Injured at a Shopping Centre in Canberra? Your Guide to Public Liability Claims in the ACT
If you’ve been injured at a shopping centre in the ACT, you shouldn’t have to deal with the consequences alone. Whether you slipped on a wet floor at a major shopping centre, tripped over uneven tiles at your local shops, or were hurt in another way whilst out shopping, understanding your rights matters.
At Maliganis Edwards Johnson, we’ve spent years helping people just like you navigate public liability claims. We know that behind every case is a real person dealing with pain, medical appointments, time off work, and worry about the future.
Understanding public liability at shopping centres
Under the Civil Law (Wrongs) Act 2002 (ACT), property owners and occupiers have a legal duty to keep their premises reasonably safe for visitors. This applies to all retail venues – shopping centres, supermarkets, department stores, and local shops.
If you’ve been injured due to hazards like wet or slippery floors, uneven surfaces or loose tiles, faulty escalators or lifts, or poorly maintained walkways, the property owner may be responsible for your injuries.
The law recognises that accidents happen, and shopping centres aren’t expected to maintain a standard of perfection. But when negligence on their part contributes to your injury—when they knew about a hazard or should have known about it and failed to fix it or warn you—you have the right to seek compensation.
Your rights to compensation
If you’ve been injured at a shopping centre, you may be entitled to compensation for:
Pain and suffering: Recognition of the physical hurt and emotional impact you’ve experienced
Medical expenses: Coverage for hospital visits, surgery, rehabilitation, medications, and ongoing treatment
Loss of income: Reimbursement for time you’ve had to take off work to recover
Past and future care costs: Support if your injury has long-term consequences that affect your daily life
It’s important to act relatively quickly. The Wrongs Act sets out time limits for making claims, so getting early legal advice ensures you don’t miss out on what you’re entitled to.
Why choose Maliganis Edwards Johnson?
We’ve successfully handled many shopping centre injury claims across Canberra and understand exactly what’s needed to build strong cases. More importantly, we understand what you’re going through.
Expert guidance: We’ll walk you through each step of pursuing your claim under the Wrongs Act, in language that actually makes sense.
Evidence gathering: We’ll collect CCTV footage, incident reports, and medical records—all the evidence needed to support your case.
Negotiation and representation: Our skilled team will advocate for fair compensation, whether through settlement negotiations or court proceedings if necessary.
Client-focused approach: We believe in clear communication and personalised support. You’ll always know what’s happening with your claim, and we’re here to answer your questions.
Steps to take after a shopping centre injury
- Seek medical attention immediately – Your health comes first, and medical records provide crucial evidence for your claim.
- Report the incident to shopping centre management – Make sure the accident is formally recorded in their system.
- Document the scene – If you’re able, take photos of the hazard, your injuries, and the surrounding area. These details matter.
- Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer – Early legal advice maximises your chances of a successful claim and takes the stress off your shoulders.
We’re here to help
If you or someone you love has been injured at a shopping centre in Canberra, the team at Maliganis Edwards Johnson is here to help. We’ll guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve whilst you focus on getting better.
Contact us today to arrange a consultation and take the first step towards resolving your claim.
