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PERSONAL INJURY

Public Liability

Injured in a Public Space?
You Deserve Answers

Accidents in public places often leave victims wondering who’s responsible
and where to turn. At Gouveia Legal, we specialise in holding property
owners and businesses accountable when their negligence causes harm. Our
dedicated approach ensures you’re never left facing the consequences of
someone else’s carelessness alone.

What Is Public Liability?

Public liability law covers injuries that occur in spaces accessible to the public—from shopping centers and restaurants to parks and footpaths. Property owners and occupiers have a legal duty to ensure their premises are reasonably safe for visitors.

When this duty is breached,
resulting in your injury, you may be
entitled to compensation for:

The key to a successful claim is establishing that your injury was caused by someone
else’s negligence—which is where our expertise becomes invaluable.

Medical expenses and
rehabilitation costs

Lost income during
recovery

Pain and suffering

Home care and
assistance

Future economic loss

Common Public Liability
Cases We Handle

Each case presents unique challenges, requiring a personalised approach that only a
boutique firm like ours can provide.

Slip, Trip and Fall Accidents

  • Wet floors without warning signs.
  • Uneven walkways and broken footpaths.
  • Poor lighting in stairwells or car parks.
  • Debris and obstacles in walkways.
  • Recently mopped or polished surfaces.

Other Public Space Injuries

  • Falling objects in retail stores.
  • Amusement park accidents.
  • Swimming pool incidents.
  • Dog attacks and animal bites.
  • Food poisoning from restaurants.
  • Injuries from defective products.

Recreational Accidents

  • Sporting venue injuries.
  • Gym and fitness center accidents.
  • Adventure activity mishaps.
  • Playground equipment failures.

Proving Liability:

Our Strategic Approach

Successful public liability claims require proving four key elements:

The property owner/ occupier owed you a duty of care

They breached this duty
through negligence

This breach directly
caused your injury

You suffered quantifiable
damages as a result

Our team excels at gathering the
crucial evidence needed to establish
these elements, including:

This is why having experienced legal representation is crucial to securing your rightful

compensation.

CCTV footage of the incident.

Witness statements.

Photographs of the
hazardous condition.

Maintenance and
inspection records.

Expert testimony about
safety standards.

Comprehensive medical documentation.

The Compensation Journey
with Gouveia Legal

When you choose us to handle your public liability claim, we guide
you through every step:

1. Thorough Case Evaluation

We assess the circumstances of your accident, identifying all potentially liable parties and compensation avenues.

2. Evidence Collection

We act quickly to preserve crucial evidence before it disappears, working with investigators when necessary.

3. Medical Documentation

We coordinate with your healthcare providers to establish the full extent of your injuries and future needs.

4. Strategic Negotiation

We engage with insurers from a position of strength, presenting compelling evidence that maximises your settlement.

5. Litigation When Necessary

If fair settlement isn't possible, we're fully prepared to advocate for you in court.

Don’t let uncertainty about your legal rights
add to the stress of an injury. Contact Gouveia
Legal for a free, no-obligation case review.

Andrew Gouveia

Andrew is a Sydney-based solicitor with a strong background in commercial litigation and transactional legal work. He has acted for a broad range of clients across insolvency, estate disputes, and property-related matters. His experience also extends to drafting and negotiating commercial agreements, advising on business and property transactions, and preparing tailored estate planning documents.

Known for delivering clear, commercially minded advice, Andrew established Gouveia Legal to provide clients with legal services that are practical, accessible, and results driven. Whether navigating a dispute or managing a transaction, he brings a strategic approach grounded in understanding each client’s goals and delivering value at every stage.

Clients come to Andrew for straightforward guidance and a solicitor who takes the time to understand their situation and can get results.

In his spare time, Andrew likes to train Jiu-Jitsu, take his dog Henry for long walks and enjoys watching anything by Guy Ritchie or Martin Scorsese.

Melissa Gouveia

Melissa is an experienced lawyer with extensive expertise in personal injury law and a keen interest in immigration.

Holding a Bachelor of Medical Science and a Graduate Law Degree, she combines a strong analytical foundation with a compassionate approach to legal advocacy.

With significant experience working as both a plaintiff lawyer at Australia’s top firms and a legal representative for Australia’s insurers, Melissa brings a well-rounded perspective to every case she handles.

Known for her exceptional negotiation skills, Melissa is dedicated to securing the best outcomes for her clients. Her empathetic nature allows her to connect with individuals, understanding their unique challenges and providing clear, supportive guidance through complex legal processes. Committed to achieving justice, Melissa ensures her clients receive fair and timely resolutions to their claims, whether through skilled negotiation or robust representation.

In her spare time, Melissa enjoys fashion, going out with friends and family.