In an instant, everything can change
Injury can strike anyone, anytime. The consequences can be short-term or catastrophic.
It could happen in the blink of an eye, or slowly over decades. Someone’s negligence, or simple misfortune, may have caused it. The damage might be physical, or psychological, and obvious or invisible.
If you’ve suffered an injury you may be entitled to compensation, but you should contact a specialist lawyer—and you should do it quickly. Compensation claims are subject to strict time limits, therefore you should not delay in contacting a specialist lawyer.
Personal injury law is complex and changes constantly. You’ll want to be in the hands of experts who can offer you practical, tailor-made solutions.
Turner Freeman understands that when you are hurt or ill you are at your most vulnerable—physically, emotionally and financially. We have decades of experience in helping people win the compensation they need to move on with their lives. Our team includes accredited specialists in personal injury law, who undergo continuous legal education. This ensures that clients receive not only the best, but also the most up-to-date advice.
You’ll find us approachable and highly skilled—and dedicated to winning the best possible outcome for you.
Personal injury claims: accidents will happen
Personal injury law covers compensation for people who have been hurt at work, on the road, in a public place, commercial premises, by misdiagnosis or in a hospital due to the negligence of professionals.
You may be entitled to compensation for injury, impairment or loss where it is caused by someone else’s actions, happens at work or on someone else’s property, or is a breach of someone else’s responsibilities to you. We can help you with claims over:
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- Workers compensation
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Skin cancer
- Asbestos disease
- Industrial deafness
- Medical negligence
- Catastrophic injury
- Victims of violent crime
- Public liability
- Accident damages
- Tobacco related diseases
- Superannuation and insurance policies
- Nervous shock
- Defective products
- Other personal injury or insurance claims
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Accidents at Work: helping you cope
If you are hurt at work you are entitled to claim compensation. It is irrelevant whether your injury is due to your employer’s negligence or not.
Workers’ compensation insurance covers not only your medical and rehabilitation expenses, but also compensation for injuries which involve permanent disability or economic loss.
Turner Freeman has experts in the complexities of the different legislation governing workers’ compensation. We have decades of experience in successfully representing our clients at the various courts, tribunals and commissions that resolve cases.
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Illness at Work: when work makes you sick
If you have developed an illness or disease because of your working conditions, you are entitled to claim compensation.
For instance, you may have developed skin cancer because of sun exposure during your working hours, or a dust disease or other lung complaint as a result of hazards in your working environment.
Because our dust disease and skin cancer teams are amongst the largest and most experienced in the country, we’ve been at the forefront in developing the law in these areas. We can help with claims for all kinds of industrial illnesses, diseases or other afflictions.
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Motor Vehicle Accidents: fair compensation
Winning damages for injuries sustained in a traffic accident is a complex process. You may be eligible if the driver or owner of a vehicle is at fault. You should report the accident to the police within 28 days of being injured and contact a specialist lawyer as soon as possible.
Turner Freeman has an outstanding record of successfully settling or litigating claims for motor vehicle accidents. We specialise in complicated or catastrophic cases that demand highly skilled representation.
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Medical Negligence: help when you need it most
Doctors, surgeons and other medical professionals have a duty of care to their patients. They may be negligent if they don’t meet this standard of practice.
The following may constitute professional negligence:
- Making a misdiagnosis
- Injuring you during treatment
- Treating you inappropriately
- Making an error
- during surgery which results in injury (including dental surgery)
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Labour & Birth Complications: a better start to life
If you or a family member suffer harm during pregnancy or birth, or receive substandard care due to the actions of a medical practitioner, you may be able to make a claim.
Compensation may be available if your child has suffered bone fractures, spinal cord damage, paralysis, infections, brain damage, defects caused by forceps, and cerebral palsy. We offer you practical advice on your rights and expert representation with claims.
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Public Liability: hazard warning
Businesses and organisations have a responsibility to ensure the safety of those who enter their premises. If you have been hurt in a public place or on the property of a businesses or organisation you may be entitled to compensation.
Turner Freeman has experts in dealing with all manner of public liability claims. And if court action is unavoidable, you’ll be in the skilled hands of our litigation team. Claims are contrained by strict time limits, so prompt action is essential.
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Insurance Disputes: stake your claim
Where injury is involved, disputes with insurance companies are all too common. Arguments can arise over a claim on an income protection policy, or over your superannuation entitlements.
You’ll want a lawyer who knows the insurance business backwards. We have a strong record of success in winning payouts for our clients—inside and outside the courtroom.
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Victims of crime: wrong place, wrong time
Your life can change instantly if you are the victim of an act of violence. Victims of violent crime can claim for compensation for injury, loss of wages and other expenses regardless of whether the perpetrator has been prosecuted.
If you have been the victim of a violent crime, immediate advice is vital. If evidence is not preserved, your legal rights to compensation may be lost.
Turner Freeman has experts who understand the devastating impact of violent crime on victims and their families. They will personally evaluate your claim against the perpetrators of crime and/or those who enabled, through their negligence, the crime to occur.
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Litigation: fair and just entitlements
When you’re struggling to cope with the consequences of injury or illness, the prospect of a court battle can be overwhelming. You need to be confident your litigator will assert your rights effectively, and support you through the process.
Turner Freeman lawyers have excelled in the courtroom for half a century. We’re here to help you deal with both the legal and practical issues, and will give you cost-effective results. To that end we’ll try to resolve your dispute before getting to court. But if compromise is impossible, our accomplished team of litigators will pursue the best possible outcome for you.
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Our Service: step-by-step
Some personal injury claims are settled quickly, but others take time. Turner Freeman can guide you through the process, helping you make any critical choices along the way. Our complete service covers:
- Giving initial advice
- Investigating personal injury claims
- Preparing documents for claims and court proceedings
- Helping to mediate and settle disputes
- Liaising with medical professionals, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and others
- Liaising with insurers and other solicitors
- Making legal submissions
- Obtaining witness statements
- Preparing and lodging appeals
- Appearing in court
Frequently asked questions
Q. How much compensation will I receive for my injury?
A. The sum depends on the nature of the accident, extent of injuries received, the amount of economic loss sustained and the length of time the injury is likely to affect you.
Q. Do I have to report the accident?
A. Yes. If it is a motor vehicle accident, report it quickly to the police and the insurer of the driver at fault. If it is a workplace accident, inform your employer immediately.
Q. In a motor vehicle accident, how can I prove to an insurance company the other driver was at fault?
A. Obtain the contact details of witnesses to the accident and ensure the police are informed.
Q. What if an injured person is killed in an accident or dies later?
A. In most circumstances, a claim can still be pursued by family members or other relatives.
Q. Can I get access to my child's personal injury settlement payments?
A. Usually no – the court orders money to be held by the Office of the Protective Commission, until your child turns 18, however exceptions can be made in certain situations.
Q. Do I have to commence court proceedings to claim for an injury?
A. If a claim can be resolved by means of negotiated resolution it will usually be finalised more quickly and with less expense.
Q. How long will it take to settle my case?
A. Every case is different. Factors that determine how quickly cases are settled include:
The seriousness of injuries
The complexity of the case
The degree to which it is clear another party was at fault
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Click here for Personal Injury case studies
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Understanding & excellent legal advice: we’re here to help
Turner Freeman has a reputation for excellence, founded on half a century’s worth of solid experience. But your unique needs are always our starting point.
We will treat your wishes with respect, and act on them with integrity.
Because we’re professionals, we take great pride in our expert knowledge of our field, and our ability to distil it into practical options for you.
You’ll find us easy to talk to, even on the most sensitive subjects. We work hard to cut through the jargon to give you clear, meaningful advice.
Because our team comes from diverse ethnic backgrounds, we are likely to be able to understand your cultural sensitivities, and perhaps even speak your language.
We back our team with the resources of a national firm. Our lawyers are dedicated to seeking the best possible result for you—rest assured you’ll receive the best support money can buy.
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Further Information
If you’d like more information on personal injury law, contact Turner Freeman or try the following organisations:
Australian Law Online Website
www.law.gov.au
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