If you’ve been injured at work, in a car accident, in a public setting like a shopping centre or supermarket, or through medical negligence, you’re likely dealing with a lot – pain, time off work, medical bills, and a claims process that can feel like it’s designed to wear you down. You shouldn’t have to fight for fair compensation on your own.
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 represented injured people across Newcastle and the Hunter for over 40 years.
Talk to us about whether you have a claim and get some free advice. No obligations.
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.
Associate Director – Accredited Specialist Personal Injury
Senior Associate – Personal Injury Law
“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
Career highlights include representing a client who sustained a severe injury in a shopping centre, fighting and winning the case in the High Court of Australia after a lower court struck it down. Won in 2012, this case continues to be used as a precedent for public liability cases today.
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.
