Australian injury guide
Public Liability and Premises Injuries
An injury at premises does not automatically make the occupier, retailer or council legally responsible. The investigation usually starts with control, the condition, knowledge, reasonable precautions and causation.
Identify the exact place and controller
Record the precise aisle, path, stair, car park, venue or boundary. The business whose name is most visible may not control every part of a site.
Preserve time-sensitive evidence
Take photographs, identify witnesses, request an incident number and ask promptly that relevant CCTV be preserved. Keep footwear or a product in its post-incident condition where appropriate.
Investigate the system, not only the outcome
Relevant questions can include how the area was inspected, when a condition arose, what warnings existed and whether a reasonable precaution would have prevented the injury.
Check public-authority and notice rules
Claims involving councils, public schools and government bodies may raise special statutory protections or notice processes. These differ between states.
Sources and scope
Australasian Legal Information Institute — legislation databases ↗
Sources checked 25 September 2026. General information only. Check current state or territory legislation, scheme guidance and individual advice before acting on a time limit.