A Simple Guide to Slip and Fall Claims (Queensland Edition)

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

🚧 Hazard	🧾 Examples
Wet floors	No "Wet Floor" sign after mopping or spill
Uneven surfaces	Broken tiles, lifted carpet, potholes
Leaks or spills	Grocery stores, shopping centres, cafes
Poor lighting	Can’t see hazards in dim stairwells
Objects left out	Boxes, cables, bags, rubbish

🤕 What Can You Claim For?

If your injury was caused by someone else's negligence, your claim may include:

💰 Type	📋 What It Covers
Medical costs	GP visits, hospital, X-rays, physio, medication
Lost income	Time off work, part-time return, job loss
Pain & suffering	Physical and emotional trauma
Future care	Rehab, home help, surgeries
Out-of-pocket costs	Travel, parking, equipment

🩺 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

❌ Mistake	🚫 Why It’s a Problem
Not reporting the fall	No paper trail = no proof
Not taking photos	Can't prove the hazard existed
Not seeing a doctor	No medical record = no injury evidence
Saying “I’m fine”	Can be used against you by insurers
Waiting too long	Time limits apply in QLD

🧑‍⚖️ 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.

✅ Your Simple Slip and Fall Claim Checklist

🧾 Step	📍 Why It Matters
See a doctor	You need medical proof of your injury
Take photos	Proves hazard + protects your claim
Report the fall	Creates an official record
Keep receipts & notes	Shows how the injury impacted your life
Get legal advice early	Stronger case + more compensation