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You are here » Home » Other Injuries (Public Liability Claims)

Other Injuries (Public Liability Claims)

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In order to be able to pursue a public liability personal injury claim, you must be able to show that an individual or another entity (eg company, council or government department) caused or significantly contributed to the accident that led to your injuries. A claim may be able to be brought in negligence, breach of contract or even for breach of the Australian Consumer Law.

Public liability claims can arise in many different ways, including:

  • Employees / workers injured on someone else’s worksite
  • Independent contractors / subcontractors injured on someone else’s worksite
  • Slip and fall accidents
  • Trip and fall accidents
  • Injuries sustained at someone else’s home or rental premises
  • Boating accidents
  • Jetski accidents
  • Watersports accidents
  • Injuries sustained on playgrounds
  • Injuries suffered in a public parks
  • Injuries suffered in a gym or leisure centre
  • Injuries sustained in residential or commercial buildings
  • Injuries sustained at school
  • Injuries caused by dogs, horses or other animals
  • Injuries sustained during sporting activities
  • Injuries sustained at recreational activity venues
  • Injuries sustained at amusement parks and venues
  • Injuries caused by defective equipment or faulty products
  • Airline and aviation accidents
  • Physical assaults and sexual assaults
  • Psychological injuries following the serious injury or death of someone else

Many of these accidents lead to very serious injuries including catastrophic spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, neck and back injuries, fractured limbs, soft tissue injuries, psychological injuries and sometimes even fatalities.  For family members whose relative died or was seriously injured as a result of an accident, the relative may also be able to bring claims for loss of dependency, loss of services and/or nervous shock (psychiatric injury).

When are you covered by public liability insurance?

Almost all home and contents policies contain public liability insurance. Most businesses, companies and associations will also take out insurance policies which contain public liability insurance. Schools, councils and government departments also have public liability cover. Most boat and jet ski insurance policies and travel insurance policies also contain public liability insurance.

If your injury arises as a result of someone else’s negligence, breach of contract or breach of the Australian Consumer Law, then you will be able to make a claim against that individual or company. They will then pass the claim on to their public liability insurer who covers them and pays any compensation or damages payable.

Even if you are injured whilst working as an employee, you may still be able to pursue a public liability claim if someone other than your employer (or a co-worker employed by the same company) caused the accident or injury.  You would still be entitled to receive your normal workers’ compensation statutory benefits (ie “compo”) but would also be able to pursue the public liability claim.

It is important to note that public liability insurance only covers those people who are injured as a result of the negligence of the insured person or entity.  If the accident was simply an unfortunate accident, which was unavoidable, then you will not be covered by any public liability insurance.  If the accident was your own fault, then your public liability insurance will not normally cover you, although you should check your policy in that regard (as it might pay limited benefits).

Public liability insurance policies also contain various exclusions. For example, members of the same household are not normally covered by the home and contents public liability insurance. So, if one member of your household injures another member of your household, the injured family member will not normally be covered by any public liability insurance, although you should check your policy in that regard (as it might pay limited benefits).  If, however, someone else comes on to your property and is injured as a result of your negligence, then they would be covered by your public liability insurance.  There is normally a small excess payable and the public liability insurer then assumes the conduct of the claim and pays out any compensation.

What is the process?

Public liability claims in Queensland are commenced by serving a Form 1 Part 1 Notice of Claim on the individual or company that caused or significantly contributed to the accident. That person or company is then called “the Respondent”.

The public liability injury claims process is as follows:

  • You are injured in an accident or as a result of the intentional act of someone else;
  • A Form 1 Part 1 Notice of Claim is served on the Respondent within one (1) month of you instructing a lawyer to act on your behalf or within nine (9) months of the accident, whichever is the earlier;
  • The Respondent pays their excess and engages their public liability insurer;
  • The Respondent’s public liability insurer (”the insurer”) sends a response, within one (1) month of receiving the claim form, pursuant to s.10 and s.12 of the Personal Injuries Proceedings Act 2022 (Qld) (“the Act”) confirming that their insured is the proper respondent and that the information contained within the claim form complies with the requirements of the Act (“their compliance response”);
  • You continue to receive treatment and rehabilitation until you reach maximum medical improvement, which can take twelve (12) months or more;
  • A Form 1 Part 2 Notice of Claim is served on the insurer within two (2) months of receiving their compliance response;
  • The insurer provides a liability notice (ie whether they admit liability for the accident or not) within six (6) months after providing their compliance response;
  • Once your injuries have reached maximum medical improvement (ie they are stable and stationary), which is often around the twelve (12) month mark, we then arrange medicolegal appointments to assess the nature and extent of any ongoing pain and restriction you have as a result of your injuries;
  • The insurer then arranges their own independent medicolegal appointments;
  • Once all medicolegal specialists’ reports have been received, which is usually around sixteen (16) months post-accident, we compile an offer of settlement on your behalf;
  • The parties then attend a compulsory settlement conference around eighteen (18) months post-accident (NB around 7 out of 10 matters resolve at this stage);
  • If the parties are unable to negotiate an informal settlement at the compulsory conference, they are required to exchange Mandatory Final Offers which remain open for fourteen (14) days and cannot be withdrawn;

If the claim fails to resolve at the compulsory conference and neither party accepts the other’s Mandatory Final Offer then:

  • Official court proceedings are commenced, which means that a Claim and Statement of Claim is filed in the appropriate Court registry;
  • Various Court documents are then exchanged between the parties, including a Statement of Loss and Damage, a Statement of Expert and Economic Evidence and Lists of Documents;
  • Negotiations can continue, or be re-instigated, at any time during this process;
  • If informal negotiations fail, then the parties will usually proceed to a mediation, which is similar to the compulsory conference but with the intervention and assistance of an experienced mediator. The mediation normally occurs at around 24 months post-accident (NB around 9 out 10 matters resolve at this stage);

If the claim fails to resolve at the mediation:

  • The parties start preparing for trial;
  • Negotiations can continue, or be re-instigated, at any time during this process; and
  • If informal negotiations fail entirely, then the matter proceeds to trial. (NB less than 2% of personal injury claims actually proceed to trial);

What compensation can you receive in public liability personal injury claims?

The following heads of damage can be claimed in a public liability claim:

  • pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life
  • past economic loss (lost income)
  • past special damages, also known as out of pocket expenses (eg treatment, rehabilitation, medication, transportation, aids, appliances, prosthesis, home modifications, transport modifications, education and training)
  • past paid services (eg mowing, gardening, housekeeping, cleaning, cooking, attendant care and support services, etc), provided these services were not already being provided prior to the accident
  • Past unpaid (voluntary) services provided by friends and family, if those services were provided for at least six (6) hours per week for a minimum of six (6) months and provided these services were not already being provided prior to the accident
  • interest on any past economic loss (lost income), expenses and/or paid services
  • future economic loss – likely loss of income or earning capacity
  • future likely special damages / out-of-pocket expenses
  • future likely paid services
  • future likely unpaid (voluntary) services to be provided by family and friends

What will you need to do during the claim?

The following heads of damage can be claimed in a public liability claim:

You will not need to change anything. You should live your life normally (or at least as best you can with the injury you have) and we will look after the claim side of things. 

Your involvement in the claims process will include the following:

  • We will ask you to attend an initial appointment with us to provide us with any information you have about the incident;
  • We will send the draft claim form to you and ask you to advise us of any changes that are needed;
  • We will arrange for you to sign the claim form;
  • We will arrange for you to attend one or more medicolegal appointments;
  • You will also need to attend one or more medicolegal appointments for the insurer;
  • We will ask you to provide us with an impact statement (outlining the impact that the accident has had upon you, particularly your work capacity);
  • We will ask you to provide us with copies of relevant payslips, tax documents, employment documents and receipts you have (for treatment, paid services, etc) as well as any other relevant documents;
  • We will need you to provide us with any other information required to put an offer of settlement together;
  • We will seek your approval in relation to any offers of settlement that we propose to make on your behalf;
  • We will seek your instructions in relation to any offers of settlement made by the insurer;
  • You will need to attend a compulsory settlement conference to answer any further questions we might have and to provide us with your instructions regarding any offers of settlement;
  • You will not be required to answer questions from the insurer or their legal representatives during the conference. 

(N.B. 7 out of 10 claims resolve at the compulsory conference)

If the claim fails to resolve at the compulsory conference and neither party accepts the other’s Mandatory Final Offer, then:

  • We will, some time later, ask you to attend a mediation to answer any further questions we might have and to provide us with your instructions regarding any offers of settlement.
  • You will not be required to answer questions from the other side during the mediation.

(N.B. 9 out of 10 of claims resolve by this stage)

If the claim does not settle at the mediation:

  • If further offers of settlement are made or received, then we will need to seek your instructions;
  • If the matter does not resolve informally, then it will be set down for trial and you will need to attend court and give evidence as a witness.

(NB less than 2% of personal injury claims proceed to trial)

So, what can East Coast Injury Lawyers do to help?

We provide free initial advice. We will consider all available information, undertake investigations where needed, and provide you with our opinion regarding your claim. This will include whether we believe you would succeed in a claim, what your options are with respect to the various insurance schemes, NIISQ and the NDIS and what you should do immediately to ensure that you receive the best treatment, care and support possible as quickly as possible.

If we consider that your personal injury claim is likely to have reasonable prospects of success, then we will agree to take your matter on, on a “no win no fee” basis. Click here for more information on how we charge.

Strict time limits apply to personal injury claims, so speak with one our expert personal injury lawyers today.

FAQs

When should I get a personal injury lawyer involved?

You should engage a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. This is so:

  • We can help prepare your claim form and serve it on the Respondent on your behalf
  • We can make sure you do not miss any important time limits
  • We can provide you with advice about your rights and obligations
  • We can make sure that what you are telling the doctors and the insurer is consistent – ie your story about what happened needs to remain the same, or conflicting versions need to be clarified as soon as possible, as credibility is critical in these claims.
  • We can make sure that you are telling the doctors and the Insurer the full story (eg disclosing previous injuries or claims), so that your credibility remains intact.
  • We can make sure that your claim form and medical certificates list all injuries you have sustained, no matter how insignificant – sometimes the doctors need some guidance in that regard.
  • We can make sure that all of your injuries are being fully investigated and treated.
  • We can start putting your offer of settlement together.
How to start a public liability personal injury claim?
  1. See your doctor and report all injuries, no matter how insignificant they seem.
  2. Obtain referrals for any further investigations or treatment that you need, like x-rays and scans, physiotherapy, counselling and specialist reviews and commence treatment as soon as possible.
  3. Contact us to make a time to meet with one of our expert injury lawyers. We will come to you, if you would prefer, at no additional cost.
  4. We will complete a Form 1 Part 1 Notice of Claim (“NOC”) with you.
  5. We will then serve the NOC on the person or entity (eg company) that caused the accident which led to your injuries (“the Respondent”).
  6. The Respondent will pass the claim on to their public liability Insurer who will then handle the claim on the Respondent’s behalf.
What time limits are involved with public liability injury claims?

Your Form 1 Part 1 Notice of Claim must be received by the person or entity (eg company) that caused the accident (“the Respondent”) within one (1) month from the date you instruct a lawyer to act on your behalf or within nine (9) months from the date of accident, whichever is the earlier.

A claim can still be lodged outside the nine (9) month timeframe, up to three (3) years post-accident, provided a reasonable excuse for delay is given.

Ultimately, you have to resolve your claim or commence court proceedings within three (3) years from the date of accident, failing which you lose all rights to receive compensation.

There are some very limited exceptions to the three (3) year rule. If you are outside that timeframe, we would recommend you seek legal advice urgently.

Who will I be suing and who pays?

Your claim will be against the individual or entity (eg company) that caused your injuries but their public liability insurer takes over the conduct of the claim on their behalf and pays any compensation.

What if the person that caused my injury was a friend or family member?

It does not matter if your injuries were caused by a family member or friend as the public liability insurer will be the one paying out any compensation. You friend or family member may have to pay a relatively small excess (if any) but that would be it.

The public liability insurer will, of course, want your family member or friend to provide a statement about what happened and, in the extremely unlikely event that the matter was to proceed to trial, they might be called upon to give evidence about what happened but that would be it.

There are, however, some exceptions to this rule. If your family member or friend was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, intended to harm you, was using something without the owner’s authority or without legal justification or was undertaking an illegal activity at the time, the public liability insurance policy may be voided, so that your friend or family member is not covered.  We would look into this for you before proceeding with any claim.

What injuries result in compensation being paid?

The types of injuries that you can claim for include the following:

  • Fatal injuries / Death claims
  • Catastrophic injuries
  • Head injuries and brain injuries, including closed head injuries, ttraumatic brain injuries (TBI) and acquired brain injuries (ABI)
  • Post-concussion syndrome
  • Spinal cord injuries, including tetraplegia (also known as quadriplegia) and paraplegia
  • Brachial plexus injuries
  • Amputation injuries
  • Neurological injuries
  • Thoracic outlet syndrome injuries
  • Complex regional pain syndrome injuries
  • Cauda equina injuries
  • Spinal injuries
  • Facial injuries including injuries to the jaw
  • Whiplash injuries
  • Neck injuries
  • Back injuries, including fractured vertebrae, soft tissue injuries and the like to the lower back or lumbar spine, as well as mid-back and thoracic spine
  • Bone fractures
  • Pelvic injuries and hip injuries
  • Joint dislocations, including ankles, knees, hips, shoulders, elbows, wrists and fingers
  • Shoulder injuries
  • Elbow injuries
  • Hand injuries, wrist injuries and finger injuries
  • Degloving injuries of fingers, arms, legs, etc.
  • Internal organ injuries
  • Abdominal injuries
  • Hernias, including inguinal hernias (groin) and umbilical hernias (belly button)
  • Groin injuries
  • Leg injuries and thigh injuries, including fractures
  • Knee injuries, including ACL tears, PCL tears, MCL tears, LCL tears, torn meniscus, fractures and dislocations
  • Foot injuries and ankle injuries
  • Toe injuries
  • Soft tissue injuries
  • Blindness
  • Burns
  • Cuts, lacerations and bruises
  • Chemical injuries
  • Scarring
  • Chronic pain disorder
  • Psychiatric and psychological injuries including depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, adjustment disorder, anxiety, traffic phobia and pain disorder
  • Nervous shock injuries
  • Aggravation of pre-existing injuries
  • Aggravation of pre-existing degeneration
Do public liability insurers fund treatment upfront?

No. Public liability insurers are not obliged to fund anything (including treatment or lost wages) as the claim goes, so you will need to pay for your treatment yourself and we will then claim the cost of that treatment in your offer of settlement.

Please keep evidence of any expenses incurred in the form of invoices and receipts.

What is my claim worth?

How much compensation or damages you will be entitled to receive is dependent on a lot of different factors, including:

  • What ongoing problems you have as a result of your injuries – obviously, we won’t know this until your injuries are stable and stationary and have been assessed by the medical experts
  • Your age, which impacts on how long you were going to work for and how long you will experience pain and suffering from your injuries
  • What the doctors say about your injuries, particularly the degree of impairment and the level of disability you have as a result of your work related injuries
  • Whether you have pre-existing degeneration, previous injuries or other conditions that were impacting on you, or are going to impact on you in the future
  • What restrictions and difficulties you have, particularly with respect to your work capacity
  • What your income and earning capacity was like pre-accident, compared to what your income and earning capacity is now like
  • What treatment, care and support needs you have
  • Whether you have needed voluntary (unpaid) care and assistance as a result of your injuries and, if so, the nature and extent of that support
  • Whether you have needed paid care and support because of your injuries and, if so, the nature and extent of that support
  • Whether you have a need for home or vehicle alterations and other aids or equipment
  • How much ongoing treatment, medication and care and support you need in the future

Public liability injury claims often settle for hundreds of thousands of dollars or more.

How much do lawyers charge to pursue a public liability injury claim?

It depends on how much legal work it takes to resolve your claim. Every matter is different. Our hourly rates are extremely competitive. For more information on how we charge, click here.

Do I have to pay the insurer’s costs if I lose?

This is extremely unlikely. You only have to pay some of the insurer’s costs if you proceed to trial and lose completely or if you receive a judgment for less than what the insurer has previously offered to pay you.

The number of personal injury claims that actually proceed to trial is less than 2 in 100, so the chances of you having to pay the insurer’s costs are very slim.  During the course of your claim, we will provide you with detailed advice on the quantum of your claim, so that you know what amount would be considered to be a good reasonable settlement amount.

Can I pursue a public liability claim and also have a workers’ compensation claim running at the same time?

Yes. If your injury was sustained during the course of your employment (but was caused by someone other than your employer or a co-worker), then you will be able to lodge a workers’ compensation claim with WorkCover Queensland (or your employer’s workers’ compensation self-insurer).

You can then also lodge a public liability injury claim against the person or company that caused your injury.

WorkCover Queensland (or the workers’ compensation self-insurer) will pay for all reasonable and necessary treatment and rehabilitation, as well as weekly benefits for any time off work, upfront.  The public liability claim will simply run alongside the WorkCover claim until the WorkCover claim ceases. The public liability claim will then proceed on its own.

The amount that WorkCover pays will need to be refunded to them once your public liability claim settles. We will claim what WorkCover pays to you from the public liability insurer in your offer of settlement and then refund that amount so that you do not lose out in any way.

Will I have to refund what WorkCover pays to me?

Yes. The public liability insurer will have to refund, out of your settlement monies, whatever WorkCover has paid to you.

The amount that WorkCover has already paid, however, is added to the other amounts that are claimed from the public liability insurer in your offer of settlement, so you do not lose anything.

Am I able to claim benefits from the National Injury Insurance Scheme (NIISQ) if I have a public liability injury claim?

No. The Queensland Government has not extended coverage under the National Injury Insurance Scheme to public liability injury claims. You have to have been injured at work or in an accident on the road to qualify for NIIS benefits.

You may, however, be entitled to make a claim under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). For more information about the NDIS, click here.

Am I able to claim benefits from the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) if I have a public liability injury claim?

Yes, provided you are between the ages of 7 and 65 when making the application to the NDIS.

The NDIS provides the following benefits:

  • daily personal activities needs
  • transport to enable participation in community, social, economic and daily life activities
  • workplace help to allow a participant to successfully get or keep employment in the open or supported labour market
  • therapeutic supports including behaviour support
  • help with household tasks to allow the participant to maintain their home and home environment
  • help to a participant by skilled personnel in aids or equipment assessment, setup and training
  • home modification design and construction
  • mobility equipment
  • vehicle modifications

The NDIS will NOT fund a support that is:

  • the responsibility of another government system or community service (eg something funded by NIISQ)
  • not related to a person’s disability
  • relates to day-to-day living costs that are not related to a participants support needs
  • is likely to cause harm to the participant or pose a risk to others
Will I have to refund what the NDIS pays me?

Yes. The public liability insurer will have to refund, out of your settlement monies, whatever WorkCover has paid to you.

The amount that WorkCover has already paid, however, is added to the other amounts that are claimed from the public liability insurer in your offer of settlement, so you do not lose anything.

You may also be precluded from claiming certain benefits from the NDIS for a period of time into the future (if a claim has been made for those costs from the public liability insurer).

Do I have to pay tax on any compensation I receive from the public liability insurer?

No. In personal injury claims in Queensland we only claim net losses (after tax), so the ATO does not impose tax on any settlement monies. If, however, you invest those funds and earn income then you may well have to pay tax on that income. You should seek advice from your accountant or financial advisor in that regard.

During your free initial consultation, we will:

  • Determine exactly what injuries you have suffered;
  • Work out precisely how the accident occurred;
  • Decide whether someone else caused or significantly contributed to your accident;
  • Decide whether your claim is likely to be economically viable;
  • Provide you with our advice on whether we believe you will win and whether your claim will be viable;
  • Discuss the public liability claims process and what will be required of you;
  • Discuss what costs will be involved and how we charge; and
  • Respond to any questions that you might have in relation to your claim.

*East Coast Injury Lawyers is led by Accredited Specialists in Personal Injury Law: Sean Delpopolo, Helen Ashton.

  • No Win, No Fee
  • No upfront payments
  • Free initial consultation
  • Home visits
  • Hospital visits
  • Videoconference meetings (via Zoom or Microsoft Teams) where preferred
  • After hours visits
  • 30% cap on professional fees (excl GST)
  • No uplift fees charged
  • No litigation lenders or interest charges on outlays / disbursements
  • Complete confidentiality
  • Immediate assessment of your claim

*Strict time limits apply when making a claim. Do not delay.

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East Coast Injury Lawyers is led by Accredited Specialists in Personal Injury Law.

*Sean Delpopolo, *Helen Ashton, *Prue Prescott.

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Legal Practitioner Director

Sean Delpopolo

Sean Delpopolo

Sean is a Queensland Law Society Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law.*

Sean specialises in serious and catastrophic injury claims (including traumatic brain injuries, acquired brain injuries and other head injuries, amputations, severe burns and spinal cord injuries resulting in tetraplegia, paraplegia and the like), National Injury Insurance Scheme (NIISQ) claims, construction accident claims, mining accident claims, workers’ compensation injury claims, work injury claims, workplace injury claims, motor vehicle accident injury claims, motorcycle accident injury claims, other road accident injury claims, brain and head injury claims, spinal injury claims, public liability injury claims, death and fatal injury claims, bullying and harassment claims, psychiatric and psychological injury claims and total and permanent disability claims.

He has been running personal injury claims in Queensland for over 25 years. Sean founded our firm in 2004 and the firm has grown and gone from strength to strength on the background of outstanding service, incredible results and charging really fair fees.

With an innate sense of fairness and justice, this motivates Sean and his team to do everything they can to ensure that the results they achieve for their clients are something that they can all be proud of. In Sean’s mind, the interests of the firm’s clients come first, before anything else, and this value has flowed on through to the entire team.

As a father of two daughters, Sean understands that his clients’ personal injury claims can make a huge difference to their lives and the lives of those around them. This is why he has made it his life’s work to fight for the “little guy” to obtain the compensation they deserve.

* To find out more about what it takes to become an Accredited Specialist click here.

Legal Practitioner Director

Helen Ashton

Helen Ashton

Helen is a Queensland Law Society Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law.*

As an Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law, having been awarded the highest achiever award for the course in 2015, Helen has a high level of knowledge and technical expertise. Admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland in 2001, she also has extensive experience in running all types of personal injury claims.

Helen specialises in serious and catastrophic injury claims (including traumatic brain injuries, acquired brain injuries and other head injuries, amputations, severe burns and spinal cord injuries resulting in tetraplegia, paraplegia and the like), National Injury Insurance Scheme (NIISQ) claims, workers’ compensation injury claims, work injury claims, workplace injury claims, motor vehicle accident, motorcycle accident injury claims, other road accident injury claims, medical negligence claims, construction accident claims, mining accident claims, public liability injury claims, death and fatal injury claims, bullying and harassment claims, psychiatric and psychological injury claims and total and permanent disability claims.

Helen has a friendly and approachable personality and strives to ensure that her clients are kept well informed and are provided with quality and practical legal advice.

As a mother of three young children, Helen understands the impact events can have on a family unit and works proactively to achieve the right result for her clients in the shortest possible timeframe. Helen has the ability and the experience to assist clients with a wide variety of claims, including any personal injury claims with a high level of complexity and those that have had catastrophic consequences.

* To find out more about what it takes to become an Accredited Specialist click here.

Legal Practitioner Director

Charlotte Evans

Charlotte has practised exclusively in personal injury compensation litigation for over 20 years.

Charlotte specialises in serious and catastrophic injury claims (including traumatic brain injuries, acquired brain injuries and other head injuries, amputations, severe burns and spinal cord injuries resulting in tetraplegia, paraplegia and the like), National Injury Insurance Scheme (NIISQ) claims, workers’ compensation injury claims, work injury claims, workplace injury claims, motor vehicle accident injury claims, motorcycle accident injury claims, other road accident injury claims, construction accident claims, mining accident claims, public liability injury claims, death and fatal injury claims, bullying and harassment claims, psychiatric and psychological injury claims, sexual abuse claims, sexual harassment claims and total and permanent disability claims.

She is committed to fighting for the rights of plaintiffs and helping her clients through the legal maze, to achieve outcomes that put people back in control of their lives. She has had experience in taking a number of personal injury cases to Trial and winning hard fought cases for her clients and she does not shy away from a challenge.

Charlotte has a friendly and approachable personality and strives to cut through the legal jargon to make the personal injury claim process understandable for her clients whilst ensuring that her clients are also kept well informed throughout their claim.

Out of the office Charlotte is a busy Mum, who now enjoys the privileges of living in beautiful Queensland and making the most of all it has to offer.

Special Counsel

Prue Prescott

Prue Prescott

Prue has been running personal injury claims for nearly 20 years. This has involved acting for injured claimants in most areas of personal injury law including serious and catastrophic injury claims (with injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, acquired brain injuries and other head injuries, amputations, severe burns and spinal cord injuries resulting in tetraplegia, paraplegia and the like), construction accident claims, mining accident claims, workers’ compensation injury claims, work injury claims, workplace injury claims, motor vehicle accident injury claims, motorcycle accident injury claims, other road accident injury claims, public liability injury claims, death and fatality claims, bullying and harassment claims, psychiatric injury claims and total and permanent disability claims.

Prue enjoys handling the more complex claims, such as traumatic brain injury, fatal injury and nervous shock claims, as well as claims involving complex legal principles. Prue seeks to use her Masters qualification in writing and literature to tell each and every client’s individual story, ensuring they are treated fairly by insurers and that they obtain the compensation they deserve.

In 2019, Prue was nominated by the Women Lawyers Association of Queensland Inc as an Inspirational Lawyer.

Outside of work, Prue is a busy mum of boys but also tries to find the time to read, write and explore nature.

Special Counsel
PRACTICE LEADER – NORTH LAKES

Craig Oliver

Knowing the law is one thing, being able to apply it to ensure the best possible outcome for your client is another. Craig excels at making the complex simple and making the law work for you.

He is an expert personal injuries lawyer with over 20 years’ experience and success. Craig trained and worked at some of the best plaintiff and insurance firms in the UK before coming to Australia in 2011 and continuing to practice exclusively in personal injury litigation.

Craig spent a decade in regional Queensland before working as a general manager in Brisbane for a large national firm creating client-focussed, high-performing and value-driven teams of expert personal injury lawyers. He knows how to win and deliver outcomes for his clients in all types of claims, including the most severe life changing injuries such as brain injury, spinal injury and amputations. Knowing how to help you and your family deal with issues and stressors that stem from these injuries is key to minimising their impact on you and your family. Being injured is never convenient and Craig’s solutions focused approach starts making a difference on the issues that matter to you from the beginning and not just asking you to wait for compensation at the end. Knowing a good lawyer who is prepared to listen and deliver solutions in line with your priorities can make all the difference to your experience. Craig is an expert in motor vehicle injury claims, workplace injury claims, public liability injury claims, product liability injury claims and has particular expertise in personal injury claims involving the mining industry. He has an unrivalled understanding of the law, backed by decades of successful outcomes for clients who were facing uncertain futures and long recoveries.

Craig is an expert, fearless and uncompromising in his pursuit of justice and in advocating for his clients. But what does this mean for you? It means exceptional client service. It means the best possible legal representation with legal advice you can understand and trust. It means confidence in the success of your claim. It means maximum compensation for the fairest fees. It means having someone who cares in your corner, making a difference, who is committed to providing you with solutions and hope for the future, irrespective of your injury.

Craig has been recommended by the prestigious Doyles Guide as a leading personal injury lawyer. He was also a finalist in the Queensland Law Society’s Regional Lawyer of the Year during his time in Mackay.

Passionate about giving back to his local communities, Craig has also volunteered his time with several organisations in Queensland, from Mackay through to Caboolture and Brisbane. Even in his leisure time, playing golf, he has raised money for local charities, particularly for the local hospital foundation supporting medical research projects.

Special Counsel

Frances Bertram

After beginning her legal career on the Redcliffe peninsula more than 25 years ago, Fran has truly come full circle, returning to serve the community where her professional journey first began.

Drawing on a wealth of experience in personal injury law, Fran represents clients with serious and catastrophic injuries (including brain injuries, amputations, spinal cord injuries resulting in tetraplegia, paraplegia and the like, hypoxic injuries resulting in cerebral palsy, stroke, severe cognitive impairment and the like, severe nerve damage, functional neurological injuries, cardiac injuries, severe disfigurement and death), in construction accident claims, mining accident claims, workplace injury claims, motor vehicle accident claims, public liability injury claims, death and fatality claims, bullying and harassment claims, psychiatric injury claims, total and permanent disability claims and product liability claims.

Fran has a special interest in medical negligence claims, inspired by her own personal experience as a parent to a child with special needs and following her time heading one of the largest medical law teams in a large national law firm. Fran has successfully advocated for clients and achieved significant outcomes in medical negligence claims involving:

  • catastrophic birth Injuries
  • birth trauma
  • failed medical treatment
  • delayed diagnosis, including of cancer
  • surgical failures
  • nervous shock as a result of medical negligence
  • dependency claims as a result of medical negligence

Fran has also previously worked as a defendant lawyer, which gives her a unique insight into how the other side operates and an upper hand when it comes to achieving the best outcome for her clients.

Fran is dedicated to her clients, combining empathy, thoroughness, efficiency and excellence in every aspect of her work. She approaches each claim with genuine understanding and insight, allowing her to connect with clients on a meaningful level and appreciate their individual needs and challenges. Fran’s compassion also ensures that every client feels truly heard, supported and informed throughout their legal journey.

Fran truly loves her work and takes great pride and satisfaction knowing that she can help to make someone’s life just that little bit easier.

Out of the office, Fran is mum of two adult children and two Frenchie’s (who her children will argue are the favourites!) and an advocate for people with disabilities.

Special Counsel

Beverley Evans

verley has combined her knowledge with compassion and empathy to help everyday people who are injured through no fault of their own.

Beverley practised law for 30 years in the UK, before moving to the warmer Queensland weather.  She obtained her Australian legal qualification and continued her legal advocacy for clients with matters involving:

  • Motor Vehicle Accident Law;
  • Worker’s Compensation Law.
  • Public Liability Law;

Known for her client-first approach, Beverley has received exceptional feedback from clients who appreciate her deep knowledge, guidance and compassionate understanding as they navigate the legal process.

Beverley continues to see it as a privilege to help injured people and work to secure life-changing compensation outcomes.

Beverley has two adult sons and two dogs whom she loves walking.  Her hobbies include reading and Pilates.

Senior Associate

Courtney Jenkins

Courtney is a solicitor who has worked exclusively in personal injury compensation law for nearly 20 years, both before and after being admitted as a solicitor.

She has experience across a wide range of claims, including workers’ compensation claims and motor vehicle accident claims (including motorcycle and other road accident injuries). 

This has involved acting for injured claimants in most areas of personal injury law including serious and catastrophic injury claims (with injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, acquired brain injuries and other head injuries, amputations, severe burns and spinal cord injuries), construction accident claims, mining accident claims, workers’ compensation injury claims, work injury claims, workplace injury claims, motor vehicle accident injury claims, motorcycle accident injury claims, other road accident injury claims, public liability injury claims, death and fatality claims, bullying and harassment claims and psychiatric injury claims.

Courtney enjoys handling complex claims, such as traumatic brain injury, fatal injury and nervous shock claims, as well as claims involving complex legal principles. She is particularly passionate about helping individuals who have experienced trauma to navigate the legal system and access the compensation and entitlements they deserve.

Known for her compassionate and client-focused approach, Courtney takes the time to truly understand her clients’ stories and the challenges they face. She is a pragmatic and skilled negotiator and she works hard to explain complex legal principles in a straightforward, accessible way. She is committed to minimising retraumatisation and ensuring her clients feel supported and empowered throughout their legal journey.

Courtney is motivated by a deep commitment to fairness and justice and she strives to achieve outcomes that help her clients regain control of their lives.

Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her children and extended family. She also loves cooking, sewing and gardening.

Associate

Danielle Beddoes

Danielle commenced her legal career as a personal injury lawyer in a large national law firm where she became familiar with the provisions of several statutory compensation schemes whilst acting on behalf of injured claimants across various areas of insurance litigation, including matters arising from motor vehicle accident injury claims, workers’ compensation injury claims, workplace accident injury claims and public liability injury claims. Danielle has developed a particular interest in e-scooter injury claims, bicycle injury claims, motorcycle accident injury claims and other road accident injury claims.

Danielle prides herself on achieving positive outcomes for her clients by understanding what is important to her clients and ensuring that her clients’ personal injury claims are brought to a resolution as cost-effectively and expeditiously as possible.

Outside of work, Danielle enjoys spending time with her family and friends and is an active member of a number of committees both within the Gold Coast legal industry and broader Gold Coast community.

Graduate Law Clerk

Taylor Delpopolo

Taylor graduated in December 2025 with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) degree from the Queensland University of Technology. Taylor is looking to undertake her practical legal training in 2026 and will become qualified to practice as a Solicitor in late 2026.

She has worked with East Coast Injury Lawyers during her university breaks since 2022 and is now working part-time with our firm permanently, assisting the lawyers in our firm with various types of personal injury claims, including work injury claims, workplace injury claims, motor vehicle accident injury claims, motorcycle accident injury claims, other road accident injury claims, brain and head injury claims, spinal injury claims, public liability injury claims, death and fatal injury claims, psychiatric and psychological injury claims and total and permanent disability claims.

Taylor is passionate about helping people and loves being able to apply all the knowledge that she has gained from her university studies as well as through her experience working with our firm to assist with ensuring that our clients achieve great outcomes from their personal injury claims.

When Taylor is not studying, completing assignments or working at our firm, she can be found at the gym, playing basketball or enjoying everything outdoors, especially the beach and boating.

Graduate Law Clerk / Technology and AI Innovation Specialist

Caolin Travers

Caolin graduated with a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and a Bachelor of Business (Marketing) with Distinction and is currently finalising his Practical Legal Training with the College of Law.

Caolin assists our firm’s expert compensation lawyers across a broad range of personal injury matters, including serious and catastrophic injury claims (including traumatic brain injuries, acquired brain injuries and other head injuries, amputations, severe burns and spinal cord injuries resulting in tetraplegia, paraplegia and the like), National Injury Insurance Scheme (NIISQ) claims, workers’ compensation injury claims, work injury claims, workplace injury claims, motor vehicle accident injury claims, motorcycle accident injury claims, other road accident injury claims, construction accident claims, mining accident claims, public liability injury claims, death and fatal injury claims, bullying and harassment claims, psychiatric and psychological injury claims and total and permanent disability claims. He has developed a particular interest in psychiatric and psychological injury claims

Outside of work, Caolin enjoys keeping active by training at the gym and getting out for a surf whenever he can.

Law Clerk

Grace Cavanagh

Grace is a third-year law student completing a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at Griffith University.

She joined the team in 2024 and works part-time with our firm, assisting both the legal and administrative teams across all areas of compensation law.

With a motivated and passionate approach, Grace is eager to apply her academic knowledge alongside her practical experience at the firm to help achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients. Outside of work, Grace enjoys socialising with friends, training at the gym, and making the most of the Gold Coast’s beautiful beaches.

Practice Manager

Denni Close

With over 15 years of experience in compensation law, Denni brings depth and insight to every client’s case she supports. Having worked for both plaintiffs and defendants, she has a well-rounded perspective and strategic edge when navigating complex claims.

Denni is known for her calm professionalism and unwavering commitment to client care. She builds genuine rapport with each client, guiding them through what can often feel like an overwhelming process with clarity, compassion, and confidence. Her meticulous attention to detail and proactive approach ensure matters progress smoothly, helping clients receive the compensation they deserve.

When she’s not at work, Denni’s world revolves around her young son, who keeps her on her toes and fills her days with laughter and energy.

Senior Paralegal

Aleisha Harrigan

Aleisha is a very highly regarded Senior Paralegal within our team. Having worked as a Paralegal in compensation law firms since 2018, Aleisha has a wealth of experience in assisting with various types of compensation claims.

Since joining East Coast Injury Lawyers, Aleisha has become an essential part of our team providing invaluable support to our solicitors, support team and clients alike. Her abilities extend beyond legal matters with Aleisha providing training to our Paralegals and Legal Assistants and streamlining processes and procedures, ensuring that the workflows operate smoothly and effectively.

Outside of work, Aleisha has a passion for reading and music. She can often be found immersed in a good book or a live concert. She values spending quality time with her family, friends and her beloved dog, Kevin.

Senior Paralegal

Kym Arrowsmith

Kym is a knowledgeable legal assistant with fifteen years of expertise in the field of personal injury law. She is passionate about supporting clients through the process and obtaining the best possible outcome for them. As a valued member of our team, Kym takes pride in her work and is committed to sharing her extensive experience and knowledge with our other team members.

When Kym is not busy with work, she loves spending time with her family and friends, and enjoys discovering new places, whether it be through the pages of a biography or on her push bike.

Senior Paralegal

Jessica Will

Jessica is a highly experienced Senior Paralegal with over 14 years of dedicated experience in personal injury law.

Throughout her career, Jessica has developed extensive knowledge of the legal processes involved in a broad range of personal injury matters including serious and catastrophic injury claims (including traumatic brain injuries, acquired brain injuries and other head injuries, amputations, severe burns and spinal cord injuries resulting in tetraplegia, paraplegia and the like), National Injury Insurance Scheme (NIISQ) claims, workers’ compensation injury claims, work injury claims, workplace injury claims, motor vehicle accident injury claims, motorcycle accident injury claims, other road accident injury claims, construction accident claims, mining accident claims, public liability injury claims, death and fatal injury claims, bullying and harassment claims, psychiatric and psychological injury claims, sexual abuse claims and total and permanent disability claims.

Jessica is committed to ensuring that every client feels heard, understood and supported throughout the claims process and that they are kept informed at all times along the way. Her friendly and approachable nature, together with her experience, allows her to provide reassurance and practical assistance at every stage of a client’s claim.

Jessica is committed to delivering the highest standard of care and service that clients have come to expect from East Coast Injury Lawyers.

Paralegal

Samantha Bolton

Sam has been working in the legal industry for several years and is passionate about achieving the best possible results for our client’s whilst ensuring they have the support that they need in the process.

When Sam is not at work, she enjoys making the most of the Gold Coast beaches with her family and her Dalmatian, Hondo, and will take any opportunity to enjoy live music.

Paralegal

Rolanda Thiesfield

Ro brings over 20 years of experience as a dedicated personal injury paralegal, working across WorkCover, public liability, CTP, and class action claims.

Having worked in both plaintiff and defendant firms, she has gained a comprehensive understanding of the claims process from multiple perspectives, enabling her to provide insightful and effective assistance.

Ro is genuinely passionate about supporting injured people, guiding them through every step of their claim with care.

Outside the office, she enjoys a swing at the driving range or on the golf course, spending quality time with family and friends, and taking her Italian Greyhound for walks and adventures.

Senior Legal Assistant

Claire Rezny

Claire is one of our hard working and devoted Legal Assistants. With over 25 years’ administrative experience, her attention to detail, willingness to help others, and calm demeanour makes her a real asset to our team.

Claire is well travelled and, during her time in the USA, Claire discovered a newfound love for reading, which led her to become a proofreader for several published novels. Claire also enjoys landscape and wildlife photography and spending time with her family and puppy.

Senior Legal Assistant

Brooke Gribble

Meet Brooke, one of our Legal Assistants. Brooke has over 3 years administration experience in personal injury law and is eager to provide high quality customer service to our clients.

Brooke finds joy in helping others and is extremely hard working making her a real asset to our team.

Out of the office you may find Brooke at a racetrack as she has a passion for fast cars. Brooke also likes spending her time enjoying outdoor activities such as swimming and hiking but will never pass up the opportunity to indulge in some retail therapy.

Legal Assistant

Brittany Costley

Brittany has over four years’ experience in the legal industry and is dedicated to achieving the best possible outcomes for her clients. Her friendly and approachable nature, combined with experience in Motor Vehicle Accident, Workplace Injury, and Medical Negligence matters, ensures she is always prepared to support and communicate clearly with her clients.

Outside of work, Brittany enjoys baking and trying new recipes, and spending quality time with her family. Originally from New Zealand, she values the opportunity to visit when she can.

Legal Assistant / Administration Assistant

Shayla Riley

Shayla joined our team in September 2023, coming from an extensive background in customer service.

Shayla is a law student who is very passionate about compensation claims. With her bubbly personality and can-do attitude this makes her the perfect person for her administration support role.

When Shayla is not in the office you can find her enjoying all things outdoors, getting lost in a good book or spending time with her two rescue dogs Bear and Ella.

Receptionist and Administrative Assistant

Chloe Williams

Chloe joined our team in November 2025 and brings a positive and welcoming presence to her role as Receptionist and Administrative Assistant.

With a background in customer service, she loves helping clients feel comfortable and supporting the legal team to ensure everything runs smoothly. She is passionate about assisting others and is eager to continue building her knowledge as she enters her second year of law at Griffith University.

Outside of the office, Chloe loves exploring the outdoors and spending time at the beach, she’s always up for discovering somewhere new.

Receptionist and Administrative Assistant

Lynda Ratcliffe

Lynda is the welcoming face at our Robina reception. She has a strong background in customer service and enjoys assisting clients with empathy and compassion. Lynda takes pride in keeping things organised and running smoothly.

Outside of work, you’ll find Lynda at the beach or relaxing with a good book.

Law Student

Tom Seton

Tom is a law student commencing his first year of a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) at QUT.

He has prior experience in customer service and is passionate about ensuring clients receive fair compensation. He looks forward to applying the knowledge gained from his university studies to a law firm as he progresses through his degree.

Outside of work, Tom enjoys playing and listening to music. He plays the bass guitar across a range of genres, including jazz, funk, and rock.

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