Staying safe in public spaces: Know your rights

AS WE go about daily routines — shopping for groceries, walking to the local café, or enjoying a stroll through the park — the last thing we expect is to suffer an injury.

Yet slips, trips, and falls in public spaces are among the most common causes of accidents in Victoria.

For older Aussies especially, a fall can have serious consequences. That’s where public liability law comes in.

What is public liability?

Public liability is the area of personal injury law that covers accidents in public places caused by someone else’s negligence. This includes supermarkets, shopping centres, offices, hotels, and even local footpaths maintained by councils.

In simple terms, the people or organisations responsible for a public space have a duty to keep it safe. If they fail to do so and you’re injured, you may have the right to seek compensation.

Common hazards to watch out for Sadly, hazards are more common than we’d like to think. Some of the issues that often lead to injuries include:

Wet or slippery supermarket aisles (spills, leaks, or freshly mopped floors)

Produce dropped on the ground (yes, even a single grape can cause trouble!)

Uneven or poorly maintained footpaths and pavements

Poor lighting in walkways

Objects or clutter left in public spaces

These situations may seem minor, but they can quickly turn into serious risks — particularly for older people.

Proving negligence and significant injury

To make a successful claim, you’ll need to show that negligence caused your injury.

Because many hazards are temporary, gathering evidence quickly — such as photographs or witness details — can make a big difference.

Henry Carus + Associates has a FREE guide for steps to take after an accident, which can be downloaded at hcalawyers.com.au/the-senior

If your injury results in permanent injury, you may also be entitled to pursue additional damages for pain and suffering, not just medical costs and lost income. A medical assessment is needed to confirm this.

How Henry Carus + Associates can help

Accidents happen, but they’re often preventable when the right care is taken.

Henry Carus + Associates has helped many Victorians successfully claim compensation after slips, trips, and falls.

The team understands the unique challenges these accidents bring and will act quickly to gather evidence before it disappears.

The role of Henry Carus + Associates is to support you every step of the way, making sure you feel safe, secure, and heard while the team pursue the compensation you deserve.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a public place, don’t assume it was “just bad luck”. It may be that someone failed in their duty of care.

Call Henry Carus + Associates on 03 9001 1318 or get in touch online for a FREE, no-obligation consultation.

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