Childcare centre faces public liability claim after toddlers escape
A Melbourne childcare centre is facing legal action after staff allowed two toddlers to escape and run into a street. Dashcam footage of the incident shows motorists coming to a complete stop on a 70km/h street when the two 2-year-old children ran from a traffic island onto Ballan Road in Werribee. One of the drivers exited his […]
Woman hit by mobility scooter succeeds in shopping centre claim
NSW’s District Court has ruled in favour of an older woman struck by a mobility scooter while exiting a shopping centre in Woy Woy, NSW in a recent public liability compensation case. The plaintiff made no claim against the scooter driver however – so, how did this unusual case unfold and why was the shopping centre management […]
Sniper suing police over psychological trauma
The New South Wales Police are being sued for negligence by a sniper who sustained psychological damage from the siege of the Sydney Lindt Cafe in 2014. On December 15, 2014, the Lindt Cafe was taken under siege, where an armed man held 18 hostages for 16 hours. During the course of the siege, 12 hostages managed […]
What are the public liability implications of driverless cars?
Rapid technological advances are changing the way we live our lives, including the way we travel. A science-fiction fantasy come to life, the popularity of driverless cars is increasing worldwide, with manufacturers such as Tesla and Ford implementing autonomous driving functions. Considering safety, what are the public liability implications of driverless cars? How do driverless […]
Court rules in favour of plaintiff in public liability case
In the 12 years between 2003 and 2015, slips, trips and falls made up 23 per cent of all serious claims, according to Safe Work Australia. While some of these occur as a result of completely accidental causes, others arise due to negligent behaviour. In the below example, a popular telecommunications company found itself at […]
What can I do if I am trapped in a lift?
Thousands of office workers all over Australia spend part of their day on a problem-free commute in an elevator. When lifts get stuck mid-journey, however, the situation can become incredibly stressful. What can you do if you become trapped in an elevator, and how is compensation awarded? 1. Keep calm Though the reality of being trapped […]
Are music festivals liable to provide compensation?
Summer brings on not only hot weather and beach days, but outdoor concerts and festivals. While your intentions of enjoying a music festival may be having a dance and a drink, sometimes situations arise out of our control where we don’t get the experience promised, or become involved in accidents. Depending on the nature of the incident, you may […]
Who’s liable for beach-related injuries?
As temperatures continue to soar, more and more Victorians are heading to the beach to make the most of the summer sun and the activities that go hand in hand with the warm weather. For many, this involves swimming, sunbathing and partaking in beach games. But who's liable if a beach-goer becomes injured? Lifeguard liability On […]
Is the sharing economy opening itself up to public liability problems?
Across Australia, the shared economy is on the rise. This is a concept that highlights peer-to-peer-based sharing and allows individuals to rent/borrow goods rather than buy and own them outright. This model has been adopted within Canberra, where groups operate under the 'Buy Nothing' name. With popularity spreading nationwide, how does public liability fit into […]
Champion kickboxer turned prisoner awarded damages after jail attack
A former world-renowned kickboxer turned inmate has been awarded damages after a NSW prison breached its duty of care. But what was the incident that led to his victory in court? Background of the case On the morning of October 1, 2009, the plaintiff, whilst on remand within the Metropolitan Reception and Remand Centre (MRRC) at […]
