Injured by a Trip Hazard? Here’s What You Need to Know About Compensation

A trip hazard might seem minor at first glance – an uneven footpath, a loose floor tile, a poorly lit stairway, or clutter left in a walkway.

But when something so simple causes a serious injury, the consequences can be life-changing.

At Morgan Clifford Legal Services in Brisbane, we regularly assist people who have been injured because someone else failed to take reasonable care in keeping an area safe.

If you’ve recently suffered a fall, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed. You might be dealing with pain, medical appointments, time off work, or stress about what to do next.

This article explains your rights, how compensation works, and what steps to take to protect your claim.

What Counts as a Trip Hazard?

Trip hazards can appear anywhere.  In public spaces, private property, rental premises, workplaces, shopping centres, schools, and car parks. Common examples we see include:

• Uneven concrete or lifted pavers
• Broken steps or loose tiles
• Poor lighting that hides changes in floor levels
• Cables, hoses or clutter left in walkways
• Torn or bunched-up carpet
• Hidden obstacles such as tree roots or potholes

For a compensation claim to succeed, the key question is whether the person or organisation in control of the area failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the hazard. This is known as negligence.

Do I Have a Right to Compensation?

If your injury occurred because someone else did not maintain, repair or manage the area safely, you may be entitled to make a public liability claim.

This is separate from workers’ compensation and applies to most injuries that happen outside the workplace.

At Morgan Clifford, we help clients claim for losses such as:

• Medical and hospital expenses
• Physiotherapy or rehabilitation
• 伤痛和疼痛
• Loss of income
• Future treatment or care needs
• Out-of-pocket costs

You don’t need to prove the hazard was intentional, only that the responsible party did not take reasonable care.

That could be a landlord, a business owner, a local council, a shopping centre, a school or even a neighbour, depending on where the incident occurred.

What Evidence Do I Need?

Strong evidence is crucial in trip hazard cases. The more information you can collect early, the better your chances of a successful claim. We always recommend trying to gather:

1. Photos of the Hazard

Photographs showing the location, height, shape or nature of the hazard are extremely valuable. Try to capture the area from different angles.

2. Witness Details

Anyone who saw your fall, or who knows the hazard existed beforehand, can support your claim.

3. Incident Reports

If the fall happened in a shop, business or public venue, ask to complete an incident report and request a copy.

4. Medical Records

Seek medical attention as soon as possible so your injuries are properly documented. Medical notes will help show the link between your fall and your symptoms.

5. Evidence That the Hazard Was Known or Should Have Been Known

This might include maintenance logs, previous complaints, or expert reports. This is something our team can obtain on your behalf.

Don’t worry if you couldn’t gather everything on the day. Many clients come to us after the fact, and we are able to investigate, collect evidence and build the case for them.

Common Injuries from Trip Hazards

Trip-related falls can lead to a wide range of injuries, from relatively minor to very serious. We frequently help people experiencing:

• Fractures (wrist, ankle, hip, collarbone)
• Soft-tissue injuries
• Back or spinal injuries
• Head injuries or concussion
• Shoulder or knee injuries
• Long-term mobility issues

Even if you think the injury is “not that bad,” it’s worth getting legal advice early. Some injuries worsen over time, and delaying a claim may affect your rights.

How Long Do I Have to Make a Claim?

In Queensland, strict time limits apply. Generally, you have three years from the date of the incident to finalise your claim in court, but several earlier steps must be completed well before that deadline.

That’s why we always recommend speaking with a lawyer as soon as possible.

At Morgan Clifford, we ensure all required notices and documents are submitted on time so you don’t lose your right to compensation.

Why Choose Morgan Clifford Legal Services?

Public liability claims can be complex. Insurers often deny fault or argue that the hazard was obvious, or that you were partly responsible.

Having experienced representation can make a significant difference to the outcome.

At Morgan Clifford Legal Services in Brisbane:

• We specialise in compensation claims, including trip hazard injuries
• We offer no-win no-fee arrangements for eligible matters
• We handle communication with insurers so you don’t have to
• We gather the evidence needed to prove your claim
• We negotiate to achieve the best possible settlement

Our goal is simple: to protect your rights and help you access the support you need to recover.

What Should You Do Next?

If you’ve been injured because of a trip hazard, you don’t need to navigate the process alone. The sooner you get legal advice, the easier it is to preserve evidence and protect your claim.

Reach out to our team at Morgan Clifford Legal Services for a confidential, obligation-free discussion about your situation.

We’re here to guide you through your options and help you take the next steps toward recovery and fair compensation.