Supporting injured South Australians to secure the compensation they deserve
If you’ve been injured in a public place in South Australia — such as a supermarket, shopping centre, car park, footpath, rental property, workplace not covered by workers compensation, or recreational facility — you may be entitled to bring a public liability compensation claim.
Public liability claims arise when an injury is caused by the negligence of an occupier, business, organisation or property owner who failed to take reasonable care for your safety. These claims are covered by insurance, not by the individual property owner.
At TGB Lawyers, our public liability lawyers in Adelaide and across SA have decades of experience helping injured people navigate the legal, medical and insurance processes required to achieve a fair outcome.
Book your free initial consultation by calling (08) 8212 1077 or submit an online enquiry.
Do I Have a Public Liability Claim?
You may have a claim if your injury occurred because someone failed to take reasonable steps to keep an area safe. Common examples include:
- Slip and fall accidents on wet floors or spills
- Trips caused by uneven surfaces, potholes or hazards
- Injuries in rental properties due to faulty maintenance
- Accidents in shopping centres or supermarkets
- Falls on public footpaths or council areas
- Injuries at gyms, parks or recreational venues
To succeed, you must prove negligence and that the injury caused you measurable loss. Our team will assess the circumstances of your accident, advise you of your prospects of success, and outline the next steps.
How Our SA Public Liability Lawyers Help
Once we confirm you have a viable claim, we will manage the entire process, including:
1. Investigating and gathering evidence
We collect photographs, witness statements, accident reports, CCTV footage (if available), and expert evidence to show how your injury occurred and who is responsible.
2. Obtaining medical evidence
We liaise with your treating doctors and arrange independent medical assessments to determine the extent of your injuries, long-term prognosis and impact on your ability to work and function.
3. Negotiating with the insurer
Most public liability claims are resolved without going to court. We handle all communication and negotiations with the insurer to push for the highest possible settlement.
4. Representing you in court if required
If the insurer denies liability or makes an unreasonable offer, our litigation team will guide you through the court process and advocate strongly on your behalf.
What Compensation Can You Claim?
A public liability compensation claim in South Australia may cover:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of income (past and future)
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Medical and hospital expenses (past and future)
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Home assistance or care needs
We assess each of these heads of damage throughout your claim so that nothing is overlooked.
How Long Will a Public Liability Claim Take?
Public liability claims cannot be finalised until your injuries have stabilised — meaning you have either recovered or reached your best possible medical outcome. This ensures your future needs and long-term effects of the injury are properly assessed.
Timeframes vary, but most claims take between 12 and 24 months, depending on:
- The severity of your injuries
- The insurer’s response
- Availability of medical evidence
- Whether liability is disputed
We keep you updated at every stage and progress your matter as efficiently as possible.
Time Limits for Public Liability Claims in SA
In South Australia, court proceedings generally must be issued within 3 years of the date of injury. However, investigations and evidence gathering should begin well before this deadline.
Even if you think you may be out of time, you should still seek legal advice as exceptions may apply.
We recommend getting legal advice as soon as possible after the accident to protect your rights and preserve crucial evidence.
Why Choose TGB Lawyers?
- Over 55 years of experience in personal injury and public liability claims
- One of South Australia’s largest and most respected plaintiff law firms
- Free initial consultation
- No win, no fee* options available (*conditions apply)
- Local expertise with offices across SA, including regional areas
- A compassionate, client-first approach
Ready to Discuss Your Public Liability Claim?
Call (08) 8212 1077 to arrange your free initial consultation, or submit an enquiry online and one of our team will contact you shortly.