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Australia Leading Public Liability Compensation Lawyers (Plaintiff)
Expert CTP lawyers in NSW helping you claim maximum compensation after a motor vehicle accident. Contact the Burke Mead team today.
Taking the first step toward legal support doesn't have to be complicated. Follow our simple process and let us guide you every step of the way.
Tell us about your situation in confidence. Our team will listen carefully and provide an initial assessment.
We'll explain your rights, the process, and the possible outcomes, so you know exactly what to expect before moving forward.
With a clear plan in place, we'll represent your best interests and work to achieve the outcome you deserve.
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I cannot recommend Jamie Burns highly enough based on my experiences with him. It's a rare gem to find someone like
I highly recommend Emma Mead and Jamie Burns for their dedication and assistance in my Work Cover claim. From the
Emma and the team at Burke Mead managed my workers compensation and subsequent civil liability matter.
Beautiful office, friendly staff. I cleaned it after builders were finished — I can only imagine how beautiful it is with furniture.
If you’ve been involved in a motor vehicle accident in New South Wales, navigating the CTP claim process can feel overwhelming. Our experienced CTP lawyers at Burke Mead Lawyers specialise in helping clients secure maximum compensation for injuries and losses.
Whether you were a driver, passenger, motorcyclist, cyclist, or pedestrian injured in a road accident, our personal injury lawyers have the knowledge and experience to help you secure the best possible outcome for your CTP compensation claim.
You may be eligible to make a CTP claim if you were injured in a motor vehicle accident in NSW, whether as a driver, passenger, pedestrian, or cyclist. Special provisions exist for children, vulnerable road users, and those involved in accidents with unidentified or uninsured vehicles (through the Nominal Defendant).
Navigating the CTP insurance scheme and dealing with insurance companies after a devastating car accident can be complex and stressful. That’s why working with expert CTP lawyers who specialise in personal injury law makes such a difference.
With decades of combined experience, our team provides personalised support and clear guidance every step of the way. Led by Emma Mead, the Managing Director of Burke Mead Lawyers and an Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law, our team operates across Newcastle, the Hunter region, the Central Coast, Sydney and regional NSW.
Compulsory third-party (CTP) insurance, commonly known as a Green Slip, is mandatory insurance that all vehicle owners in New South Wales must have. CTP insurance provides coverage for personal injury claims when someone is injured or killed in a motor vehicle accident.
The NSW CTP scheme is regulated by the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) and operates under the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017. The licensed CTP insurers in NSW are NRMA Insurance, QBE, GIO, Allianz, AAMI, and YOUI.
If you’ve been injured in a motor accident, you can make a CTP claim to receive compensation for your injuries sustained, regardless of who was at fault. However, the type and amount of compensation you receive depend on factors including fault and the severity of your injuries.
The NSW CTP scheme provides two main types of compensation: statutory benefits and common law damages (lump sum payments).
Statutory benefits are available to anyone injured in a motor vehicle accident in NSW, regardless of fault. These personal injury benefits include:
The duration of statutory benefits depends on your circumstances:
If you have non-threshold injuries and another driver was at fault for the accident, you may be entitled to claim compensation through common law damages. This can include:
A lump sum payment provides crucial financial support for those with serious injuries, covering future economic loss, ongoing care needs, and compensation for the impact the accident has had on their lives.
Understanding the CTP claim process helps you know what to expect and ensures you meet important deadlines. Our CTP lawyers guide you through each stage:
After the accident happened, report the incident to NSW Police and obtain an event number. Gather as much information as possible, including details of all vehicles involved, contact information for witnesses, and photographs of the accident scene if safe to do so.
Visit your doctor or hospital as soon as possible after the car accident. Proper medical evidence documenting your injuries is essential for your CTP claim. Your treating doctor will provide a Certificate of Fitness, which is required when lodging your claim.
To make a CTP claim, you need to lodge your claim with the CTP insurer of the at fault driver’s vehicle. If you don’t know the insurer, SIRA’s CTP Connect tool can help identify the relevant insurance company, or you can contact CTP Assist on 1300 656 919.
Complete the accident claim form (Application for Personal Injury Benefits) and submit it to the CTP insurer. This is a critical step with strict time limits.
The CTP insurer has four weeks to accept or deny your claim and must make a liability decision within three months. This decision determines fault and whether your injuries are classified as threshold or non-threshold injuries.
If your claim is accepted, you’ll start receiving statutory benefits within 14 days. If you’re eligible for a lump sum payment, our compensation lawyers will negotiate with the insurer to secure maximum compensation for your injury claims.
Public Notary Specialist Accredited in Personal Injury Law
Yes. Under the NSW CTP scheme, you can receive statutory benefits even if you were at fault for the accident. However, if you were wholly or mostly at fault, your benefits are limited to 52 weeks. To claim common law damages for a lump sum payment, you must not have been mostly at fault for the motor vehicle accident.
The amount of CTP compensation you can receive depends on many factors, including the severity of your injuries sustained, your age, your pre-accident income, time off work, and how the accident affects your future earning capacity. For serious injuries, lump sum compensation payments can be substantial. According to SIRA data, approximately $1.5 billion was paid out in benefits and lump sums in the 12 months to October 2024, with an average payout of approximately $125,000 per claim.
If the CTP insurer denies your claim or makes a decision you disagree with (such as classifying your injuries as threshold injuries), you have the right to challenge that decision. You can request an internal review within 28 days of receiving the decision. If you’re still not satisfied after the internal review, you can apply to the Personal Injury Commission for an independent assessment. Our accident lawyers have extensive experience challenging insurer decisions and can help you navigate the dispute process.
The overall legal fees for services (paid after the case from the compensation awarded) will depend on the amount of work required to resolve your claim. We’ll explain more about how this funding works during your initial obligation-free consultation.
Threshold injuries (previously called minor injuries) are soft tissue injuries and psychological injuries that are not recognised as psychiatric illnesses. Examples include muscle strains, sprains, and whiplash without structural damage. If your injuries are classified as threshold injuries, you’re limited to 52 weeks of statutory benefits and cannot claim a lump sum payment. However, if your condition worsens or becomes more serious, this classification can be reviewed.
If your motor vehicle accident occurred while you were working (for example, driving for work or commuting in certain circumstances), you may be entitled to make both a workers’ compensation claim and a CTP claim. However, the interaction between these schemes is complex, and you may need to elect which scheme to pursue for certain benefits. Our personal injury lawyers can advise you on the best approach for your circumstances.
If you were injured by an uninsured vehicle or the at-fault driver cannot be identified (such as in a hit and run accident), you can still make a CTP claim through the Nominal Defendant Fund, which is managed by SIRA. Our hit and run accident lawyers can assist you with these complex claims.
We help injured people right across New South Wales. Find your nearest Burke Mead office.
Speak with our team today
No obligation to start. Offices in Newcastle, Maitland, the Central Coast, Sydney and Dubbo.