We review a recent and significant case in Victoria’s Supreme Court which ultimately determined that secondary victims are entitled to claim compensation for nervous shock related to child sexual abuse of their loved ones.
Losing a loved one is a traumatic time in a person’s life. In addition to the grief and loss, there are often financial and practical challenges to consider. If you lose a loved one in a motor vehicle accident, the TAC has several benefits that surviving partners, child dependents and guardians can access.
The starting point for any WorkCover claim is the Workers’ Injury Claim form. The claim form is a crucial part of the evidence surrounding your claim. To give your WorkCover claim every chance of success, it is important that the Workers’ Injury Claim Form is completed correctly.
If your WorkCover claim is rejected or you have another dispute regarding your claim, you can attend conciliation with the Workplace Injury Commission. If, after attending conciliation, your matter remains unresolved, you may be able to challenge the decision through the Victorian WorkCover Compensation Independent Review Service.
Case review: In April 2023, the Court of Appeal (Victoria) found the Catholic Church liable for the sexual abuse by a paedophile priest. This decision upholds the original ruling which found the church vicariously liable for the abuse.
Whether you need to report abuse to police to be eligible to claim compensation depends on the type of claim to be pursued. We explore the requirements of each type of abuse claim and when it is a requirement to report the abuse to police prior to claiming compensation.
A common question we hear is whether TAC compensation is available to drivers who were at fault in an accident. The short answer is that drivers who were at fault in a road accident can be entitled to TAC compensation for their injuries, however, there are some exceptions and some limitations on the compensation available.
We know from our experience, that many survivors struggle to identify all of the institutions where they were placed and, in some situations, the name of the offenders who abused them. It’s important for survivors to know that this not necessarily a barrier to claiming compensation.
If you’re injured while using public transport in Victoria, you may be eligible for TAC transport accident compensation and other benefits, depending on the circumstances of the accident.
A recent Sydney Morning Herald article, “Thousands left waiting for compensation after claims of COVID-19 vaccine injury”, exposed significant delays with Covid-19 Vaccine Claims Scheme processing, with a spokesperson for Services Australia indicating that several hundred claims are “waiting on further information from applicants”.
In Victoria, stores are required to take reasonable care for your safety when you’re on their premises. If they fail to do so and you’re injured, you may have options to pursue compensation for your injuries.
If you’re unable to work due to a workplace injury and your WorkCover claim is accepted, you will receive weekly payments of compensation. Weekly payments take the place of wages and are crucial to provide financial security to you and your family.