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ARTICLE · 24 AUGUST 2026

Steps To Take When You Have Been Injured In A Public Or Private Space

When an accident occurs on public or private property in New South Wales, understanding your legal rights and taking immediate action can be crucial to any future compensation claim. This guide outlines the essential steps to protect your interests, from documenting the incident scene to preserving critical evidence that may determine whether you can successfully prove negligence and recover damages.

AustraliaLitigation, Mediation & Arbitration

Imagine slipping in your local supermarket and finding yourself staring at the ceiling, your ankle twisted awkwardly and your shoes covered in milk. Or perhaps you’re walking home from work when a scaffolding structure collapses onto the footpath, leaving you with a serious arm injury. While these scenarios may sound unlikely, accidents in public and private places occur more often than many people realise.

In New South Wales, if you have been injured because the owner or occupier of a property failed to take reasonable care for your safety, you may be entitled to compensation through a public liability or occupiers’ liability claim.

One of the key challenges in these claims is proving that the owner or occupier was negligent and that their negligence caused your injuries. The steps you take immediately after an accident can play a crucial role in protecting your legal rights and strengthening any future claim.

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The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

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