Claims Against Public Authorities – Quick Answer
Claims against public authorities can arise when a council, government body or public authority may have failed to manage risks in a public place. These matters can involve roads, footpaths, parks, playgrounds, public buildings or other community spaces.
They can be more technical than ordinary injury claims because public authorities may have specific responsibilities, processes and defences. Evidence and early legal advice are important.
Claims against councils or public authorities can be complex because responsibility, notice of the hazard and statutory defences may all matter.
Public Authority Claim Checklist
- Identify the authority: Council, government body or public organisation.
- Photograph the hazard: Include close-up and wider context photos.
- Report the incident: Keep confirmation numbers and correspondence.
- Preserve witness details: Independent accounts can help.
- Seek legal advice early: These claims can involve strict rules and defences.
Can you claim compensation against a public authority?
You may be able to claim if a public authority failed to take reasonable care and that failure caused an injury.
What types of public authority accidents can lead to claims?
Claims may involve roads, footpaths, parks, playgrounds, public buildings or other managed public spaces.
Implementation note: Use examples section.
You probably deal with them in one way or another on a daily basis. Whether you’re visiting a public hospital, live in public housing, or simply catch public transport to work, public authorities are there to help you. When you’re walking down a footpath that’s maintained by the council or driving on a road that was built by Road Authorities, you’re dealing with a public body in one way or another.
Unfortunately, we only tend to notice public authorities when something goes wrong. If you have been injured due to the negligence or actions of a public authority, information and clarity are crucial in making a claim. In this article, we’re going to give you some general advice for dealing with public authorities in your everyday life. We will also review some steps you might want to take if a public authority has caused you harm. For related claims, see our public liability compensation lawyers.
How to Deal with Public Authorities on a Daily Basis
Whether they’re a Centrelink worker, a hospital employee or your local council representative, it’s essential to remember a few key facts:
- Treat them with respect: Remember to always be respectful and civil towards public officials and authorities, just as you would towards anyone else.
- Don’t target individuals: If you have been injured due to the actions of a public authority, it’s unlikely to be one person’s fault. For example, if you were injured while driving because of a poorly maintained road, the Road Authority may be negligent, but specific individuals are not. Remember this when you are talking to the staff or representatives of a public authority.
- Talk to a lawyer to protect your rights: While public authorities should be treated with respect, it’s also important to stand up for your rights. If you believe the failure of a public authority has caused you harm, talk to a compensation lawyer. At Stacks Goudkamp, we have successfully bought claims against public authorities in the past, and we would be happy to advise you.
Bringing a Claim Against a Public Authority
Public authorities are often given greater protections under the law, but this doesn’t mean you can’t make a claim. In these cases, it is simply more important than ever to access and leverage all the important information relating to your claim.
For example, if you are injured while driving due to a poorly maintained road, the Road Authority will not automatically be held liable for failing to complete roadworks. Instead, it is important to establish that the Road Authority had knowledge of the road’s condition and the harm this could cause.
At Stacks Goudkamp, we utilise several tools and methods to gather information and determine the viability of your case. Learn more about public authorities claims here or talk to our lawyers for a free initial consultation.
Why are claims against councils and public authorities complex?
These claims can involve questions about responsibility, notice, resources, maintenance systems and legal defences.
What evidence should you collect?
Collect photos, reports, witness details, medical records and correspondence with the authority.
How can Stacks Goudkamp help?
Stacks Goudkamp can assess whether a public authority may be responsible for an injury and advise on next steps.
Stacks Goudkamp has offices in Sydney, Liverpool and Newcastle, where an experienced personal injury lawyers are ready to talk you through your claim. For more information, view our case studies on public authorities or contact us today. Call 1800 251 800 or make an online enquiry.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I claim compensation against a council or public authority?
You may be able to claim if the authority failed to take reasonable care and that failure caused your injury.
What makes public authority claims difficult?
They can involve technical issues such as responsibility, notice of the hazard, maintenance systems and statutory defences.
What evidence helps a claim against a council?
Photos, incident reports, witness details, medical records and written correspondence with the council or authority can help.
Can I claim for injuries on a footpath or in a park?
You may have options if the injury was caused by a hazard that a responsible authority should have addressed.
How can Stacks Goudkamp help with public authority claims?
Stacks Goudkamp can review the facts, identify potential responsible parties and advise whether compensation may be available.
