Slip and fall, in short
Slipped on a wet floor, tripped on a broken footpath or fell on poorly lit stairs? If someone should have fixed the hazard, you may be able to claim. United Legal is a Canberra firm based in Fyshwick. We work on a No Win, No Fee basis and your first conversation is free.
Slip and Fall: what you need to know
Slips, trips and falls are the most common public liability claims. They happen in shopping centres, supermarkets, car parks, footpaths, stairs, rental properties and venues across Canberra.
To claim, you generally need to show the owner or occupier knew, or should have known, about the hazard and did not take reasonable steps to fix it or warn you. Evidence gathered early, such as photos and CCTV, is often what wins these claims.
Common causes of falls
- Wet or slippery floors without warning signs
- Spills and food left on the floor
- Broken or uneven footpaths and steps
- Poor lighting on stairs and in car parks
- Loose mats and cables
- Missing handrails
Slips, trips and falls in public places
Falls happen on wet floors, uneven footpaths, broken stairs, poorly lit car parks and loose mats. Whoever controls the place, a business, landlord, government body or council, has a duty to take reasonable care for visitors' safety.
The key evidence is often gone within days: CCTV is overwritten and spills are cleaned up. Take photos, get witness details, report the fall in writing, and ask the business to keep the footage.
What you can claim
If a business, landlord, council or other occupier failed to take reasonable care and you were hurt, you may be able to claim under the Civil Law (Wrongs) Act 2002 (ACT) for pain and suffering, lost income, medical costs and care and assistance.
Read more about public liability claims.
Evidence that helps your claim
You do not need to have everything before you call us, but these records make a public liability claim stronger. Keep copies of anything you have:
- Photos of the hazard and where it happened
- An incident report from the business or owner
- Names and numbers of witnesses
- A request to keep CCTV footage
- Medical records and receipts
How much could a slip and fall claim be worth?
Every claim is different. The amount depends on how serious your injuries are, your lost and future earnings, your medical costs, the care you need, and whether you share any of the blame. We give you an honest estimate once we understand your situation, and we prepare every claim to get its full value rather than settling early.
Why people choose United Legal
- Three lawyers on every case. Your claim is checked by more than one experienced lawyer, start to finish.
- A local Canberra firm since 2004. We know the ACT schemes, insurers, doctors and courts.
- No Win, No Fee. No upfront costs, and you get a written costs agreement before we start.
- Serious injury experience. Our results include a $20m+ settlement and a $1.4m workers compensation claim.
Watch: slip and fall
What to do now
- Report the incident to the business or owner and ask for it to be recorded.
- Take photos of the hazard and your injuries, and get witness details.
- Ask for any CCTV to be kept, as it is often overwritten within days.
- See a doctor and keep receipts for your costs.
Slip and fall: FAQs
Do I have to prove the business was negligent?
I was not looking where I was going. Can I still claim?
I fell on a public footpath. Who is responsible?
What if I was not looking where I was going?
How much does a public liability lawyer cost?
Is there a time limit?
Find out where you stand.
Free claim check · No Win, No Fee