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For a full list of injuries we can help with, click here.
Injuries take a significant toll on our life – pain, time off work, medical bills, and often a long, difficult claims process. Our team firmly believes you shouldn’t have to fight for fair compensation when you are at your lowest.
To find out where you stand and what the process for claiming looks like in simple terms, get in touch for a free, no-obligations discussion with one of our team members. Whitelaw McDonald has been winning for Newcastle and the Hunter for over 40 years.
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.
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.
We’ll arrange an obligation-free consultation with one of our compensation lawyers to understand your situation and explain your options clearly.
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.
This means you don’t pay our fees unless we win your claim. However, our lawyers will still ensure you understand any risks of costs outside of ours if there are any. In many disputed matters – such as challenging an insurer’s decision – legal costs can also be funded through the Independent Review Office’s ILARS scheme for workers compensation, so there’s often no out-of-pocket cost to you even when a dispute arises. We’ll explain exactly what funding may be available for your specific situation.
“Had a great experience with Matt working through my case with a fantastic result. Would definitely recommend him if you need a lawyer after being injured at work.”
Ben L., compensation claim
“I would like to sincerely thank you for all the hard work you put into my compensation claim. With your professional, knowledgeable, caring and ability to explain, whilst keeping me calm has been outstanding. You are a credit to your profession. It has been an absolute pleasure to communicate with both John and Craig. I am now relieved that this is behind me and can really concentrate on getting myself fully recovered. Once again, many thanks.”
John S., compensation claim
“Thank you to Whitelaw McDonald for successfully winning my workers compensation case. Highly recommend Stuart Barnett who was extremely professional and knowledgeable and his assistant Terissa who was there from the beginning . She was always available and extremely helpful throughout the process.”
Glenn B., compensation claim
Our Newcastle office is in Kotara, directly opposite Westfield Kotara, so we’re easy to find and easy to get to. We’re not a multinational firm with a satellite office here – we’re Newcastle born and based, and every case is handled by lawyers who live in this community.
Ross Whitelaw and John McDonald founded this firm in 1987. Since then, our team has recovered tens of millions of dollars for local workers and their families. Our team has decades of experience in workers compensation and coal mining injury claims, spanning thousands of clients from all walks of life.
We have strong ties with unions across the Hunter, serving as a referral partner of choice. Many of our clients come to us on recommendation from their union, workmates, or family and friends – because word travels fast here when a firm looks after its clients.
You don’t pay us unless we win your claim. In many disputed matters – such as challenging an insurer’s decision – legal costs can also be funded through the Independent Review Office’s ILARS scheme for workers compensation, so there’s often no out-of-pocket cost to you even when a dispute arises. We’ll explain exactly what funding may be available for your specific situation.
Before anything else, we’ll sit down with you – in person, over the phone, or at your home or hospital bed if that’s easier – and talk honestly about whether you have a claim, and what your options are. We explain the process so you understand what is involved in making a claim. No pressure, no charge.
A workplace injury doesn’t just affect your legal position – it affects your whole life. We help clients arrange transport to appointments, coordinate medical assessments, and liaise directly with your treating doctors so you’re not left chasing paperwork on top of everything else.
The vast majority of workers compensation matters are settled through negotiation with the insurer, or resolved at conciliation through the Personal Injury Commission – not in a courtroom. We prepare every case as if it might go the distance, which is exactly why most don’t need to.
Principal Director – Accredited Specialist Personal Injury
Matt has represented thousands of clients across NSW, including a landmark personal injury case that ended up setting a legal precedent still used today.
Associate Director – Accredited Specialist Personal Injury
Kelly has a special interest in medical negligence, institutional abuse, and workers compensation cases, holding institutions to account and helping people move forward with their lives.
Associate Director – Accredited Specialist Personal Injury
Craig has successfully assisted thousands of clients in securing outcomes ranging from minor settlements to multi-million dollar compensation claims. Craig believes that even if a claim is small it is still important.
Senior Associate – Personal Injury Law
Mario has almost 40 years of experience in personal injury cases, in particular motor vehicle and workers compensation. He has successfully obtained substantial compensation for his clients.
Our Newcastle office is located at 5/76 Park Ave, Kotara NSW 2289, directly opposite Westfield Kotara, so we’re easy to find. We’re close to public transport, and there is plenty of parking nearby.
We have a wheelchair-accessible entrance including a ramp and an elevator. In addition, if you can’t come to us, we also offer home and hospital visits.
You don’t need to have all the answers before you call us. Whether you’re not sure if you have a claim, you’re partway through a claim already and want a second opinion, or your claim has been disputed, get in touch for a free, no-obligation conversation.
If you have been injured and would like to understand if you may have a claim, speak to our experts today (02) 4941 8999 (Newcastle) or (02) 4343 7000 (Central Coast) or Contact Us for an obligation-free consultation.
If you would like an obligation-free consultation to see how we can best help you, or simply have questions, get in touch using our contact form or call 02 4941 8999.
Our dedicated expert team of personal injury and compensation lawyers are here to help.