Public Liability Injury Claim Evaluator
Public spaces must be kept reasonably safe. This tool gives you a quick public liability estimate for a slip, trip or fall on a footpath or public area. We calculate a headline range and show a breakdown for Pain & Suffering, Loss of Earnings, Medical and Care.
⏰ Time Limits for Public Liability Claims
Public liability claims in Queensland follow a formal pre-court claims process. You should generally give a written notice of claim to the prospective respondent within 9 months of the incident or first appearance of symptoms, or within 1 month after first instructing a lawyer once the responsible party has been identified (whichever occurs first). Court proceedings generally need to be started within 3 years, although the date the period begins and any available extension depend on the circumstances. If you’re outside these windows you may still proceed with a reasonable excuse, but act quickly.
💡 How the Calculator Works
- Assesses pain and suffering compensation based on injury severity
- Calculates loss of earnings using your income and employment status
- Includes medical expenses and gratuitous care costs
- Applies contributory negligence adjustments where relevant (intoxication triggers 25% default)
⚙️ Council & Public Authority Claims
Claims against councils/public authorities involve additional statutory considerations (e.g., resource limitations and inspection program defences). Evidence that the hazard existed for long enough and/or was previously reported strengthens liability.
⚠️ Disclaimer & Limitations
This assessment is indicative only and not legal advice. Actual outcomes depend on liability, medical evidence, statutory frameworks and individual circumstances. Using this tool does not create a solicitor-client relationship with Carter Capner Law.
For personalised advice or urgent matters, contact us for a no-obligation claim review.
Your Public Liability Claim Assessment
Comprehensive compensation estimate based on your specific circumstances
- Pain & Suffering $0
- Loss of Earnings $0
- Medical Costs $0
- Care & Assistance $0
This estimate is a starting figure. The final amount depends on liability evidence, the strength of your notice, and full medical and economic-loss documentation - factors that can move the figure substantially in either direction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What counts as a public liability claim in Queensland?
A public liability claim is a personal injury claim brought against the person or entity that controlled the land, premises or activity where you were hurt. It is governed by the Civil Liability Act and channelled through the pre-court process in the Personal Injuries Proceedings Act. It is the catch-all for injuries that are not workers compensation, not motor vehicle, not aviation and not medical negligence.
How long do I have to bring a public liability claim?
The standard limitation period is three years from the date of injury under the Limitation of Actions Act. The PIPA Form 1 notice should go to the prospective respondent within nine months of the incident, or one month after you instruct a lawyer and the respondent is identified, whichever is earlier. Claims against a council run on the same deadlines, though a council is not liable for failing to repair a road unless it actually knew of the particular risk (Civil Liability Act 2003 (Qld) s 37). Speak to us as soon as possible so the notice clock is preserved.
Do I pay anything up front?
No. Carter Capner Law runs public liability claims on a no win, no fee* basis. Professional fees are only payable on a successful outcome and are capped at 50 per cent of the settlement after refunds and outlays under the Legal Profession Act 2007 (Qld) s.347. If the claim fails, you owe us nothing for our time.
I do not see my exact incident on the list. Can you still help?
Yes. The sixteen fields above cover the most common venues but the Civil Liability Act applies to any occupier of land or premises in Queensland. If your incident does not fit a category, call us on 1300 529 529. We will tell you on the first call whether the ordinary duty is engaged and what the defendant pool looks like.
Don't leave this estimate on the table.
A no-obligation conversation with a Carter Capner Law solicitor can confirm your prospects, preserve your evidence, and protect your deadlines.