Road Safety Tips for Motorcyclists from TAC Lawyers Who Know
Whether you’re enjoying a scenic ride in the sunshine or navigating through heavy traffic on your way to work, no one should be at risk
Legal Blog.
The Recent High Court Decision on Catholic Sexual Abuse
Yesterday, the High Court of Australia refused the Catholic Archdiocese of Melbourne’s request to appeal a decision allowing a parent to recover damages for sexual
Decision Made in GLJ -v- The Trustees of the Roman Catholic Church for the Diocese of Lismore
The High Court handed down its decision of GLJ -v- The Trustees of the Roman Catholic Church for the Diocese of Lismore on 1 November
Inquiry into Historical Child Sexual Abuse at Beaumaris Primary School Begins
The Victorian Government’s Inquiry Terms of Reference provides that it will cover child abuse by a “relevant employee” at Beaumaris Primary School during the 1960s
What is Whiplash, and What Are Your Rights of Compensation?
Whiplash is a painful neck and back injury caused by sudden jolts that frequently occur during motor vehicle accidents. The symptoms of a whiplash injury
St. Patrick’s College Ballarat 1972 – 1973 – A Call For Witnesses
Ryan Carlisle Thomas is working on behalf of a plaintiff in an institutional abuse civil proceeding in the Supreme Court of Victoria. He alleges he
Malka Leifer Decision Reached
On 3 April 2023 the former principal of the Adass Israel School, Malka Leifer, was found guilty of child sexual abuse and rape by a
Eligibility Requirements for Divorce Applications in Australia
The decision to divorce is never easy and it can be particularly hard to know where to start. There are a number of eligibility requirements
School Abuse
RCT Law can assist survivors with claims involving school abuse and has done so for many years. Sexual abuse by teachers, other members of school
Abuse in Religious Institutions
Our abuse law team can assist survivors with claims involving abuse in religious institutions or by people connected with those institutions, and has done so
Unveiling the Future: Mastering Digital Estate Planning
In this rapidly evolving digital age, where domain names, cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, thriving apps, vibrant social media profiles, and burgeoning online ventures have become the
Complexities of Challenging a Will: Understanding Validity and Fairness
In the realm of estate planning, the term “Challenging a Will” carries profound implications, sparking conversations on two distinct fronts: Assessing the Will’s Validity This
Changes To WorkCover Legislation Coming Into Effect January 2024
The Victorian Government has foreshadowed significant changes to WorkCover legislation, subject to the Bill being passed, which come into force January 2024.
Claiming For Gratuitous Or Unpaid Care In Personal Injury Claims
In addition to more well-known types of compensation in negligent personal injury claims, you may also be able to claim compensation for unpaid care assistance
Total Permanent Disability Insurance: An Explainer from Ryan Carlisle Thomas
Suffering an injury or illness that stops you from working in your regular job or any role you are educated for or have experience in
The WorkCover Compensation Independent Review Service (WCIRS): An Additional Dispute Resolution Option for Injured Workers
In 2020, WorkSafe Victoria established the Workers Compensation Independent Review Service (WCIRS) to review decisions of the WorkSafe Insurer that remained unresolved after Conciliation. The
5 tips on what to do when you suffer a personal injury
When you suffer an injury, the immediate focus will of course be on making sure you are ok. However, if your injury has been suffered
When is it too late to claim WorkCover?
If you have been injured at work but delayed making a WorkCover claim it may not be too late to do so. While it is
Greater rights for injured workers dealing with trauma
The High Court of Australia recently made a decision in the case of Kozarov v Victoria [2022] that we hope will make it easier for
Custody of pets upon separation
Pets are often the most cherished member of a family and are a primary companion for many people. A pet can be a welcome source
Compensation disparity for sexual abuse survivors at school highlights value of legal support
The ABC recently reported a story on former students and survivors of sexual abuse at Gippsland Grammar and their disappointment when they learnt of huge
I am attending Family Court – how can I best prepare?
Whether you are being assisted by a lawyer or you are self-represented, attending court can be quite daunting and unfamiliar. Here are a few pointers
My partner and I have separated, where do I go from here?
Separation is typically a challenging and emotional time, and the first thing you may ask yourself is ‘where do I go from here?’. For some
How to make a lump sum impairment claim under WorkCover
Many injured workers are unaware they may have a claim for a lump sum compensation payment for permanent impairment under WorkCover (the WIRC Act 2013).
Labour hire workers have legal rights
If injured, labour hire workers retain significant legal rights to workers compensation for injury, as well as employment protections. In this blog, I explain what
Ballarat Orphanage sex abuse uncovered
Another coverup of child sexual abuse has been discovered, this time involving the Ballarat Orphanage. The ABC Background Briefing program has revealed that the superintendent
Victorian law unfairly treats State child abuse survivors: we tell the A-G
RCT Law has written to the Victorian Attorney-General recently seeking reform of certain provisions of the Corrections Act 1986 (Vic) which we believe have the
What’s involved in making a Common Law injury claim?
In this blog, I explain what steps are involved should you wish to proceed with a Common Law claim for serious injury, in addition to
Tips on how to succeed in your compensation claim
Having practiced in workers compensation law for many decades, I’ve noticed that it is often small things, like keeping a medical diary, that can make
Employers urged to review workplace manslaughter laws
WorkSafe is ensuring the safety of workers by laying charges against employers who do not provide the required safety measures to prevent injuries and fatality
School abuse claims continue to rise
We continue to see an increase in reports of allegations of abuse in the context of schools – an environment where society expects and demands
Getting a WorkCover claim for Psychological or stress injury accepted
Getting WorkCover to accept a claim for a psychological injury can be challenging, even as psychological injury claims are spiking as a result of working
Long delays for Centrelink payments to injured workers
Injured workers who have had their Centrelink payments reinstated or who rely on payments while awaiting a Common Law settlement are having to wait long
Call for witnesses to abuse at schools – Burwood, Laverton, Benjeroop, Tyabb, Bannockburn
RCT Law is acting for for a client who alleges to have been abused by a teacher during the 1960s and 1970 in Victoria. We
Does retirement impact workers compensation?
As Injury lawyers, we are often asked questions about Workplace injury close to retirement age. The answers lie within the Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation
Worried about your job? It’s time to rethink that injury claim
Injured but scared of losing your job? You really should lodge a WorkCover claim quickly. Making the claim before losing your job means you get
A cancer diagnosis – how your super can help
We all hold a picture of what we believe the future may hold for us as we move through life and towards retirement and old
Can’t work because of injury? Try your Super policy
How to unlock the injury benefits in your Super: key points Millions paid out by Super schemes as income support Most Super plans come with
Camberwell Grammar School – where some students report learning fearr
Over the years, Camberwell Grammar School, also known as Camberwell Church of England Grammar School, has joined the ranks of prestigious schools to be rocked
WorkCover continues to pay superannuation to injured workers
It had long been a source of frustration among injured workers that, having suffered the pain of an often job-ending workplace injury, they then had
Manslaughter law changes a priority for staff returning to work
As Victorian businesses gear up for staff returning to the office, employers are encouraged to consider recent changes to workplace manslaughter laws. As recently as
Bayswater and Box Hill Boys’ Homes – where child abuse was rife
There is a dark history of abuse of vulnerable Victorian children in The Salvation Army. For many decades, The Salvation Army ran the Box Hill
Can mobile phone usage cause health issues that lead to workers compensation claims?
Increasingly, Australians are more inclined to use AirPods or headphones when talking on the phone through fear of the health risks of brain cancer, tumours
Can Retirement Affect Workers’ Compensation?
Inquiries often arise regarding workplace injuries near retirement age, and as injury lawyers, we address these concerns within the framework of the Workplace Injury Rehabilitation
Legal breakthrough in Child Migrant compensation
Lawyers in Victoria have worked out a legal means of winning compensation cases for former child migrants. Several cases involving former child migrants have now
Casuals do have WorkCover rights to injury compensation
If you’re a casual worker, you are covered by WorkCover for any accident or injury which occurs in the workplace. The fact that you are
Not all WorkCover lump sum payments are the same
Impairment versus Common Law claims If you are an injured worker lodging a compensation claim for a work-related injury, you need to understand that there
Common questions about returning to work after injury
Clients on WorkCover returning to work after injury often have questions about their on-going benefits or flare-ups of an injury. Here are some common questions
National memorial to child abuse victims
All Australians are being invited to have their say about designs for a National Memorial dedicated to victims of child sexual abuse. On 22 October
TPD insurance claims for psychological injuries
People often ask our lawyers if psychological injury is treated differently when it comes to claiming a superannuation, Total and Permanent Disablement (TPD) Insurance benefit.
Casual worker? How to calculate your WorkCover benefits
Key points It is illegal to stop a casual worker lodging a WorkCover injury claim Replacement income and medical benefits are available through WorkCover It’s
How do WorkCover top up payments work?
If you are injured and your WorkCover claim is accepted, you are generally entitled to receive weekly payments for a maximum of 130 weeks. In
$1.5M child abuse award encouraging for civil cases
A recent Victorian case in which a man has been awarded more than $1.5 million for school child sex abuse gives real hope to survivors
Stress related WorkCover claims surge in Victoria
Stress and associated psychological injuries are growing and are likely to spike due to the affects of the pandemic and employment restrictions. In this blog,
$1.5M child abuse award encouraging for civil cases
A recent Victorian case in which a man has been awarded more than $1.5 million for school child sex abuse gives real hope to survivors
Breakthrough payout against Child Migrant Scheme
There is finally good news for the post-war child migrants who attended the Northcote Farm School at Bacchus Marsh. A landmark Victorian settlement has recently
RCT again recommended by Doyles Guide
We are delighted to again be recognised in the prestigious 2020 edition of Doyle’s Guide to law firms. Doyle’s Guide is an independent organisation that
COVID related WorkCover claims for psychological injury
According to media reports, the Coronavirus has been responsible for a spike in WorkCover claims, especially among teachers and health workers. In this blog, I
New workplace sex abuse and harassment Redress Scheme set up for police
While a new Redress Scheme has been set up to compensate police for sexual abuse and harassment, it may not be your best option for
Israeli Court rules Malka Leifer be extradited to Australia
One step closer to justice for child sex abuse survivors In a positive move forward, an Israeli Court has ruled that former Melbourne school principal,
New mandatory reporting laws in Queensland
In a positive step forward for survivors of abuse in Queensland, the State Government has passed new laws which make it an offence for clergy
Abuse survivors wait while Jehovah’s Witnesses and others stall on National Redress
Hundreds of survivors who have applied for financial redress through the National Redress Scheme are having to wait months while the organisations against whom the
Defence Force abuse – Reparation payment deadline
This is a reminder for those who suffered abuse in the Australian Defence Force (‘Defence Force’) and wish to make an application for a reparation payment.
$420,000 student “hazing” payout puts Universities on notice
A former law student of the Australian National University was recently awarded damages of $420,000 by the ACT Supreme Court (‘John’s Case’) after having been
What happens to my debts after I die?
The question of how and when debts are repaid upon death can be complex to answer as it largely depends upon the deceased’s individual asset
Profile: The paedophile priests of Holy Family Primary
From the outside, Holy Family Primary School and Doveton Parish seemed to be your regular primary school and parish throughout the 1960s to late 1990s.
Your cooling off rights on a real estate Contract of Sale
You have signed a Contract for the purchase of residential real estate on the weekend, but your solicitor had not seen the Contract before you
The grubby history of abuse at Scouts Victoria
Scout leaders are among the worst perpetrators of abuse in the Australian sports and recreational sector. In this blog, we identify some of the worst scout
What to be aware of when buying property from relatives in regard to stamp duty
You have negotiated the purchase or transfer of a property to you from your parents, siblings or other relatives and you want to know how
Personal injury settlements and paybacks to Centrelink and Medicare
Paybacks to Centrelink and Medicare can have a big impact on how much of a lump sum settlement a claimant puts in the bank. Your
Ballarat Schools – sites of unspeakable horrors
Unfortunately, the Ballarat Diocese stands in a league of its own when it comes to the sexual and physical abuse horrors that took place within
Can I quit my job while on WorkCover?
A question that we often get asked is whether someone is able to resign their employment while they are getting WorkCover weekly payments or other
Can employer’s pay workers’ compensation without WorkCover?
I recently spoke with a new client who had sustained a shoulder injury at work. He was getting his medical and like expenses paid by
Parkville Youth Justice Centre – A disaster still standing
How and why is Parkville Youth Justice Centre still standing and will it continue to do so indefinitely? It has been widely reported that the
Feeling left out of a Will? Here’s what you need to know about legally challenging a Will
If you feel you have been unfairly left out of a Will and are thinking of a legal challenge, here’s what you need to know.
Abuse compensation claim settled for Sale man
RCT Law has recently settled a compensation claim for a man who was abused as a student and boarder at St. Patrick’s College in Sale
Aggravations of Pre-existing injuries and WorkCover
Are you entitled to receive WorkCover support if you have aggravated a pre-existing injury at work? The short answer is “yes”. This blog explains how best
52 weeks and WorkCover: 3 Questions
We have a lot of our WorkCover clients ask us questions regarding the “52 week period” whereby employers are generally obliged to provide suitable employment
What happens to your job while you’re on WorkCover?
The question of what happens to your job when you’re on WorkCover is a common one. It is complex as it involves not only WorkCover
Dark tales continue to emerge from Geelong Grammar
Geelong Grammar School, once renowned for its exceptional teaching staff and prestigious alumni, has in the past few years grappled with the less flattering association
Does an injured worker have to go to an independent medical examiner?
Workers receiving weekly payments are sometimes unaware that if they fail to attend an independent medical examiner (IME) appointment without reasonable excuse they risk having
Taking legal control of a loved one’s affairs
Guardianship and Administration Orders and VCAT Every adult person has the right to make decisions regarding their personal and financial affairs. But what happens when
Are same-sex couples treated differently if they split up?
I’m in a same-sex couple/non-conventional but long-term relationship. We have never married, although we were together for a number of years. We are now separated.
Redundancy: Will an ‘exit medical’ affect my WorkCover claim?
You might be facing redundancy and have been asked to sit an “exit medical” by your employer. Do you have to comply? And if you
Overseas marriages pose issues for family law courts here
A growing numbers of married migrants arriving in Australia is posing some thorny problems in family law courts where both parties are seeking divorce, but
8 considerations for determining the success of a TAC compensation claim
What personal factors impact TAC compensation claims? 1. Age As a general rule, the older you are, the less you’ll get. For example, in a
WorkCover and employment rights after 52 weeks of payments
A common question that clients receiving weekly payments of compensation for a WorkCover injury ask is “What happens to my employment after I have been
What is General Law land?
Do you have a stack of old looking documents, sometimes including large format parchments with ornate handwriting on it? Or have you been clearing out
Client obtains $299K in TAC claim
I thought it may be useful to provide a real-life case example to help give people an understanding of how a Transport Accident Commission (TAC)
Workplace bullying, and when does it create a right to Common Law damages against an employer?
What is workplace bullying? Workplace bullying takes many forms, and the law has for some time struggled to adopt a definition of what sorts of
Is a private investigator on your case?
Do you feel like you are being watched? If you are on WorkCover, it’s possible the insurer has put a private investigator on your tail.
Selling or buying Real Estate and GST
If you are looking at selling or buying real estate you should think about any GST implications of the proposed transaction. The following are a
WorkCover, TAC and Centrelink
Unfortunately for some of our clients, and injured people in general, by the time they receive a lump sum settlement in their claim, they have
What to do if you don’t lodge a WorkCover claim immediately
We often see workers who have sustained an injury at work but who did not lodge a WorkCover claim (‘a claim’) immediately. Often this is
What is an ‘Overarching Obligations Certificate’ and when will I need to sign one?
Since 1 January 2011 it has been a requirement in Victoria that any party to a civil proceeding – such as a WorkCover or TAC
WorkCover and employment rights after 52 weeks of payments
A common question that clients receiving weekly payments of compensation for a WorkCover injury ask is “What happens to my employment after I have been
Airbnb and rentals – what happens if someone gets injured?
Airbnb has exploded in popularity in Australia, where even a small country town can have nearly 100 listings. This has brought with it great benefits
Bringing a claim in negligence for abuse at school
Trinity Grammar has come under the spotlight recently, after allegations were made against four of its teachers of child sexual abuse occurring in the 1970s. We act
What you need to know before claiming under the National Redress Scheme
What you need to know before claiming under the National Redress Scheme Because of the limitations on payments within the Redress Scheme, most people who
Our usual Blog authors are lawyers employed by Ryan Carlisle Thomas and/or its associated entity, Stringer Clark.
From time to time, we may also publish blogs authored by other staff members or guest bloggers. Where this is the case, it will be made clear. Any advice applies to Victorian State law as at the date of first publication. The information is a general guide only and is not a substitute for legal advice applicable to a user’s own circumstances.
Residents of other Australian States or Territories or countries are advised to seek legal advice from a lawyer practising in their own area, as laws may vary from region to region.