Personal Injury Practice Area: Public Liability in New Zealand
The Personal Injury practice area focuses on helping people who have been hurt due to someone else's actions. One important part of this area is called Public Liability. This means that if you are injured in a public place, you may be able to claim compensation.
What is Public Liability?
Public Liability refers to the responsibility of businesses, organisations, or individuals to keep the public safe. If they fail to do this and someone gets injured, they may be held legally responsible.
Examples of Public Liability Cases
- Slip and Fall Accidents: If you slip on a wet floor in a supermarket and get hurt, the supermarket may be liable if they did not put up warning signs.
- Injuries in Parks: If a child gets hurt on broken playground equipment in a public park, the local council may be responsible for not maintaining it properly.
- Injuries at Events: If you are injured at a public event, like a concert, due to poor safety measures, the event organisers could be held liable.
How Does the Legal Process Work?
If you believe you have a Public Liability claim, the first step is to seek legal advice. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and the best way to proceed. You may need to gather evidence, such as photos of the accident scene or witness statements.
In New Zealand, you usually have three years from the date of the accident to make a claim. It’s important to act quickly to ensure you don’t miss this deadline.
Why is it Important?
Public Liability cases are important because they help ensure that businesses and organisations take safety seriously. When people are held accountable for their actions, it encourages them to make public spaces safer for everyone.
If you have been injured in a public place, don’t hesitate to seek help. You deserve to know your rights and get the support you need.