A personal injury claim is when you ask for compensation after being hurt because someone else was careless or didn’t do the right thing. This could be a physical injury, something psychological, or even emotional harm.
In Queensland, if your injury happened because someone didn’t take proper care, you may be able to make a legal claim and be paid compensation for what you’ve gone through.
You might be able to claim if you were injured in situations like:
A car accident
A work injury
A fall or slip in a public place
An accident caused by unsafe equipment or conditions
Medical negligence or error
Bullying or trauma that caused mental harm
Even if your situation is different, it could still qualify. What really matters is whether someone else was responsible and didn’t do what they should have to keep you safe.
There are three main things that need to be true:
Someone owed you a duty of care
They failed to meet that duty (they were negligent)
You were injured as a result
This is the basic rule for most personal injury claims in Queensland. If you can tick all three boxes, you probably have a case.
If your claim is successful, you could be compensated for things like:
Medical bills
Time off work or lost wages
Pain and suffering
Help around the home
Long-term rehab or ongoing treatment
There’s a full breakdown on this in the page: What Can I Be Compensated For?
You’re usually not claiming directly against the person who caused the injury. Most of the time, it’s their insurer—like WorkCover for job-related injuries or a CTP insurer for car accidents.
So it’s less about suing someone personally and more about dealing with the insurance company behind the scenes.
You don’t have to use a lawyer, but it can make a big difference—especially if the insurer pushes back or things get complicated. A good lawyer can take care of the paperwork, explain your options, and help you get what you’re entitled to.
To learn more, check out the page: Do I Need a Lawyer?
Want to know what types of claims are most common?
Go to the next page: Types of Personal Injury Claims.