Physical assault compensation claims
Why Maurice Blackburn?
No one wants to deal with a court case after an assault. We understand, and we can help you put the incident behind you as soon as possible.
We also offer 'no win, no fee'* arrangements for these types of public liability cases, which means that you don’t have to pay for our legal services if we don't win.
Maurice Blackburn Lawyers has offices in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide, Darwin and throughout Australia.
Contact us today to find out how we can help.
Chas’s story
Chas was enjoying a night out at the local hotel with friends when he was assaulted by a drunk patron and severely wounded. We helped Chas earn $200,000 in compensation.
All you need to know about public liability
You have the right to be safe when you’re in a public place. If you have been hurt as the result of another person or organisation’s negligent behaviour you may be able to make a public liability claim for compensation.
Types of public liability claims

Dimi Ioannou
National Head of Public Liability and Consumer Protection, Melbourne"It’s important that people know they are protected if something goes wrong through the negligence of someone else, and I pride myself on achieving a just outcome for those affected."
Trang van Heugten
Special Counsel, Melbourne"I have a particular interest in a range of compensation matters, as well as in bringing claims for the survivors of childhood sexual abuse."
Frequently Asked Questions
You may be eligible to claim physical assault compensation if you have suffered injury or trauma due to a physical assault.
Your physical assault compensation claim will vary greatly depending on your location and the nature of your injuries. Generally your physical assault compensation claim will cover things like:
- medical costs (including past and future costs)
- lost income
- pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment of life
- home help and attendant care.
The most common types of incidents that you may be able to claim physical assault compensation for cover:
- physical assault
- playground and schoolyard assaults
- assault in supermarkets and other retail outlets
- assault on private property, including rental properties
- assault in pubs and nightclubs
Anyone who has caused or contributed to your accident or injury may be found legally liable and required to pay compensation. They may even be liable for the actions of others if the location of your accident is under their control.
You may be able to claim:
- compensation from the person found guilty of the assault through the criminal court process
- personal injury compensation through the civil court process
- through VOCAT
Businesses and other (non domestic) occupiers of premises are required to carry Public liability Insurance. The compensation is actually paid by the insurance company. A person’s own home & contents insurance covers public liability if an accident occurs at a private residence.
Yes. However, physical assault compensation law is complicated. Each state and territory has its own laws that apply to physical assault cases. It's important to get help from someone who understands the complexities of physical assault compensation law, with experience in your area.
Contact Maurice Blackburn Lawyers today to find out how we can help you.
If you have suffered injury or trauma due to a physical assault, you have several options to claim public liability compensation from those responsible. Maurice Blackburn Lawyers has all the resources and experience that come with being a national firm.
Contact us today to find out how we can help.
Time limits vary under the different state and federal laws. It's important to report your injury to the compensation authority as soon as possible, once you've become aware of your injury.
You have three years to make a claim from the date of injury. If you are a minor or a person under disability you have six years from the date of injury.
If you think you have a physical assault compensation claim, you should:
- seek medical treatment and tell your doctor how you were injured
- keep records and receipts for any wages lost and for medical and related expenses, including the dates of medical consultations
- take photos of the injuries and where you were injured (where possible)
- contact us to discuss your claim
Your physical assault compensation claim may cover:
- medical costs (including past and future costs)
- lost income (including past and future)
- pain and suffering
- suffering and lost enjoyment of life (however, there is a cap on what you can claim for pain and suffering)
- home help and attendant care
Your physical assault compensation claim and the legal process may take up to several years, especially if you have to wait for injuries to stabilise.
Duty of care may be breached when the occupier or operator of a space or premises is negligent in their duty to care for your safety in entering and using that space.
You may be entitled to sue the occupier or operator of a space or premises for any accidents or injuries that are caused by their negligent behaviour. This is known as a public liability claim.

No win, no fee*
Our public liability lawyers are experienced in winning fair compensation for our clients on a no win, no fee basis.
Our fees and agreementsIt doesn’t cost you anything to know where you stand
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