A Simple Guide to Slip and Fall Claims (Queensland Edition)
- leebrotherslegal91
- Jul 9
- 3 min read
From a personal injury lawyer who’s seen it all — in plain English.
Slipped at the supermarket?
Fell on a wet floor at a shopping centre?
Tripped over a hazard in a car park?
You’re sore, embarrassed, and unsure what to do. 🤕
You’re also wondering...
💬 “Can I claim compensation for this?” 💬 “Do I need a lawyer?” 💬 “What do I need to prove?”
Let’s break it down step by step, in plain language — so you know exactly how slip and fall claims work in Queensland 👇
🚨 First: When Can You Make a Slip and Fall Claim?
In Queensland, you can make a personal injury claim if:
You were injured in a public or private place (like a store, café, shopping centre, car park, or footpath)
The fall was caused by someone else’s negligence (like a wet floor, no warning signs, or poor maintenance)
You needed medical treatment
The injury affected your work, income, or daily life
🧠 It’s not about whether you fell — it’s about whether someone failed to prevent a known risk.
👀 Common Examples of Slip & Fall Accidents
🤕 What Can You Claim For?
If your injury was caused by someone else's negligence, your claim may include:
🩺 Step-by-Step: What to Do If You Fall
✅ 1. Get Medical Help
Visit a GP or hospital within 24–48 hours
Be honest about all your symptoms
Ask for everything in writing
✅ 2. Take Photos
The exact spot where you fell
The hazard (spill, crack, slope, etc.)
Any warning signs (or lack of them)
Your injuries (bruises, swelling)
✅ 3. Report It
Tell staff or the manager what happened
Ask for an incident report to be made
Take a photo of the report if possible
Get the names of witnesses or staff members
✅ 4. Keep Records
Medical bills
Travel receipts
Time off work
Your own notes or pain diary
📆 Time Limits: Don’t Wait Too Long
In Queensland:
You must give notice of your claim within 9 months of the fall
You must start legal action within 3 years
⏳ Waiting too long = lost evidence and missed deadlines. 📞 It’s best to get advice from a personal injury lawyer as early as possible.
⚠️ Common Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Claim
🧑⚖️ Should You Use a Personal Injury Lawyer?
Yes — especially with slip and fall cases.
Property owners (and their insurers) rarely admit fault.
You’ll often hear:
❌ “You weren’t watching where you were going.” ❌ “It was just an accident.” ❌ “There was a sign — maybe you didn’t see it.”
A good lawyer can:
Prove the business or council was negligent
Handle all the paperwork
Collect medical evidence
Maximise your payout
Work on a No Win, No Fee basis
🧠 Real Example (QLD Case):
A woman slipped in a large retail store on an unmarked wet floor. She suffered a knee injury and couldn’t return to work as a teacher for several months. Her total payout: $95,000 — including future physio, lost income, and pain & suffering.
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