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Slip and fall lawyers in Melbourne

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Understanding slip and fall claims

A slip or fall can happen to anyone, anywhere and can lead to serious consequences. Injuries caused by slipping or falling can disrupt your life and cause financial strain. 

In legal terms, a slip and fall happens when someone slips, trips, or falls because of unsafe conditions on someone else’s property or in a public place.

For example, if you slip on a wet floor in a supermarket where no warning signs were present, it may be considered a slip and fall incident. However, if there were clear signs indicating the hazard, you may not be able to make a claim alleging the occupier was negligent

Slip and fall injuries can result from various hazardous conditions:

  • Wet or Slippery Floors: Spills or recently cleaned floors without proper signage where there is no reasonable system of inspection and cleaning in place.
  • Uneven Surfaces: Cracked or damaged sidewalks, loose tiles, or uneven carpeting.
  • Poor Lighting: Dimly lit stairwells or hallways.
  • Obstacles: Items left on the floor in public places or workplaces

Determining liability in a slip and fall case can involve:

  • Duty of care: occupiers must exercise reasonable care to ensure their premises are safe.
  • Breach of duty: failure to exercise reasonable care – for example not maintaining the premises in a safe condition or providing adequate warnings – may constitute a breach.
  • Causation: there must be a direct link between the breach of duty and your injury.
  • Damages: documented injuries and financial losses resulting from the incident.

Contributory Negligence 

Contributory Negligence is a key consideration in establishing liability. It aims to assess whether the injured person failed to take reasonable care for their own safety, and therefore, whether they may have contributed to the incident and injuries sustained.

Whether or not there is contributory negligence can impact the amount of compensation an injured person receives and so it is important to consider this issue as early as possible. 

Compensation for slip and fall injuries

Those injured in slip and fall incidents can claim various types of compensation, including:

  • Medical expenses: Costs for hospital stays, surgeries, medication and rehabilitation.
  • Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to inability to work.
  • Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional distress and the impact of the injuries on daily life.
  • Future medical care: Anticipated future medical expenses.
  • Loss of earning capacity: Compensation for reduced ability to earn in the future.
  • Gratuitous Care: Compensation for time taken by others to provide you with care and assistance whilst you recover from your injuries.

How compensation amounts are calculated

Compensation amounts are calculated based on several factors:

  • Medical costs: Actual and projected future medical expenses.
  • Loss of income: Calculated based on your salary and the duration of your inability to work.
  • Pain and suffering: Assessed based on the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life.
  • Contributory Negligence: A reduction in the event the injured person did not take reasonable care for their own safety and therefore may have contributed to the incident and injuries sustained.

search Any Questions? Check out  FAQ.

Getting started with your claim

What to do immediately after a slip and fall incident

Taking the right steps immediately after a slip and fall incident can significantly impact the success of your claim:

  1. 1. Report the incident

    Inform the property occupier or manager and ensure an incident report is completed.

  2. 2. Seek medical attention

    Visit a doctor to assess and document your injuries.

  3. 3. Gather evidence

    Take photos of the incident scene, gather witness contact information, and obtain copies of any incident reports. Ask that CCTV footage (if any) is retained.

  4. 4. Contact a lawyer

    Reach out to Maurice Blackburn for a free consultation to discuss your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Yes, you may be able to claim compensation for slipping on a wet floor if there were no warning signs or barriers indicating the hazard. However, you would need to establish that the occupier of the premises was negligent by not implementing a reasonable system of inspection and cleaning. Occupiers have a duty to maintain safe conditions and provide adequate warnings of any dangers.

Every case is different, and speaking with one of our lawyers can help you understand your potential compensation entitlements. 

In Victoria, you generally have three years from the date of the incident to file a slip and fall compensation claim. It is essential that you act quickly to ensure all evidence is preserved and to avoid missing the deadline.

Yes. You will need to be assessed by an authorised medical practitioner to determine whether your injuries are sufficiently “significant” and “permanent” to claim damages for pain and suffering.

The threshold varies depending on the type of injury.

At Maurice Blackburn, we offer a No Win, No Fee policy, meaning you only pay legal fees if we successfully secure compensation for you. This policy provides peace of mind, allowing you to pursue your claim without the stress of upfront legal costs.

Even if your injury seems minor, it is essential to consult with a lawyer. Minor injuries can sometimes lead to long-term complications or impact your ability to work. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation for any future issues that may arise.

Our commitment to you

You’re in safe hands – our client care approach

At Maurice Blackburn, we understand the stress and uncertainty that come with slip and fall incidents. Our team is here to guide you every step of the way and we are committed to providing compassionate, personalised support throughout the claims process.

Contact us today for personalised legal advice

For expert legal support and to get started with your slip and fall compensation claim, contact us today for a confidential, no-obligation consultation.

Need to speak to us sooner? Call us on 1800 111 222

Our lawyers will work with you through every step of the process

Take the first step towards justice and support. Our team of dedicated public liability lawyers in Melbourne and other offices in VIC are here to listen to your story and provide expert legal assistance and support.

Contact us today for a confidential, no-obligation consultation.

Need to speak to us sooner? Call us on 1800 111 222


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Our team of dedicated public liability lawyers in Melbourne is committed to helping you with your claim.

Dimi Ioannou

Dimi Ioannou

National Head of Public Liability and Consumer Protection, Public place injury, Consumer protection

  • Melbourne, VIC
  • (03) 9605 2884
Janine Gregory

Janine Gregory

Head of South Injuries, Principal Lawyer, Public place injury, Road injury, Work injury

  • Melbourne, VIC
  • (03) 9605 2869
Trang van Heugten

Trang van Heugten

Principal Lawyer, Public place injury, Consumer protection

  • Melbourne, VIC
  • (03) 9605 2822
Fortis Josephides

Fortis Josephides

Associate, Public place injury

  • Melbourne, VIC
  • (03) 9605 2653

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We have lawyers who specialise in a range of legal claims who travel to Australian Capital Territory. If you need a lawyer in Canberra or elsewhere in Australian Capital Territory, please call us on 1800 675 346.

We have lawyers who specialise in a range of legal claims who travel to Tasmania. If you need a lawyer in Hobart, Launceston or elsewhere in Tasmania, please call us on 1800 675 346.