Personal injury & compensation

Personal injury claims in Melbourne

Mazzeo Lawyers provides practical, experienced advice to people pursuing personal injury and compensation claims in Victoria. We advise on institutional abuse claims, military compensation, TAC claims and WorkCover matters.

We help you understand your rights, the compensation that may be available and the steps involved in making a claim.

Personal injury claims can involve complex questions about compensation, evidence and the long-term impact of an injury. We help clients understand their rights, the options available and the steps involved in pursuing a claim.

An injury can affect far more than your health. It can change your ability to work, your financial security, your independence and your day-to-day life. Understanding those impacts is an important part of determining what compensation and support may be available.

Abuse & historical claims

Institutional abuse claims

Mazzeo Lawyers has longstanding experience representing survivors of institutional abuse, including claims involving schools, religious organisations, government institutions and other organisations. We understand the sensitivity of these matters and the importance of providing clear legal advice with discretion, respect and care.

People who have experienced abuse within an institution or organisation, including schools, religious organisations and government institutions, may have legal options available. The appropriate pathway depends on the circumstances and may include a civil claim for compensation, an application to the Victims of Crime Assistance Tribunal, or an application under the National Redress Scheme.

Institutional abuse claims can involve experiences from many years ago. Mazzeo Lawyers approaches these matters with confidentiality and respect, taking the time to understand your circumstances, explain the options available and address concerns you may have about privacy. There is no pressure to take any step before you are ready.

01

Who may be able to make a claim

People who experienced abuse while in the care of, or connected with, an institution or organisation may have options available, including where the abuse occurred many years ago.

02

Types of institution

Schools, religious organisations, sporting organisations, government institutions and other organisations responsible for the care of children.

03

What a claim may address

A claim may address pain and suffering, psychological injury, past and future treatment costs, loss of earnings and other financial impacts arising from the abuse.

04

How claims may be resolved

The appropriate pathway will depend on the circumstances and may include a civil claim, a redress or assistance scheme, negotiation or court proceedings.

Veterans & serving members

Military compensation claims

Current and former members of the Australian Defence Force, including permanent members, reservists, cadets and officers, may have a physical or mental health condition connected to their service.

Military compensation operates under a complex statutory framework, and the benefits available can depend on when you served, the nature of your service and when your condition arose. We provide advice on DVA and military compensation claims and guide clients through the claims process.

Depending on the circumstances and the applicable scheme, compensation and support may include medical treatment, income replacement, rehabilitation, pensions, permanent impairment compensation and support following the death of a member.

Medical treatment

Payment for medical treatment.

Income replacement

Support during periods of incapacity for work.

Rehabilitation

Programs to support recovery and return to work or daily life.

Tax-free pensions

Tax-free pension payments where available under the applicable scheme.

Permanent impairment

Lump sum or periodic compensation where applicable.

Compensation following death

Support that may be available following the death of a member.

Transport accident compensation

TAC claims

If you have been injured in a transport accident in Victoria, you may be entitled to benefits through the TAC. Claims can arise from accidents involving cars, motorcycles, public transport, cycling or pedestrians and may involve physical or psychological injuries.

Depending on your circumstances, compensation may include treatment and rehabilitation costs, income support, impairment benefits and, in some cases, common law compensation.

The benefits and compensation available depend on the circumstances of the accident and the nature and impact of the injury.

Injured at work

Workplace injury and WorkCover claims

If you have been injured at work in Victoria, you may be entitled to compensation through the WorkCover system. This can include physical injuries as well as psychological injuries arising from your employment.

Depending on your circumstances, WorkCover entitlements may include medical and treatment expenses, weekly payments if you are unable to work, and compensation for permanent impairment. In some circumstances, you may also be able to pursue a common law claim for damages.

Physical injuries

Workplace accidents, manual or repetitive work and other physical conditions may give rise to a WorkCover claim where the injury is connected with employment.

Psychological injuries

Work-related psychological injuries may also be covered, depending on the circumstances and how the condition arose.

Compensation and support

Depending on the claim, entitlements may include medical and rehabilitation expenses, income support, impairment benefits and, in some circumstances, common law compensation.

Legal support & representation

How Mazzeo Lawyers can assist

Personal injury matters can involve different compensation schemes, legal processes and time limits. We take the time to understand what has happened, the impact on you and the circumstances surrounding your claim.

We assess the legal and compensation options available, advise you on your rights and guide you through the claims process. This may include gathering medical and other evidence, preparing and managing your claim, dealing with insurers or relevant authorities, negotiating on your behalf and representing you where court proceedings are required.

We also advise on other personal injury and compensation matters, including claims arising from negligence and insurance entitlements. Where a matter involves more than one area of law, we consider those connections as part of the overall advice.

Personal injury

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I think I have a personal injury claim?

If you think you may have a personal injury claim, it is worth seeking legal advice early. Different claims have different eligibility requirements, processes and time limits. A lawyer can assess your circumstances, explain the options that may be available and advise you on the next steps, including any evidence or information that should be preserved.

Your enquiry is handled in strict confidence. We take the time to understand your circumstances, explain the pathways that may be available and discuss the next steps with you. Nothing proceeds without your agreement.

In some circumstances a court claim can be commenced under a pseudonym so that the claimant’s identity is not made public. Whether that is available depends on the claim and the court, and is something to raise early.

Drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, cyclists, pedestrians, public transport passengers and witnesses injured in a transport accident in Victoria may be eligible, for physical or psychological injury. Eligibility depends on the circumstances of the accident.

Depending on the circumstances, a Department of Veterans’ Affairs claim may cover medical treatment, tax-free pensions, income replacement, permanent impairment compensation, rehabilitation programs and compensation following the death of a member. Dependants may also be eligible in some cases.

Time limits and notification requirements apply to many personal injury claims and differ between schemes. Seeking advice early often provides more options. We can help identify which requirements appear relevant before referring the matter.

Contact Mazzeo Lawyers

Discuss your injury or abuse-related matter

If you would like to understand the options that may be available for an injury or abuse-related matter, we would be pleased to discuss your circumstances and, where appropriate, refer you to a practice that acts in that area. All enquiries are handled in strict confidence, and an initial conversation does not commit you to anything.

Mazzeo Lawyers is located at Level 8, 256 Queen Street, Melbourne VIC 3000.