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Our team regularly produces articles and updates on legal developments and the implications for clients. Our latest publications can be viewed below. Alternatively, use the Search function on the left to find the topic of your choice.
Tribunal finds significant relationship between lateral epicondylitis and computer use
December 14, 2020
Mansfield and Comcare [2020] AATA 3917. Key Points: Ms Mansfield claimed compensation for an injury to her right arm (right lateral epicondylitis), as a result of using a computer mouse. The Tribunal was asked to decide whether Ms Mansfield’s injury was contributed to, to a significant degree, by her employment. The Tribunal found in […]
No compensation: sailor’s ‘workplace’ hip injury would have happened anywhere
December 14, 2020
Ross and Comcare (Compensation) [2020] AATA 4350. Key Points The Tribunal was asked to decide on liability for a stress fracture of the hip sustained on a Commonwealth Maritime Vessel. The Tribunal highlighted the importance of distinguishing between whether a condition was made worse by work, or whether it simply became worse while the […]
Psychological condition arising out of adverse determination not compensable
December 14, 2020
Crick and Comcare [2020] AATA 4483. Key Points: The Tribunal was required to consider whether Ms Crick continued to suffer from a back injury and a psychological condition. The Tribunal considered whether claims management processes can be considered part of “employment”. The Tribunal affirmed the decision to cease liability for Ms Crick’s claims because […]
Tribunal finds headaches are not an “injury”
December 2, 2020
Wuth and Comcare [2020] AATA 3625 Key Points: The Tribunal was required to consider liability for a chronic daily headache condition. The Tribunal highlighted the importance of distinguishing between symptoms and an identifiable physiological change. In the absence of any physiological change the Tribunal concluded that Ms Wuth had not suffered an injury for […]
Tribunal rejects application for Stay Order
December 2, 2020
Clavero and Australian Postal Corporation [2020] AATA 4167. Key Points: Mr Clavero sustained an injury to his cervical spine while working for the Australian Postal Corporation. After his compensation payments were ceased, Mr Clavero applied to the Administrative Appeals Tribunal for a stay order. The Tribunal refused to grant the order. Background: Mr […]
Back claim fails for former pasta maker
November 30, 2020
Hovenden and Comcare [2020] AATA 3695 (21 September 2020). Key Points: The Tribunal was asked to decide whether an employee suffered an exacerbation of his low back condition as a result of his work as a Customer Service Officer for Services Australia. The Tribunal found that flare ups of symptoms did not amount to […]
Crawford & Company® acquires HBA Group
November 5, 2020
Australian legal enterprise becomes part of Crawford Legal Services LONDON (November 4, 2020) Crawford & Company® (NYSE: CRD-A and CRD-B), the world’s largest publicly listed independent provider of claims management and outsourcing solutions to carriers, brokers and corporates is pleased to announce the acquisition of Australia-based HBA Group as part of the continuing expansion […]
It’s official: HBA among WA’s best insurance firms
October 14, 2020
Well-respected Doyle’s Guide has announced the leading defendant insurance lawyers and law firms in Western Australia for 2020, with HBA Legal appearing across four key categories. Lawyers, barristers and firms are awarded based on feedback from industry peers, clients and relevant industry bodies. HBA has been named among the top law firms in the following defendant […]
Pride in Law expands into WA with HBA Legal
October 12, 2020
PERTH: HBA Legal has become the latest law firm to support Pride in Law, as the association dedicated to the LGBTIQ+ legal community expands into Western Australia. Starting in Queensland in 2017, and then branching into Western Australia this year, Pride in Law seeks to erase homophobia, gender inequality, and other affronts to individuals, families, […]
Tribunal: chemical sensitivity not an ‘injury’ but employee’s claim gets up
October 12, 2020
Flood and Comcare (Compensation) [2020] AATA 2152. Key Points: The Tribunal considered whether a Centrelink employee was entitled to receive ongoing compensation for multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome. The Tribunal found that multiple chemical sensitivity syndrome is not commonly accepted as a medical condition and instead concluded that Ms Flood suffers from a psychological condition. […]