Lauren Haygarth

Special Counsel

Qualifications: LLB

Practices

Lauren has 10 years’ experience representing employers, insurers and self-insured entities in the management and defence of workers’ compensation and common law claims. Her expertise includes advising on complex matters including psychiatric and multiple injury claims. She regularly appears at WorkCover and has appeared at arbitration. She also appears in the District Court in common law workers’ compensation claims and has assisted counsel at trial. Lauren also has experience in motor vehicle accident claims and has regularly appeared in the District Court of Western Australia.

Lauren considers the ‘big picture’ early on in her involvement, but pays due attention to detail. Lauren prides herself in her ability communicate effectively with key stakeholders and plaintiff lawyers to ensure resolution is explored as early as possible where appropriate. If this is not an option, then Lauren is also always prepared to participate actively in the litigation process.

Lauren has an open, friendly and respectful manner, and prides herself on the strength of her professional relationships and her ability to work with her client as a team to strategise the best outcome for the client. Lauren believes that we never stop learning, and is committed to her ongoing development as a lawyer. She is passionate about her work and her practice, and is a committed mentor to junior lawyers within the firm.

Experience

  • Advising on workers’ compensation matters involving statutory and common law liability including the client’s ongoing exposure under the Workers' Compensation and Injury Management Act 1981 and the Occupiers’ Liability Act.
  • Lauren’s negotiation skills have resulted in the finalisation of countless claims. Lauren’s ability to resolve claims efficiently and within appropriate settlement ranges comes from her ability to advise clearly on risk, and assess the cost of that risk whatever the circumstances of the matter.
  • Lauren recently successfully defended a section 58 application at arbitration made by a worker seeking a determination of liability with respect to two injuries and a resultant incapacity for a closed period and treatment expenses. The claimant was represented and relied heavily on evidence from his GP. Lauren obtained evidence from an occupational physician, and sought to cast doubt over the weight to be afforded to the evidence of the GP.

Awards and recognition

Doyle's Guide to the Australian Legal Profession 2020-2023
Leading Workers Compensation Lawyers (Defendant) – Western Australia

Professional Membership

  • Law Society of Western Australia

Latest thinking

Statutory Insurance | 19 Feb 2019

Third party liable to contribute to damages for injury caused by negligence of another

The WA Court of Appeal has upheld a District Court judge’s decision apportioning 25% liability to Harvey Norman, in a case involving a customer injured while collecting purchases from Harvey Norman’s warehouse in Osborne Park.