What to do if you're in a water-sport accident
If you or a member of your family has been injured in a water-sport accident, you may be able to make a claim for compensation. This also applies to situations in which a family member has died as a result of a water-related accident.
Why Maurice Blackburn?
Our team has extensive experience managing water-sport accident cases and can advise you on whether you have an eligible claim for personal injury compensation.
Your initial consultation is free. 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.
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 water-sport accident compensation if you have been injured because of the negligence of someone else.
Your public liability claim for the water-sport accident will vary greatly depending on your location and the nature of your injuries. Generally your water-sport accident compensation claim will cover things like:
- medical costs (including past and future costs)
- lost income (including past and future costs)
- pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment of life
- home help and attendant care
You may also be eligible for a superannuation lump sum or compensation through your insurance.
The most common types of accidents that you may be able to claim water-sport accident compensation for cover:
- If you are swimming in the bay
- Collide with another jet ski
- Collide with a house boat
- Faulty products
Contact us today to find out how we can help.
Anyone who has caused or contributed to your water-sport 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.
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, water-sport accident compensation law is complicated. Each state and territory has its own laws that apply to public liability claims. Recent changes in the law have made it more difficult to prove negligence if you are injured as a result of an 'obvious hazard'.
It's important to get help from someone who understands the complexities of public liability law, with experience in your area. 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 you.
To make a successful water-sport accident compensation claim, you need to be able to prove that:
- you were owed a duty of care
- that duty of care was breached
- it could be predicted that this breach would lead to injury or damage
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.
If you think you have a public liability 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 water-sport accident compensation claim may cover:
- medical costs (including past and future costs)
- lost income (including past and future costs)
- pain and suffering compensation
- 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 water-sport accident 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
We take calls 24/7