Time Limits - Occupiers, Public Liability and other Compensation Claims
Our People:
If a claim is to be pursued, legal proceedings must generally be issued within 3 years from the date on which the cause of action is discoverable. For a person under a legal disability (e.g. under the age of 18 years or mentally impaired), legal proceedings must generally be issued within 6 years from the date of discoverability, although in certain circumstances the period can be to a maximum of 12 years from the actual date of injury.
If legal proceedings are not issued within time a potential claim may become barred unless a successful application is made to the Court for an extension of time. This can be expensive and the Court will not automatically extend time without good reason.
A cause of action is discoverable from the date on which the injured person (or alternatively the Guardian where the injured person is under a legal disability) ought to have known the following facts:-
(i) that an injury has been sustained;
(ii) that the injury was caused by the fault of the Defendant;
(iii) that the injury was sufficiently serious to justify bringing legal proceedings.
A person must take reasonable steps to ascertain these facts and unreasonable delay may prevent a claim.
For advice contact Galbally & O’Bryan
Our Occupiers, Public Liability and other Compensation Claims lawyers are available to provide advice.
Contact us now, or email Nicholas O'Bryan directly at nobryan@galballyobryan.com.au.