Crownmark Lawyers acts for people injured in public and private premises, including shopping centres, retail and hospitality venues, rental properties, common property within owners corporations, footpaths and council land, and recreational facilities. These claims are based on negligence, which means the injured person must show that a duty was owed and that a failure to take reasonable care caused the injury.

Evidence is decisive in these matters and it disappears quickly. Incident reports, security footage, photographs of the hazard, maintenance and inspection records, and the details of witnesses all become harder to obtain with time. We act promptly to secure that material and to preserve the position before it is lost.

Identifying the correct party is not always straightforward. Responsibility may rest with an owner, an occupier, a managing agent, a contractor, an owners corporation, or a public authority, and more than one insurer may be involved. We investigate that question early so that the claim is directed correctly from the outset.

We also advise on the arguments commonly raised in response, including allegations that the injured person failed to take care for their own safety, and on the statutory limitations that apply to damages in these claims.

Our services include:

• Injuries in retail, hospitality and public premises

• Injuries in rental properties and common property areas

• Claims involving councils and public authorities

• Investigation, evidence preservation and witness material

• Identification of the correct respondent and insurer

• Advice on contributory negligence and damages limits