Public Liability
$1,600,000
In compensation
Public Liability Lawyers in Sydney and NSW
Have you been physically or psychologically injured, and you can’t claim compensation through the motor accident or work cover commission or insurer in your state?
If so, you may be able to seek compensation by making a public liability claim.
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What is Public Liability?
People who suffer serious injuries in a public place may be entitled to make a public liability claim in NSW when their harm is the result of someone else’s negligence. These matters often involve dog attacks, unsafe or poorly maintained premises, or subcontractors injured on construction sites where proper safety systems were never put in place.
What Public Liability Accidents Can I Claim for in Sydney & NSW?
If you’ve been injured in a public place due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Public liability claims cover a wide range of accidents, including:
- Injuries on construction sites
- Injuries at schools
- Injuries in parks or other public places (slips, trips and falls)
- Injuries on council-owned land (fall on footpath or council caused danger)
- Injuries on rented premises (landlord/tenant)
- Injuries while on public transport
- Injuries caused by animals (like a dog attack)
- Swimming pool accidents
- Amusement park accidents
- Injuries in gyms
- Boating accidents
- Food poisoning
- Supermarket or shopping centre injuries
- Physical assault
- Sexual assault
How The Claims
Process Works
From your first consultation to settlement, we guide you through every step of your claim so you know exactly what to expect.
1
Step 1
Obligation free meeting with Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law
2
Step 2
Understand what you are entitled to, the process and timeframe
3
Step 3
Proceed on a No Win No Fee basis
4
Step 4
Your case is built using the best experts to achieve the optimum result
5
Step 5
You will be kept updated throughout the process
6
Step 6
We will secure the financial result in the shortest possible timeframe
Have you suffered a
serious injury?
Allowing seriously injured people to secure the compensation they deserve so they can return to enjoying life.
Unsure? Give us a call
Why Should I Choose Garling&Co Lawyers?
At Garling&Co Lawyers, we treat our clients with respect and support through what can be difficult process. Our lawyers have extensive experience and are all Accredited Specialists in Personal Injury Law, who are dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for our clients. Here are some key reasons to choose us.
What Our Clients
Are Saying
Featured Testimonial
I cannot speak highly enough of my experience with this workers Compensation team. When I first reached out, I was completely overwhelmed and unsure about the process. I hit rock bottom - unable to return to work, struggling emotionally, and feeling like I had no direction. From the very beginning, the solicitors were nothing short of amazing. They were patient, understanding and incredibly supportive at a time when I needed it most. They took the time to explain every step in a way I could understand, never making me feel rushed or alone. Their professionalism was matched only by their compassion and that combination made all the difference. Throughout the entire journey, I felt heard, respected and genuinely cared for. They fought for me when I didn’t have the strength to fight for myself and thanks to their dedication, I was able to get the outcome I needed to rebuild my life. If you’re unsure, scared or feeling lost like I was, I can confidently say you will be in the best hands with this team. They helped me through one of the hardest chapters of my life, and I am truly grateful. I can’t thank or recommend Garling & Co Lawyers enough.
Matthew Garling and his team have provided incredible support and guidance throughout my MVA damages claim this year, and I can’t thank them enough for making this journey feel like such a breeze. When I initially engaged Garling & co, I had no understanding of what was ahead. I was anxious and unsure about the process, while also navigating the physical challenges of my injuries. With assurance that my matter was being handled with high level of expertise, professionalism and integrity, I was able to focus on recovery instead. Throughout the process, Matthew and Allison have been honest, straightforward and efficient in all communication; being a supportive buffer in all dealings with the insurer, and consistently committed to a successful outcome. The outcome was excellent, and it is with huge relief and great thanks that I can put this matter behind me. I would highly recommend the services of Garling and co for any injury claims of a similar nature, and I’m forever grateful to Matthew and his team.
A big thank you to Matthew for his expertise, dedication, and genuine care in handling my matter. The outcome exceeded my expectations, and I am truly grateful for the excellent work of his entire team. Outstanding results - highly recommended.
Our NSW Public Liability Lawyers
Matthew Garling’s Team
Matthew has been an Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law since 2005 and was admitted as a lawyer in 1998. With more than 30 years of experience, he is widely recognised as a leading lawyer in personal injury law in NSW.
He founded Garling & Co with a clear purpose: to provide high‑quality representation to people seriously injured through the negligence of others. Matthew’s calm approach, deep expertise and unwavering commitment to his clients consistently deliver outcomes that make a meaningful difference in their lives.
Alison Luck
Senior Legal Support Specialist
Isabella Milosavljevic
Client Support Specialist
Lavinia Mangos
Paralegal
Kerry Byrnes' Team
An Accredited Specialist since 2022, Kerry brings over 15 years' experience and a deep understanding of the intricacies of personal injury law. Approachable and passionate about helping people in need, she consistently delivers great outcomes for her clients.
Myriel Sol Cruz
Legal Support Specialist
Isabella Hoang
Paralegal
Public Liability
Knowledge Hub
Public Liability
29 April 2026
min read
5 reasons why you need an expert lawyer in your public liability claim
Have you been injured because of someone else's negligence? You might be able to make a claim For example, you may be able to make a public liability
Public Liability
29 April 2026
min read
Public liability claims explained
This public liability claims guide provides answers to all the most commonly asked questions on how to make a successful compensation claim.
Public Liability
29 April 2026
min read
What Are Your Rights When You Are Attacked by a Dog?
Case Study: Ioannidis v. Uncontrolled Dog Owner A recent court decision awarded $101,788.63 to Mary Ioannidis after she and her dog Lexi were attacked by
Public Liability
FAQs
Got questions about your pulic liability claim? We've answered the most common ones to help you understand your rights, entitlements and next steps.
Yes. There are various time limits depending on the type of negligence claim and how you are injured. Time limits vary considerably depending on the type of matter such as motor vehicle accidents, work accidents, medical negligence claims and public liability claims.
As a broad rule, you should commence a claim within three years from the date of the accident. However, the law is not so straight forward. The three-year period begins and ends at different times for different types of accidents.
For some types of claims there are also preliminary steps that must be taken before you can claim.
For example, to make a claim for a motor accident you must notify the police within 28 days of your accident and then you must lodge a claim form within six months.
For a work accident, you need to notify your employer immediately and lodge a claim within 28 days.
For some other types of negligence claims, you have three years from the date of “discoverability”. That is, the date which you knew or ought to have known that you had a right to make a claim.
For negligence claims, there is also a 12 year long stop limit which means that after 12 years, you can no longer claim.
The law in relation to time limits is as you can see, complex. If you do miss a time limit you can sometimes get an extension of time to commence proceedings from the court. Again, the rule is different depending on the different type of accident you may have.
The best thing to do is to be aware that time limits do exist and to contact a Lawyer who specialises in personal injury as soon as possible if you think you may have a claim.
If you need assistance or would like further information on the Civil Liability Act in NSW, please do not hesitate to contact us as follows;
- Complete our FREE case assessment form HERE
- Email us at
- Give us a call on (02) 8518 1120
Yes, you will need to find a new lawyer to take over your claim and its usually a fairly simple process.
Yes you can however you are likely to obtain significantly less compensation then had you retained the services of an expert Personal Injury Lawyer.
A Lawyer who is a specialist in the area of personal injury law will have great experience in dealing with insurance companies and be able to advise you as to the type of compensation you are entitled to receive as a result of your injury and how much compensation is reasonable and fair.
Most claims resolved by people who are not represented by a Lawyer are resolved for usually about 20% of their real value. You should never speak to an insurance investigator without speaking to a Personal Injury Lawyer first. Anything you say to an insurance investigator can and will be used against you. You must be very careful with your words which can be twisted by an insurance investigator.
You should never negotiate a resolution of your claim without speaking to a Personal Injury Lawyer as you will get much less and any settlement will end your rights to compensation for ever so you need to make sure you are getting the best result you can.
It is important to engage, at an early stage, in any claim an experienced Personal Injury Lawyer and particularly a Lawyer who is an accredited specialist in personal injury law by the Law Society of NSW.