Doyles Guide
Australia Leading Lawyer Public Liability Compensation (Plaintiff)
You may be entitled to receive a lump sum disability benefit under your superannuation policy regardless of where your injury occurred.
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.
Burke Mead Lawyers are personal injury lawyers operating across NSW, assisting clients in a range of personal injury compensation matters, including Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) claims. Whether you are eligible to make a TPD claim through your superannuation fund or an insurance company, our team can help.
Total and Permanent Disability insurance assists those facing long-term disability, helping them manage living expenses and medical costs. Navigating the claims process can be complicated — there can be a significant number of forms, medical appointments, medical and psychological professionals involved, and insurance companies to deal with.
The team is led by Emma Mead, Managing Director of Burke Mead Lawyers and an Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law. We are leading personal injury lawyers in Newcastle, the Hunter region, the Central Coast and the wider New South Wales region.

Several criteria must be met. It is essential to review the specific policy terms for any TPD benefit you may be eligible for, as criteria vary between insurers.
You must be unable to work in any occupation suited to your education, training or experience.
The disability must be considered permanent, with no likelihood of improvement.
You must have a valid TPD insurance policy — often included in superannuation funds.
Most policies require a waiting period before a claim can be lodged, and some have age limits.
You can make multiple claims, but it can be complicated — it is best to seek legal advice before doing so.
Mental health conditions are increasingly recognised as valid grounds and account for around 20% or more of claims.
If your injury came from an accident at work, on the road or a slip and fall, you may access TPD and also be eligible for a compensation claim.
Our knowledge and experience with court proceedings will guide you to the most beneficial resolution.
Having guidance throughout the process — whether making insurance fund or superannuation TPD claims, or multiple claims — will ensure the best possible outcome.
Time limits apply. Policy terms, waiting periods and age limits vary between insurers, so review your specific policy and seek advice early.
We identify the superannuation funds and insurance policies you hold, and obtain the specific policy terms.
We assess your circumstances against the policy’s eligibility criteria, including the definition of total and permanent disablement.
We coordinate the forms, medical appointments and reports from the medical and psychological professionals involved.
We manage all dealings with the insurance company on your behalf throughout the claim.
Where your claim could evolve into additional compensation claims, we run them alongside so the process is streamlined.
TPD can arise from various circumstances — physical injuries, mental health conditions, and chronic illnesses that prevent individuals from returning to their regular employment.
Various kinds of injuries could form the basis for a TPD insurance claim. TPD can arise from physical injuries, mental health conditions and chronic illnesses that prevent you returning to your regular employment. Common physical injuries include back and spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, loss of limbs, severe burns, and fractures and joint injuries. Chronic conditions that frequently result in claims include heart disease, multiple sclerosis, chronic pain conditions and autoimmune disorders.
The short answer is yes, but it can be complicated, so it is best to seek legal advice before making multiple TPD claims. Depending on the nature of the injury or illness, how it happened and where it occurred, you may also be able to make additional compensation claims alongside your TPD claim — such as workers compensation or a motor vehicle accident claim.
A successful TPD claim usually results in a lump sum payment. However, it can also result in regular payments, or a combination of a lump sum payment and instalments.
The TPD claim process can be challenging. There can be a significant number of forms, medical appointments, medical and psychological professionals involved, and insurance companies to deal with. Having guidance throughout the process will ensure the best possible outcome, and makes juggling multiple claims much more streamlined.
Seeking legal assistance in super and income protection insurance-related matters is the best course of action and can increase your chances of a successful claim. Burke Mead Lawyers offers specialist expertise, local knowledge, and a client-focused approach to every TPD and superannuation claim. Burke Mead Lawyers are among the top personal injury lawyers in NSW, 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. We are committed to clear communication, practical solutions, and supporting you through complex claims. Our track record of successful claims and maximum compensation for clients speaks for itself. Choosing Burke Mead means working with a personal injury lawyer in NSW who genuinely cares about your wellbeing and financial future.
Several criteria must be met: you must be unable to work in any occupation suited to your education, training or experience; the disability must be considered permanent with no likelihood of improvement; you must have a valid TPD insurance policy, often included in a superannuation fund; most policies require a waiting period before a claim can be lodged; and some policies have age limits. It is essential to review your specific policy terms, as criteria can vary between insurers.
Yes. Mental health conditions have become increasingly recognised as valid grounds for TPD claims and account for around 20% or more of claims. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a common claim, particularly among military personnel and those who have experienced traumatic events.
No. You may be entitled to receive a lump sum disability benefit under your superannuation policy regardless of where your injury occurred. This is what distinguishes a TPD claim from schemes that depend on the injury happening at work or on the road.
We understand finances can be complicated, and we can discuss all financial information with you during your initial consultation before you commit to anything.
We help injured people right across New South Wales. You do not need to travel to an office for us to run your claim.
Speak with our team today
No obligation to start. Offices in Newcastle, Maitland, the Central Coast, Sydney and Dubbo.