Sharmane has worked exclusively in insurance litigation for almost 20 years, specialising in the defence, management and settlement of workers’ compensation and general liability claims.
Sharmane acts for and advises insurers, employers and self-insurers and regularly conducts conciliation conferences and arbitrations at WorkCover WA and manages claims in the Supreme Court of Western Australia and the District Court of Western Australia.
She has acted for large commercial clients and insurers, including but not limited to Allianz Australia Insurance Limited, ICWA, RAC Insurance, Zurich Insurance, QBE, IAG, Suncorp and Proclaim.
She works closely with her clients to ensure claims are managed proactively with a view to achieving early resolution and a reduction in claim spend. She has successfully pursued and defended a range of matters.
Sharmane has a particular interest in high value disputes and stress claims.
Sharmane has extensive experience managing psychological injury claims and achieving commercial resolutions. She is skilled in assessing complex claims, liaising with medical professions and negotiating settlements that balance legal and financial considerations in an empathetic manner.
- Acted as junior counsel in relation to a multimillion dollar claim relating to the contamination of a commercial site where liability and quantum were in dispute and issues of procedural fairness were dealt with in the Supreme Court of Western Australia.
- Providing advice in respect of claims as a consequence of a breach of the Occupiers’ Liability Act.
- Providing advice in respect of the application of principals’ indemnity extensions and contractual indemnity provisions.
- Providing advice in respect of psychological injuries as primary and/or secondary injuries under the Workers’ Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023.
- Acting as instructing solicitor in the District Court for a property damage claim where causation was the main issue.
- Attending and negotiating commercial resolutions at informal settlement conferences, conciliation, mediation and pre-trial conferences in the District Court, Supreme Court and at WorkCover WA.
Memberships
- Law Society of Western Australia
- Australian Insurance Law Association