Video Library

Workers Compensation And WorkCover Claims

How do I maximise my WorkCover payments? To ensure you maximise the WorkCover payments you are entitled to under law, it is important to document the facts about the injury and your circumstances, and also to investigate whether you are eligible for a lump sum compensation payment.

How are WorkCover benefits calculated? Calculating WorkCover benefits can be tricky. There are some pitfalls, like when you choose to attend medical appointments.

Are casuals and visa workers covered by WorkCover? Casual and special visa workers comprise an increasing portion of the workforce, and both of these segments are legally covered by the same worker's compensation entitlements as full-time employees under WorkCover legislation.

An employer cannot refuse a subcontractors’ injury claim. Here’s why. An employer may dispute a subcontractor's claim against WorkCover insurance but they cannot refuse it outright.

Does an injury Common Law claim risk my medical payments? Making a claim for a lump sum compensation for impairment or economic loss as a direct result of a serious injury should not affect payments for medical expenses.

What kinds of lump sum payments can I pursue if injured? WorkCover legislation entitles injured workers to claim lump sum compensation, but there are different types of lump sum payments available - a statutory entitlement for impairment, and compensation under a common law claim.

Are subcontractors covered by WorkCover? Subcontractors are often used by a primary contractor to complete work, but does a subcontractor have the same rights as a permanent employee under WorkCover legislation?

Injured? Why it’s critical to get legal advice. Even if your injury claim has been accepted without the help of a lawyer, you should still consult a lawyer to ensure you are protected in unforeseen circumstances such as if the injury is worse than initially diagnosed or aggravated in the future.

Why do we succeed where other injury lawyers fail? It is well understood that serious injuries typically attract large compensation payouts, but do you need to go to court, and what is the best way to win your case? Ross Inglis from personal injury law firm Ryan Carlisle Thomas explains what you need to know.

TAC and Road Accident Claims

What must be done to maximise TAC benefits after an accident? Very little attention is given to lesser or minor injuries, but when completing a TAC claim form, an injured person needs to include every injury that they've suffered, even if it's just a cut or a bruise.

Cyclists and TAC: Injuries from "dooring" incidents and taking evasive action Cyclists do not have the same cover under TAC legislation because they do not pay a TAC insurance levy as part of a registration fee, but if the accident involves another vehicle they are covered by TAC.

Why it’s important to list all your injuries on a TAC claim form Minor injuries suffered in a road accident are often neglected due to the effects of more significant injuries, but to ensure you maximise your entitlements under the law, it is vital that your doctor lists all injuries, no matter how small.

Do you have to go to Court to claim compensation for a road injury? Attending Court should only be necessary during a TAC claim if the TAC disputes your eligibility for compensation under the TAC scheme.

I ride for Uber Eats and Deliveroo. Can I claim TAC if injured on the road at work? The delivery services industry is growing, and as a result the number of claims for injuries suffered on the road while in a work capacity is increasing. Are these injuries covered under the WorkCover or TAC legislation?

Family and Relationship Law

Must I go to court for a property dispute? Taking a matter to Court is generally a last resort in property disputes, with more favourable outcomes usually coming as a result of mediation and mutual agreement between parties.

We run an inclusive family law practice, whatever your sexual orientation. Here’s how. The changing shape of families is reflected in the modern court process, whereby sexual orientation should not impact the way in which you are treated in family law matters by the court, or by your legal representative.

How we explain family law in plain English When we talk to our clients, part of our customer service policy is to explain legal terminology to our clients to ensure they understand every step of the legal process.

What to do if an Intervention Order is breached An Intervention Order is a civil matter, however, breaching an intervention order is a serious offence and becomes a criminal matter.

How do I obtain an Intervention Order? A lawyer can provide advice on obtaining an intervention order, but the actual application process is something that needs to be done by the applicant themselves.

How our family lawyers work with support services Working together with external specialist support services is a feature of Ryan Carlisle Thomas's approach to family law that has been designed to assist clients during an emotionally difficult time

Is violence in families always physical? Family violence is commonly associated with physical violence, but it can also take other forms including emotional abuse, verbal abuse and economic, or financial abuse. Fortunately, an experienced family lawyer can help, and there are also many support services available.

How do we deal with cultural barriers in family law? Family violence can take many forms and can be interpreted differently across cultural backgrounds, however, the law provides for many situations in family law.

Will my children have to appear in court in a family law dispute? A question we are often asked in separation proceedings is whether children will be required to attend court in order to give evidence in a family law matter.

Institutional Abuse Compensation

The Difficult Road To Recovery From Sexual Abuse (2:10) Wayne talks about the sexual abuse he suffered and about his road to recovery.

My institution hasn’t joined the National Redress Scheme. Can I still claim compensation? There are still options if a particular organisation has not joined the National Redress Scheme, but it is important to talk to the client to work out what their circumstances are and what they feel most comfortable with. The client can then make their own decision.

How will the National Redress Scheme ensure institutions are held accountable? It is important to understand the distinction between the Redress Scheme and other options where you would have a lawyer involved and negotiating and advocating on your behalf. The Redress Scheme doesn't have that option.

What you need to know before claiming under the National Redress Scheme It is important for survivors to understand what compensation may be available to them under the new National Redress Scheme, and how making a claim under the scheme differs to other options for compensation.

In a National Redress Scheme claim, who represents me and how do I make sure my voice will be heard? Decisions under the The National Redress Scheme are made by an independent Assessor who looks at cases and seeks a response from the institution, and then makes a decision. So there is no opportunity for a lawyer or any other advocate to present your side of the story.

Do I give up my rights under the National Redress Scheme? If a survivor is offered money by the National Redress Scheme, the only way they can get the money is by signing a legally binding deed of release and they give up other entitlements. However, not accepting the offer will allow a survivor to pursue other legal options.

How much compensation is available under the National Redress Scheme compared to litigation? When we consider how much a client is likely to get in the way of compensation, either through redress or through a mediated outcome, it is always dependent on the circumstances of the client and their experience of abuse and how it has affected them in their lives.

How did your interest in institutional abuse law come about? Practicing in the field of Institutional Abuse provides a lawyer with the opportunity to ensure survivors can tell their story, understand the compensation options available to them, and achieve a successful result that will help them in the recovery process.

What do you find most people are searching for when they come to see you? Some of our clients have never spoken to anyone about past abuse, while others have seen the police or counsellors but have just decided to seek legal assistance. All of our clients are seeking help so it is important to answer their questions in a plain and open manner.

Why are some people reluctant to approach someone that could help them? There is often a reluctance from institutional abuse survivors to approach a stranger with their story. Our approach is to try to make it easier for people to come forward, and to explain to them the compensation process in ways that they can understand.

What is distinctive about the way Ryan Carlisle Thomas approaches institutional abuse cases? Our approach is distinctive in that it takes into account the needs of our clients at all times, rather than forcing them into a cookie cutter legal process without considering their individual story and personal circumstances.

What can someone expect when they see a lawyer about institutional abuse? It is important that our clients feel at ease when they first come to see us, so the first meeting is an opportunity to listen and offer advice to clients about what they will need to make a claim.

What advice do you have for someone considering whether or not to seek legal advice? If an abuse survivor is wondering whether they should take the step of seeking legal advice, there is nothing to lose by asking questions. It is also important that they should be in control of their claim and be able to choose how much of their story they might want to reveal.

What types of clients come to see you about institutional abuse cases? Our clients come from all kinds of backgrounds and have many different thoughts about what is important to them when they seek compensation for abuse. It is important to use our experience to help them achieve the outcome that benefits them most.

Superannuation TPD Claims

Time limits for TPD injury and illness claims We are often asked whether there is a time limit to making a claim through Superannuation TPD insurance, and while it is best to claim sooner rather than later, in general, under most circumstances time limits do not apply to these types of claims.

What if my TPD insurance claim is rejected? Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance claims under Superannuation policies are often rejected in the first instance, but an experienced lawyer can assist in examining the policy to ensure the Super fund has applied their policy correctly.

What sets Ryan Carlisle Thomas apart as Superannuation TPD claim lawyers? We have a dedicated Superannuation TPD Insurance claims department to take advantage of the broad range of experience available across our firm, and yet remain small enough to offer committed and personalised service.

Client Outcomes

Tracy talks about her WorkCover claim for a shoulder injury (0:31) Tracy’s story is a common one. Her injury was acquired over a period of time until one day she was no longer able to continue to work her full time job. She came to RCT Law to help with her WorkCover claim and medical expenses. It’s been a difficult journey for Tracy, but with the right help and support she’s been able to get her life back on track.

Tracy talks about her WorkCover claim for a shoulder injury (1:59) Tracy’s story is a common one. Her injury was acquired over a period of time until one day she was no longer able to continue to work her full time job. She came to RCT Law to help with her WorkCover claim and medical expenses. It’s been a difficult journey for Tracy, but with the right help and support she’s been able to get her life back on track.

Kirra's claim for serious injury (1:37) Kirra talks about how she won her Temporary and Permanent Disability payment for a serious ankle injury.

John talks about his WorkCover claim for a serious stress injury (0:31) John was “back-doored” by his employer. He was blind-sided by the decision and left in a state of shock and severe mental stress. He turned to RCT Law for help with a WorkCover claim, which we negotiated for him, while helping him through the psychological trauma. According to John, he is now back “better than ever”.

John talks about his WorkCover claim for a serious stress injury (1:47) John was “back-doored” by his employer. He was blind-sided by the decision and left in a state of shock and severe mental stress. He turned to RCT Law for help with a WorkCover claim, which we negotiated for him, while helping him through the psychological trauma. According to John, he is now back “better than ever”.

The Difficult Road To Recovery From Sexual Abuse (2:10) Wayne talks about the sexual abuse he suffered and about his road to recovery.

Giulio talks about his WorkCover claim for a workplace injury (1:30) Giulio talks about how RCT Law helped him after his compensation claim was initially rejected by an independent assessor.

The Difficult Road To Recovery From Sexual Abuse (0:44) Wayne talks about the sexual abuse he suffered and about his road to recovery.

Noel's Superannuation insurance claim for a serious Illness (1:08) Noel talks about securing his Temporary and Permanent Disability payment for an incapacitating illness.

Eddie's Superannuation insurance claim for a serious injury (1:35) Eddie discusses his Temporary and Permanent Disability payment and his road to recovery from injury.

Kitty talks about her car accident (7:54) Here is Kitty's story. She is a mum who suffered a car accident leaving her having to cope with pain, medical expenses, and surveillance by the TAC. This is a revealing and emotional personal account of how a fight for car injury compensation can unfold, and how you should have the support of a good TAC car injury lawyer deal with the TAC.