2025
Doyles Guide
Australia Leading Public Liability Compensation Lawyers (Plaintiff)
Workers Compensation Lawyers
BurkeMead Lawyers are expert workers compensation lawyers in Newcastle, supporting clients with a range of personal injury law services.
Get Started in 3 Simple Steps
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.
- Step 1
Book a Consultation
Tell us about your situation in confidence. Our team will listen carefully and provide an initial assessment.
- Step 2
Understand Your Options
We'll explain your rights, the process, and the possible outcomes, so you know exactly what to expect before moving forward.
- Step 3
Get Dedicated Representation
With a clear plan in place, we'll represent your best interests and work to achieve the outcome you deserve.
Awards and recognition
2025
Doyles Guide
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Doyles Guide
Leading Lawyer Work Injury Compensation (Plaintiff)
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Doyles Guide
Preeminent Lawyer Motor Vehicle Accident Compensation (Plaintiff)
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Doyles Guide
Preeminent Lawyer Public Liability Compensation (Plaintiff)
2024
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Three Best Rated
Top 3 Best Compensation Lawyers in Newcastle
2024
Doyles Guide
Third Tier Law Firm Public Liability (Plaintiff)
2024
Doyles Guide
Third Tier Law Firm Work Injury Compensation
2024
Doyles Guide
Leading Lawyer Work Injury Compensation
2024
Doyles Guide
Preeminent Lawyer Motor Vehicle Accident Compensation
Client reviews
Based on 70 reviews
- Kristy Weinert
I cannot recommend Jamie Burns highly enough based on my experiences with him. It's a rare gem to find someone like
- Michael Esler
I highly recommend Emma Mead and Jamie Burns for their dedication and assistance in my Work Cover claim. From the
- Mitchell Sneddon
Emma and the team at Burke Mead managed my workers compensation and subsequent civil liability matter.
- Lee Wallace
Beautiful office, friendly staff. I cleaned it after builders were finished — I can only imagine how beautiful it is with furniture.
Experts on Workers' Compensation NSW Law Operating Across the State
Burke Mead Lawyers is an experienced team of compensation lawyers operating in Newcastle and across NSW. They assist clients in a range of personal injury law matters, such as workers’ compensation for work-related injury and other personal injury claims.
Our legal services are delivered by a team of expert personal injury lawyers, whose experience of court proceedings and knowledge of workers’ compensation and personal injury claims will assist in guiding you to the most beneficial resolution.
Whether you are dealing with a straightforward claim or need support with more complex workers’ compensation coverage, our team can offer guidance and help manage workers’ compensation claims every step of the way.
Benefit from the Expertise of Workers' Compensation Lawyers
Legal representation in personal injury law matters is highly recommended, as personal injury compensation lawyers specialise in the mediation and negotiation skills required for personal injury disputes.
For some, workers’ compensation schemes can be straightforward to navigate, while for others, they can be challenging. There can be a significant amount of forms, medical appointments, and interactions with various professionals, including medical and psychological specialists, as well as the NSW workers’ compensation authority and insurance companies, to deal with throughout this complex process.
This legislation ensures that a worker suffering from an injury or illness has access to specialist workers’ compensation lawyers (all the lawyers at Burke Mead are qualified) who can provide advice and representation to assist them through every step of the process.
It also means injured workers are entitled to compensation, such as weekly compensation payments, reimbursement for medical or rehabilitation expenses, and potentially lump sum payments for permanent impairment or lost wages.
Burke Mead Lawyers, led by Director Emma Mead – Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law and Accredited Mediator – operates in Newcastle, Maitland, the Hunter region, and the Central Coast.
What is workers' compensation?
Workers’ Compensation is a form of insurance payment to employees if they are injured at work or become sick as a result of the work they do. The payment is designed to cover employees’ wages while they’re not fit for work, medical expenses, and rehabilitation.
Employers in each state or territory are required to take out workers’ compensation insurance to cover themselves and their employees. Each state and territory has its own workers’ compensation regulator and administrator who can assist or provide advice on your workers’ compensation case. In NSW, this regulator is SIRA (State Insurance Regulatory Authority).
How does workers' compensation work in Australia?
Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance payment designed to provide financial support if a person is injured at work or becomes sick due to work. The compensation in question can include payments to cover their wages and other expenses.
At the same time, the injured individual is unable to work, payments for medical expenses and rehabilitation costs are made, and lump sum payments are made where an injury is deemed permanent.
What types of injuries can potentially be claimed under workers' compensation in NSW?
Various kinds of injuries could form the basis for a workers’ compensation case in NSW if they occur as a result of work, such as:
- Back-related injuries, including spinal and slipped disc injuries
- Arm injuries, including hands and fingers
- Leg injuries, including foot or toe injuries
- Head, neck, or eye injuries
- Brain injuries
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Construction injuries
- Death dependency
- Cancer conditions
- Heart attacks
- Strokes
- Fractures
- Soft tissue injuries
- Chemical and asbestos exposure
- Industrial asthma and other lung conditions
- Industrial deafness
- Infectious conditions
- Psychological conditions
- Diseases caused by work
- Diseases or pre-existing conditions made worse by work
- Injuries suffered while receiving medical treatment for a separate work injury
What should I do if I have been injured at work?
If you have been injured at work and believe you may require legal representation to be appropriately compensated, you should contact Burke Mead Lawyers. To prepare for a consultation about your work-related personal injury, you will need to write down as much information about the injury, how it happened, etc., as you can.
Our Personal Injury Lawyers
Public Notary Specialist Accredited in Personal Injury Law
Common Questions
What are the most common causes of workers' compensation claims in Australia?
In Australia, the most common type of personal injury for serious claims was for physical injuries ( 87% in 2020–21 ). According to Safe Work Australia, this includes: traumatic joint/ligament and muscle/tendon injuries (40% of all serious claims) musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases (16%) wounds, lacerations, amputations and internal organ damage (15%). The remaining 13% of serious claims were for diseases, including mental health conditions, digestive system diseases, and nervous system and sense organ diseases.
What are the employer's obligations relating to workers' compensation?
According to SIRA (State Insurance Regulatory Authority), under workers’ compensation legislation in NSW, every employer is required to: Have workers’ compensation insurance Display the If you get injured at work poster Have a documented return-to-work program describing the steps you will take if a worker is injured
Who pays the compensation for my work injury or disease?
As workers’ compensation is a type of insurance and a requirement for all NSW employers, any payout following a successful compensation claim will be paid by your employer’s insurance company. The purpose of insurance companies is to provide cover for specific circumstances. In the case of workers’ compensation, it provides peace of mind for businesses in the event employees suffer work-related injuries or diseases. The role of Burke Mead’s personal injury lawyers is to assist claimants in making a successful claim to receive the full amount of compensation they’re entitled to.
How much do workers' compensation Lawyers Cost?
In NSW, there are no “out-of-pocket” costs if you are eligible to make a statutory workers’ compensation claim. The Independent Review Office (IRO) provides funding upon successful application, which covers most costs. We understand finances can be a complicated matter, and we can discuss all financial information during the initial obligation-free consultation.
Is workers' compensation mandatory in Australia?
All employers, in every state and territory of Australia, are required to provide workers’ compensation, which is a compulsory statutory form of insurance. It protects workers in the event of a work-related injury or disease. In NSW, benefits available to injured employees under workers’ compensation are determined by the Workers’ Compensation Act 1987 and the Workplace Injury Management and Workers’ Compensation Act NSW 1998 . These pieces of NSW legislation also stipulate the rights and responsibilities of both the injured worker and the employer to ensure the injured worker receives their benefits and assistance to recover and return safely to work.
How much workers' compensation can be claimed?
The amount you could potentially receive from a claim is dependent on a variety of factors and your personal injury circumstances. Where in Australia your injury happened can affect the claim, as each state and territory has its own scheme and regulatory authority that oversees it. The date of your injury can also impact your claim. As your personal injury lawyers, we need as much information as possible to put evidence for your case together to support your claim. At this point, we should be able to provide realistic expectations for your claim and advice on how to proceed.
Are there time limits to make a workers' compensation claim in NSW?
In short, yes. There are strict time limits associated with making a workers’ compensation claim, which is why we recommend that you find the right legal advice from experienced professionals as soon as possible. The claim must be made within six months of a worker’s injury or accident occurring or of the claimant becoming aware of the injury. This time limit may be extended in certain circumstances.
Compensation Lawyers Near You
We help injured people right across New South Wales. Find your nearest Burke Mead office.