Coutts Lawyers & Conveyancers is a powerful female-founded law firm with a core value system that puts people first. Our reputation as the legal business of choice in New South Wales is recognised by our many awards.
The team at Coutts have the expertise and experience to stand behind you and give you legal advice in a language you understand... without the legal jargon.
Coutts welcomes the opportunity to help you start a business, purchase a business, or sell a business in Australia.
Coutts Commercial and Business team takes pride in providing comprehensive legal services to businesses of all sizes.
At Coutts, our legal team offer the best service in a time where you feel at odds with the law.
Coutts provide expert legal advice in all employment related matters for both employers and employees including, but not limited to the following key areas.
Coutts provide legal advice in all areas of family law including; property settlements, divorce settlements, all types of parenting matters and the drafting of binding financial agreements and binding child support agreements.
At Coutts, we understand the devastating impact personal injuries can have, not only in a physical capacity, but also your emotional, mental and financial well-being also.
The important role conveyancers plays when people are buying and selling of property.
Have you been called as a witness by the Royal Commission into Violence, Abuse, Neglect and Exploitation of People with Disability? If so, you may be eligible to receive government funded legal representation.
A will is a legal document that specifies how you wish your assets and liabilities to be distributed following your death.
EXPOSED TO ASBESTOS? DEFEND YOUR HEALTH
We provide expert legal assistance for Dust Disease Exposure claims. These claims address health conditions caused by exposure to harmful dust and particles in the workplace, such as asbestos, silica, and coal dust. Our team has the expertise to handle the complexities of these cases, ensuring that individuals affected by dust diseases receive the compensation and support they need.
Karena Nicholls Partner
A worker who is exposed to dust such as asbestos or silica can cause a disease such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer, larynx cancer, oesophagus cancer or a related disease may be entitled to be compensated by the Dust Diseases Board of NSW or at common law.
To make a claim to the Dust Diseases Board of NSW you must have been employed in NSW at the time you were exposed to the dust disease, must have been exposed to dust such as asbestos/silica and that you contracted the nominated diseases e.g. mesothelioma, asbestosis.
Asbestos is commonly found at:
A worker who has been exposed to asbestos or dust-related disease may be entitled to claim under the common law if they can prove that their employer was negligent. Other persons who have been exposed may also have a claim even if it is not work-related.
Where a family member has died from dust disease/ asbestos you are able to claim a death benefit that entitles you to have a lump sum compensation and weekly payments as a dependent.
You may be entitled to compensation for:
You are still able to claim compensation for a dust disease even if you smoke. Coutts will engage a medical specialist to investigate the cause of your disease. This might prove that it was inhaling harmful dust particles that caused your lung disease.
Time limitations depend on individual circumstances. However, it is likely that you will still be able to make a claim even if you were exposed years beforehand. Therefore, it is critical to seek legal advice as soon as possible.
Reach out to Coutts Lawyers via our website, phone, or in person. Briefly describe your matter.
Schedule and attend a meeting with a Coutts lawyer to discuss the specifics of your matter and desired outcomes.
Share all related documents and information. Your lawyer will review everything, clarify aspects as needed, and then advise on the best action course.
Based on the advice, an appropriate action plan will be formulated. This may involve communication, documentation processes, or further legal steps.
Execute the action plan, addressing a range of legal scenarios as necessary.
Navigate towards a resolution, with the path determined by the nature of the matter. Your Lawyer will outline any final actions or considerations.
Meet Karena, a Partner at Coutts Lawyers & Conveyancers, and the head of our esteemed Injury Compensation and Employment Law teams. With over two decades of experience in the field of Insurance Law, Karena’s passion, dedication, and client-focused approach have established her as a leading authority in compensation and employment law.
Dust diseases like those caused by asbestos exposure can have a long latency period, meaning symptoms can appear many years, sometimes decades, after the initial exposure. Even if the exposure happened a long time ago, you might still be eligible to make a claim. It’s essential to consult with a lawyer who can guide you through the process and assess your specific situation.
It can be challenging to ascertain the presence of asbestos or other harmful dust, especially if the exposure happened many years ago. However, records of workplace safety assessments, building materials, or testimonies from co-workers can help establish the presence of harmful substances. Coutts can assist in gathering this information and determining the potential sources of exposure.
Even if your former employer no longer exists or has declared bankruptcy, you may still be able to make a claim. Often, claims are paid by the company’s insurer or by statutory bodies set up to handle such claims. It’s crucial to work with a knowledgeable lawyer familiar with dust diseases and asbestos exposure claims to navigate these challenges.
Yes, there have been cases where family members of those directly exposed to asbestos, particularly those who might have come into contact with clothing or items contaminated with asbestos fibers, developed related diseases. If you believe you’ve been indirectly exposed, it’s essential to seek both medical and legal advice.
The duration of an asbestos or dust disease claim varies based on the complexity of the case, the clarity of the evidence, and the specifics of the disease. Given the severity of many asbestos-related conditions, efforts are often made to expedite these claims. At Coutts, we understand the urgency and strive to move your claim forward efficiently while ensuring your rights are fully protected.
Ensure your rights are protected and get the support you need.