Highly successful personal injury lawyers.
Our injury lawyers are some of the most experienced in Australia. We have a 99% success rate.
Compensation Law
Injured at work, on the road, or in a public place? We’re here to make sure you get the compensation you’re entitled to.
Wills & Estates
Dealing with wills, buying or selling your property, or working through property settlement? Let us take care of your personal matters.
Free claim check
Find out if you have a claim in minutes with our free claim check tool.
We’ve been your local lawyers for over 40 years.
If you’re dealing with an injury, you’re probably also dealing with the stress that comes with it – lost income, mounting medical bills, and an insurer who isn’t making the process easy. We see this all the time, and we’re here to help you through it.
Whitelaw McDonald is a team of compensation and personal injury lawyers, wills and estate lawyers, and conveyancing experts. We’ve spent over 40 years building relationships with the people and workplaces of New South Wales – starting with Newcastle and the Hunter, and growing into Sydney, Central Coast, Coffs Harbour and throughout the state. We’re familiar with the local courts and a proud partner of choice with local unions.
We take the time to understand your situation properly, so you know exactly what compensation you’re entitled to and get the best possible outcome from your claim. In our time, our lawyers have recovered tens of millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. If you have a personal injury claim, we act on a no win, no fee basis* – if we don’t win your claim, you don’t pay our legal fees.
*Conditions apply – we’ll explain exactly how our no win, no fee arrangement works during your free, no-obligation first consultation.
How It Works
What happens when you contact us:
1
Get in touch
Fill out a form, call our office or fill out our free claim check – it takes a few minutes and there’s no cost or obligation.
2
Talk to a local lawyer
We’ll arrange an obligation-free consultation with one of our compensation lawyers to understand your situation and explain your options clearly.
3
We handle the rest
If you decide to proceed, your lawyer will manage your claim from start to finish – dealing with insurers, gathering evidence, and fighting for the compensation you deserve.
What kind of injury claim do you have?
Whitelaw McDonald’s personal injury lawyers act for people across a wide range of claim types in Newcastle, Sydney and across NSW. Whatever’s happened, our compensation lawyers can tell you where you stand – for free, with no obligation.
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Workers Compensation Lawyers
Injured on the job? Our workers compensation lawyers will help you access the entitlements you’re owed, including weekly payments and medical expenses.
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Car Accident Lawyers
Motor vehicle accident claims for drivers, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians injured in New South Wales.
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Public Liability Lawyers
Injured in a public place, a shop, or someone else’s property? You may have a compensation claim.
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Medical Negligence Lawyers
If negligent treatment has caused you harm, our medical negligence lawyers can assess your case.
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Coal Mining Injury Lawyers
Experienced compensation lawyers for underground and open-cut mining injuries and dust disease.
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Asbestos & Dust Disease Lawyers
Compensation for asbestos-related illness and industrial dust disease claims.
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Industrial Deafness Lawyers
Also known as noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), this refers to hearing loss arising from exposure to loud noise in the workplace.
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TPD & Superannuation Lawyers
If injury or illness has stopped you working permanently, we’ll help you claim your super early.
Wills, estates and property
Planning for the future or buying and selling property? Our team can help with the legal side, in plain language.
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Wills & Estates Lawyers
Protect your family and your assets with a will that’s clear and up to date, or get help administering the estate of a loved one.
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Conveyancing Lawyers
Buying or selling a home or investment property in NSW? We’ll guide you from contract to settlement.
Why choose our team?
No win, no fee.*
You don’t pay our legal fees unless we win your compensation claim. *Conditions apply — ask us for details.
Free, no-obligation first consultation.
There’s no cost and no pressure to find out where you stand. Fill out a form, call our office or use our free claim check tool to get started.
We come to you.
Can’t make it to our office? If you’re within range of one of our offices, we can arrange to meet you at home or in hospital if that’s easier while you recover.
Most claims don’t end up in court.
The vast majority of the claims our lawyers handle are resolved without the stress of a courtroom and get settled before reaching that stage — though we’re ready to fight for you if it comes to that.
Meet Our Lawyers
Meet some of our local team.
Matthew Berenger
Principal Director – Accredited Specialist Personal Injury. Matthew has particular expertise in motor vehicle accident claims, workers compensation claims, and slip and fall or other public liability claims.
Kelly Keane
Associate Director – Accredited Specialist Personal Injury. Kelly has particular interest in institutional abuse cases, medical negligence, Family Provisions Act claims, workers compensation and motor accident claims.
Craig Stewart
Associate Director – Specialist Personal Injury. Craig has special interest in motor vehicle accident claims, workers compensation claims, slip and fall claims, and wills, probate and estate litigation.
Mario Bechelli
Senior Associate – Personal Injury Law. Mario has particular interest in personal injury law such as workers compensation and motor vehicle accident claims.
Specialist coal mining injury representation
If you or a family member works in the mining industry, read more about our coal mining injury claims here.
What our Clients Say
“Well done on my behalf can’t believe I have received such a large amount. So Barry, a very big thank you.”
— Douglas
“Huge thanks to Matthew Berenger, Kelly and Makayla for all your assistance and support during my MVA claim. It was a tough, long road for me, but changing solicitors to Whitelaw McDonald, and specifically Matthew on recommendation, was definitely the smartest move I have ever made. Matthew and his team were not only professional and knowledgeable, but patient and understanding in an emotional and difficult time, such as an insurance matter. Matthew’s clear expertise in this field is without question, outstanding, and he was instrumental in securing for me a settlement far beyond my expectations. So, thank you Matthew and the team, and Whitelaw McDonald more broadly. I could not have done this without you. I am so grateful and highly recommend their services.”
— Rebecca
“Just a short note to thank you so much for my WorkCover matter. I can’t thank you enough. I have used Whitelaw McDonald for my separation from the NSW Police, marriage, purchase of the house and this.”
— Andrew
“Thank you for the kindness in helping Ken with his compensation case. We are very grateful that everything went through so quickly. You really look after your clients.”
— Ken and Kay
Get Free Advice
At Whitelaw McDonald, we believe everyone deserves to know where they stand. Have a quick confidential, no-obligation chat with our legal team at no cost.
There is no payment or commitment needed to speak with our experts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it cost anything to speak to a lawyer?
No. Your first consultation with our Newcastle lawyers is free and there’s no obligation to proceed.
What does “no win, no fee” mean?
It means if we don’t win your compensation claim, you won’t pay our legal fees. We’ll explain exactly how our no win, no fee arrangement works, including any conditions, before you decide to go ahead.
How long do I have to make a claim in NSW?
Time limits vary depending on your type of claim – workers compensation, motor vehicle accident, medical negligence and public liability claims can each have different notification periods and limitation periods. The safest approach is to speak to one of our lawyers as early as possible so we can tell you exactly where you stand.
Do I have to go to court?
Most personal injury claims settle without going to court. If your personal injury matter does need to go further, our lawyers will guide you through the process and represent you every step of the way.
What areas do you service?
We have offices in Newcastle, Central Coast, Sydney and Coffs Harbour, and our lawyers act for clients across New South Wales.