We’ve all had that moment—one second you’re walking along, and the next you’re flat on your back wondering what just happened. Maybe it was a slippery department store floor, or perhaps the dodgy steps at a wedding venue.
Whatever the case, one thing’s for sure: a gut feeling won’t win you compensation. In the world of public liability, it’s not about what you think happened—it’s about what you can prove, and this is where reputable public liability lawyers in Sydney can help you.
Wondering how to turn your bad luck into a solid legal claim? The answer lies in evidence. Good, solid, properly documented evidence. Let’s have a yarn about what actually helps and what’s just noise.
Incident Reports: The First Building Block
Right after you’ve checked that nothing’s broken (including your pride), ask for an incident report. Doesn’t matter if you slipped at the servo, tripped over an uneven council path, or copped a knock at your local pub—always, always, get that report done.
Most businesses or property owners have some sort of internal reporting system, and those reports are gold. They’re timestamped, often signed off by a manager, and they show that the property owner or staff were made aware of what happened.
Now, don’t be shy about asking for a copy—even if the staff give you the ol’ side-eye. It’s your right. Think of it as laying the foundation of your case. No incident report? You’re starting on shaky ground.
Photos and Videos: The More the Merrier
If a picture’s worth a thousand words, then a video’s probably worth your whole claim. Photos and videos capture exactly what things looked like at the time of your accident, not after the cleaner has come through or the dodgy cord has been moved.
We’re talking about the actual moment. If you’re able to whip out your phone right away, do it. If not, take pics as soon as you can. Here’s what you’ll want to capture:
- The exact hazard – think spills, obstacles, uneven surfaces.
- The surrounding area – lighting, warning signs (or lack thereof), crowd levels.
- Your injuries – yep, even the nasty bruises. Bonus points for documenting the healing process.
If, in case, a kind stranger caught the whole thing on video, politely ask for a copy. It might just be the ace up your sleeve. Which brings us to the next section…
Witness Statements: The Bystanders Who Matter
You don’t need a superhero cape to make a difference. Sometimes just being in the right place at the right time will do. Eyewitnesses can back you up and provide a neutral view of what happened. Their version of events can really tip the scales in your favour. They don’t need to give you a five-page essay—just the basics will do. Try to get:
- Full names and contact details
- A quick written or voice-recorded summary of what they saw
- A yes or no on whether they’d speak to a solicitor if needed
Don’t assume the business is collecting this for you. Most won’t lift a finger unless forced. It’s up to you to gather the goods while people are still around and willing to help.
Medical Records: Your Body’s Paper Trail
Aussies are a tough bunch. We love to brush things off with a “she’ll be right.” But when it comes to injuries? Nah, don’t risk it. Even if you feel alright at first, go see a doctor. Your medical records link your injury directly to the incident. They usually show:
- When the injury was first assessed
- What the injury actually is
- How bad the injury is and how long recovery might take
CCTV Footage: The Silent Witness
Ah, CCTV—the gift that keeps on giving. If you’re lucky, there’ll be cameras nearby that caught the whole thing. Unlike people, cameras don’t forget, exaggerate, or change their story. However, footage doesn’t hang around forever. Many businesses delete recordings after a few days unless someone requests to save them. If you reckon there were cameras nearby, act fast.
- Ask the business or venue to preserve the footage ASAP.
- Get your solicitor to send a formal letter if needed.
- Follow up—don’t just assume they’ll do it.
Keep a Recovery Journal (Yes, Really)
A recovery journal is a simple, honest way to show how your injury is affecting your everyday life. You don’t need to write essays. Just keep track of things like:
- Pain levels or physical limitations each day
- Missed work, appointments, or hobbies
- Emotional struggles like stress, frustration, or sleepless nights
Courts and insurers actually do read these. It paints a picture that no x-ray can. And when you’re asked how the injury changed your life, you won’t be left trying to remember if it was that Tuesday or the other Thursday.
The Things People Forget—But Shouldn’t
Now for the sneaky stuff—the little details people often miss, but that can seriously boost your case. Here’s what to hang onto:
- Receipts and invoices – Taxis to the doctor, chemist runs, physio bills—all of it counts.
- Emails or texts – Any follow-ups with the business or council? Save them.
- Previous complaints – If others have been injured the same way? That’s dynamite. It shows a pattern and weakens their defence.
Good Evidence Doesn’t Just Win Cases—It Stops the Other Side From Arguing
At the end of the day, your case is only as strong as the story your evidence tells. You don’t need to be Sherlock Holmes, but a bit of forward thinking goes a long way. Insurance companies love a fight—but they’re less inclined when you’ve got a neat bundle of facts staring them in the face.
It’s best to collect early. Keep everything. Most importantly, seek advice from top-calibre public liability lawyers, such as the ones from Brydens. Remember that in the legal world, it’s not who’s right—it’s who’s got the proof.
