not hesitate to get in touch with a lawyer experienced with public liability claims in Sydney so they can help you bounce back with the appropriate support.

Car accident liability claims 

A car accident liability claim outlines a potential entitlement for compensation for injuries or harm caused in a motor vehicle accident. Although there may be ways to access compensation if the accident was a result of your misdoing, this claim is mostly pursued by those hurt due to someone else’s actions on the road. You are even liable for compensation if you do not have insurance and if you were involved as a pedestrian.

Generally, you are entitled to damages if:

• You have been injured in any kind of motor vehicle on the road
• Your child or dependent is injured in a road accident 
• You were a pedestrian or cyclist struck by a vehicle
• You were injured on public transport 
• You have suffered some kind of mental trauma due to a family member being killed or maimed on the road

Similar to public liability claims, a lawyer will seek to reward you with compensation to cover immediate and ongoing costs and sacrifices caused by injury or harm. This includes hospital and medical expenses, income losses, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering damages and diminishings of life enjoyment. Remember to record all expenses paid out of your own pocket following the accident, as this, alongside the severity of injuries, lost wages and extent of care, will be taken into consideration by all parties to support losses claimed.

In the event of a car accident, as much evidence of the situation must be collected if you or an eyewitness is capable of doing so. With more evidence, your bid for compensation will be considerably stronger.  

Make sure to note:

• Name of the person at fault
• Address of the person at fault
• Phone number of the person at fault
• Registration and insurance details of the person at fault
• Date, time and location of the accident
• Details of any witnesses
• Photos of the crash site and damage to cars or property.

Although you should never hesitate to get in touch with a capable lawyer following any kind of injury due to another individual or entity’s negligence, a car accident liability claim must be lodged within 9 months of the date of the accident.

Be awarded the compensation you deserve

At Prominent Lawyers, we understand that even the most common causes of accidents can be overwhelming, complicated and life-changing. Working with experience in claims of all kinds, we are committed to supporting anyone in their journey to get back on their feet by securing the compensation they require. 

We are here to make a difference to our clients’ lives, get in touch today.