Personal injury lawyers pursue compensation for people hurt in car accidents, at work, in public places or through medical treatment that went wrong. Which scheme applies depends on how and where you were injured, and the schemes differ substantially between states.

Almost all of this work is done on a no win no fee basis, which means the barrier to getting advice is low. Getting advice early matters because these claims run on strict time limits.

The work they handle

Motor vehicle accident claims through the relevant state scheme
Workers compensation claims, and common law claims where available
Public liability — injuries in shops, on footpaths, at venues
Medical negligence claims
Total and permanent disability and income protection claims through superannuation
Disputes about the level of impairment assessed

When to call a personal injury lawyer

You have been injured and someone else may be responsible
Your workers compensation claim has been rejected or cut off
You have been offered a settlement and do not know if it is fair
An insurer is asking you to attend an examination
You have been injured and are unsure whether you have a claim at all

What it costs

No win no fee is standard, meaning professional fees are only payable if the claim succeeds. That is not the same as free — ask specifically about disbursements such as medical reports, whether you are liable for them if the claim fails, and how any uplift fee works. Costs agreements in this area are heavily regulated, and a good firm will walk you through it.

How to choose

Scheme experience is the thing

Motor accident, workers compensation and medical negligence are effectively different jobs with different rules. Ask how many claims like yours the firm ran last year.

Understand the fee structure fully

Ask what you would owe if you discontinued halfway, and what happens to disbursements. Get it in writing.

Do not wait

Time limits in this area are unforgiving, and evidence gets harder to gather as memories fade and scenes change.

Common questions

What does no win no fee actually mean?

The firm's professional fees are only payable if you win or settle. Disbursements — medical reports, court filing fees, expert opinions — are treated separately, and whether you carry those if the claim fails varies between firms. Ask directly.

How long do I have to make a claim?

Time limits vary by state and by the type of claim, and some require notice within a short period of the injury. Assume the clock is running and get advice early.

Will I have to go to court?

Most personal injury claims settle. Many resolve at a compulsory conference or mediation before proceedings are even needed.

Can I claim if I was partly at fault?

Often yes, though compensation may be reduced to reflect your share of responsibility. Being partly at fault is rarely a reason not to get advice.

This page is general information, not legal advice. Laws differ between states and every situation turns on its own facts — speak to a qualified Australian lawyer before acting. If you cannot afford one, Legal Aid operates in every state and territory.

Personal Injury Lawyers by suburb

By state and territory

Personal Injury Lawyers in New South Wales15 Personal Injury Lawyers in Victoria1 Personal Injury Lawyers in Queensland17 Personal Injury Lawyers in Western Australia2 Personal Injury Lawyers in South Australia Personal Injury Lawyers in Tasmania Personal Injury Lawyers in Australian Capital Territory1 Personal Injury Lawyers in Northern Territory