Joe has six years prior experience working as legal representatives for plaintiffs, specialising in Western Australian workers’ compensation, seafarers’ and commonwealth (Comcare) compensation. With a key understanding of how matters are run from a plaintiff’s perspective, Joe is well placed to provide sound strategic assessments to ensure that claims are managed effectively.
Joe has a particular interest in psychological injury claims, having previously volunteered with the Ruah Legal Services - Mental Health Law Centre. He is keenly aware of the often taxing interweaving of factual and medical evidence that are characteristic of complex psychological injury claims, particularly when liability is disputed for those claims.
Throughout his experience Joe is able to identify the nuances, differences, and similarities between the Comcare and Seacare schemes.
Joe regularly appears before WorkCover WA, the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, and has experience in litigation relating personal injuries within jurisdiction of the District Court of Western Australia.
Experience
- Six years of experience working for a plaintiff law firm, practicing exclusively within the bounds of personal injury, be it Western Australia, Comcare, or Seacare.
- Exposure to litigating complex matters including:
- District Court claims where Defendants are not located within Australia, thus giving rise to complex issues as to procedure and jurisdiction;
- Seafarer claims and WA compensation claims where there have been disputes as to which jurisdiction the claim falls under; and
- Disputed psychological claims with significant numbers of lay witnesses to interview and manage.
- Familisaration with the motivators and drivers of plaintiffs within personal injury litigation which enables him to provide comprehensive advice.
- Acting as instructing solicitor on a range litigated claims in the District Court of Western Australia Appearing on behalf of insurers and employers before Tribunals and Courts including WorkCover WA, the Administrative Appeals Tribunal and the District Court of Western Australia.