Car parks might seem like low-risk areas, but hazards such as uneven surfaces, poor lighting, or faulty design can quickly turn a routine stop into an unexpected injury. Slips, trips, and falls in poorly maintained car parks can cause serious harm from broken bones to long-term back injuries.
If you’ve been injured in a car park in Canberra due to unsafe conditions, you may be entitled to make a public liability claim. Understanding your rights under ACT law can help you recover fair compensation and hold the responsible party accountable.
What Is a Car Park Injury Claim in the ACT?
A car park injury claim falls under public liability law, which applies when a person or business fails to take reasonable care to prevent harm to others on their premises.
Under the Civil Law (Wrongs) Act 2002 (ACT), property owners and operators — including shopping centres, councils, and private car park companies — owe a duty of care to keep their premises safe. If that duty is breached and you suffer an injury, you may have grounds for a public liability claim in the ACT.
For example, if you trip over a pothole, slip on an oily surface without warning signs, or fall due to poor lighting, the operator may be held liable for negligence.
Common Causes of Car Park Accidents in Canberra
Unsafe conditions in public and private car parks often stem from negligence. Some of the most common hazards include:
- Potholes, cracks, or uneven surfaces
- Slippery or poorly drained areas after rain
- Inadequate or broken lighting at night
- Poorly marked pedestrian walkways
- Missing warning signs or safety barriers
- Faulty stairwells, ramps, or lifts
These dangers can cause anything from minor sprains to serious fractures or head injuries, often leading to medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.
Your Legal Rights Under ACT Public Liability Law
In the ACT, car park accident claims are covered by the Civil Law (Wrongs) Act 2002. To successfully claim compensation, you’ll need to prove three things:
- The operator or owner owed you a duty of care
- That duty was breached due to unsafe conditions
- The injury or loss occurred as a direct result of that breach
For more on how liability and compensation work in Canberra, you can also read: List of Compensation Payouts and How They Are Calculated
What Can You Claim Compensation For?
Depending on your situation, compensation for a car park injury may include:
- Medical and rehabilitation costs – hospital bills, physiotherapy, medication
- Loss of income or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering – for physical and psychological harm
- Home care or rehabilitation support
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to your recovery
If you’re unsure about your entitlements, United Legal’s experienced Canberra public liability lawyers can assess your case and explain your options clearly.
What to Do After a Car Park Accident
Taking the right steps early can make a big difference in the success of your claim:
- Seek medical attention immediately and obtain a written medical report.
- Report the incident to the car park operator, council, or property owner.
- Document the hazard – take photos, collect witness statements, and note the time and place.
- Contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to get professional advice.
You can also start your claim directly by filling out the Public Liability Claim Form on the United Legal website.
Common Challenges in Car Park Injury Claims
Some of the challenges people face when making a claim include:
- Disputes over who is responsible (council vs private owner)
- Lack of evidence (no witnesses or photos)
- Blame being shifted onto the injured person
- Delays in reporting or gathering proof
A skilled public liability lawyer will help you gather evidence, counter denials of responsibility, and make sure your rights are fully protected throughout the process.
Final Thoughts: Making Canberra’s Car Parks Safer
Car parks should be safe and well-maintained spaces and not places where negligence leads to injury. If you’ve been hurt due to unsafe conditions in a car park, you don’t have to deal with the aftermath alone.
Need Legal Help with a Car Park Injury Claim in the ACT?
At United Legal Canberra, our experienced public liability lawyers help clients across the ACT claim fair compensation for car park injuries caused by unsafe conditions or negligence.
If you’ve been injured in a Canberra car park accident, our team can guide you through every step of your public liability claim from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurers.
Contact United Legal Canberra with all your questions regarding personal injury and public liability claims in Australia. We’ll help you get the most out of your claim and ensure your rights are protected. Talk to our representative today for a free consultation and we’ll review your case and take prompt action on your behalf.
Call us at (02) 6295 2283 or email admin@unitedlegal.com.au to schedule your appointment. It only takes a few minutes to get started.
