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Legal Compass
What happens if I lose a No Win No Fee case?
In most personal injury cases, if your case is not successful (is withdrawn or investigation of a potential claim is stopped), there should be no costs for you to pay under a No Win No Fee agreement.
Proposed changes to laws protecting cyclists are a good start – but there is more to be done
The RACV has proposed changes to laws to protect cyclists. The proposed changes would require motorists to keep at least 1 metre between them and cyclists on roads under 60kph and 1.5 metres for roads over 60kph.
Do I have to pay tax on compensation for personal injury?
In Victoria, you are generally not required to pay tax from lump sum compensation you receive from a personal injury claim. However, compensation payouts can still have important tax implications which you should be aware of.
Personal injury claims after an assault – who is entitled to pain and suffering compensation?
While the law in Victoria regarding personal injury claims for pain and suffering compensation is generally well established, a recent court decision may open the door for victims of assault and other intentional acts.
Your TAC claim and Centrelink entitlements – 5 things you need to know
It is important for anyone injured in a motor vehicle accident in Victoria, to understand how their TAC claim can affect current or future Centrelink entitlements.
TAC claims – contributory negligence explained
The Transport Accident Act allows the TAC to reduce some “no-fault” benefits (like wage support, medical expenses and permanent impairment lump sum payments) for drivers who are drug or alcohol affected at the time of a road accident, in limited circumstances.
Drug driving laws need to be scaled back until the evidence is in
Polaris Principal, Nick Mann believes that states implementing strict drug driving laws are putting headline-grabbing “zero tolerance” before a genuine concern for road safety.
50 ways to leave your lawyer: your rights and responsibilities for ending a ‘No Win No Fee’ agreement
A lawyer’s relationship with their client is built on trust and confidence. But if the relationship has broken down and you’re considering changing lawyers, there are some things to consider first.
How does TAC compensation work for children injured in a car accident?
In the unfortunate event that a child is injured in a road accident, they are covered by the TAC scheme and entitled to compensation.
WorkCover claims and lump sum compensation
If you’ve suffered an injury at work and lodged a WorkCover claim, you may also be entitled to a lump sum compensation payment even if no one was at fault for your injury. This is referred to as a permanent impairment claim.
Can I sue my chiropractor for negligence?
There are a number of ways that chiropractic treatment can lead to loss or injury. Neck manipulation is particularly dangerous and can lead to a number of catastrophic consequences. If you suffer an injury as a result of chiropractic treatment, you may be entitled to compensation.
WorkCover claims when it’s not clear if you were ‘working’ at the time of injury
Today’s working arrangements see people working different hours to the traditional 9 to 5 together with a significant rise in ‘remote work’ opportunities. We need to look at the impact of these modern-day practices, on rights and entitlement to workers compensation.
Has TAC rejected your claim, stopped your benefits or reduced your benefits?
While the TAC does a lot to support people who have been injured in motor vehicle accidents, just like any other insurer the TAC makes decisions with one eye on saving money, and sometimes this means that people who need treatment and support are missing out.
Is it time for Victorian cyclists to be registered and pay for TAC insurance?
There has long been debate between road users about whether cyclists should be registering their vehicles (that is, their bikes) if they are using our public roads. Simply registering a bike because it uses the road and therefore should contribute to the upkeep of that road (even though they have little impact on road deterioration), misses a vital point.
Does work/life balance really exist? It’s often more like work/life imbalance
Before I had my children, my idea of motherhood was misguided to say the least. I was working full time as a solicitor for a large personal injury law firm. I was working long hours and my weekdays were occupied by not much other than work. I loved my work, but my weekends would whiz by all too quickly and...
Can I claim compensation for a slip and fall in a public place?
While the recent furore about Bunnings ordering that the onion go below the sausage highlighted the issue of potential slips and falls in stores and other public places, in reality there are hazards in stores that are more dangerous to customers than the humble sausage in bread. But if I’m injured from a slip or fall, can I sue?
Are cyclists covered by the TAC scheme
In Victoria, if you’re injured in a road accident, you can lodge a TAC claim. This includes cyclists injured “due to a motor vehicle”. If you collide with a motor vehicle or a motor vehicle causes you to have an accident on your bike, you may be entitled to a claim.
Ambulance Cover and the TAC
When someone is involved in a motor vehicle accident, it can have a huge impact on their health, finances and security. One of the most common questions we get is ‘Who will pay for the ambulance after a car accident?’, as the cost can be a significant financial impact for many people.
What Does Innovation Mean for Polaris Clients?
In 2017 Nick Mann started Polaris to reframe the way that personal injury advocacy was offered in Victoria, with a vision to:“create the most customer-centric personal injury firm in Australia, with empathetic experts engaging and efficiently guiding injured Victorians through the legal process to great outcomes.”
Independent contractors and WorkCover claims
If you’re injured outside the traditional employee/employer work arrangement, how do you know if you have an entitlement to claim WorkCover? There are 2 main questions to ask.