Product Liability

Product Liability FAQs

• How am I charged and how much do I have to pay to make a product liability claim?

  If we think you have reasonable prospects of success, we will usually agree to act on a speculative basis.  That means we will not charge for our professional fees unless and until your claim is successfully finalised.

  We do require payment of any costs or outlays (eg. medico-legal reports from a specialist) incurred on your behalf, even if your claim is not successful.  We will not incur significant outlays without first discussing it with you.  An estimate of outlays will be provided in our Costs Agreement. 

  Our costs will be reasonable – we will discuss them with you in detail before you instruct us to act on your behalf and will enter into a Costs Agreement with you.  We strongly recommend you seek independent legal advice about the Costs Agreement before you sign it.

• Can I make a product liability claim?

  If you have been injured by a defective product, in Queensland or elsewhere, you may be entitled to compensation.

  These claims will often be against the person who sold or used the defective product, or the manufacturer or importer of the product. They will often have insurance and, if so, the insurer will handle the claim and pay any damages.  We can advise you in detail about your right to claim and your prospects of success.

• How do I make a product liability claim?

  Notice needs to be given to the manufacturer, vendor or importer of the product.  Strict time limits apply – you need to get expert advice now about the time limits which apply to you.

• What can I claim in a product liability claim?

  It is impossible even to estimate the amount of damages you might recover without knowing a lot more about you and your injuries. Damages you might recover include:

  • Medical and other out of pocket expenses
  • Loss of income
  • Pain and suffering
  • Care and assistance
  • Aids and equipment
  • Future expenses

  You may also be entitled to make separate claims for additional insurance benefits such as income protection and total and permanent disablement benefits.  You will find more information about these claims under Income Protection and Disablement claims.

• Do I need a lawyer to make a product liability claim?

  No, you can handle the claim yourself.

  However, insurers have extensive experience in defending claims and will often instruct lawyers to act on their behalf.  Insurers cannot provide you with independent advice.  You may find yourself at a disadvantage if you do not have legal representation.

• Will the insurer pay my legal costs in a product liability claim?

  That depends on the amount of damages you recover. Legislation in Queensland restricts the amount an insurer has to contribute towards your costs – we will provide detailed advice about this. 

  Even if the insurer is required to pay something towards your costs, it will not cover your entire costs.  The difference will be paid from your settlement or judgment monies.  We will discuss this with you in detail when we give you our initial Costs Agreement and before you instruct us to act on your behalf.

• How long will a product liability claim take?

  This is impossible to say without knowing a lot more about you and your claim.   Some relevant factors include:

  • the severity and extent of your injuries – it is vital that your injuries be stable and stationary before any settlement negotiations commence – in Queensland, any damages you receive will be in full and final settlement of your claim.
  • whether the insurer disputes liability for your claim.
  • your age – if a child is injured, it is sometimes best to wait for them to finish school and start work so that an accurate assessment of the impact of their injuries can be made.
• Will I need to go to court for a product liability claim?

  Queensland legislation requires that the claimant and the insurer attempt to reach a settlement before court proceedings are issued. Claims are very rarely decided by a judge.  Even if proceedings are issued in court, claims frequently settle before reaching trial.