Calling a law firm can be an intimidating experience – but it doesn’t have to be.

Here’s what to expect when you call Nikolovski Lawyers.

First and foremost, you will always be greeted by a friendly voice.

That voice will probably belong to our warm and wonderful receptionist, Penny. If not, one of our stellar legal assistants will take your call with the same hospitality.

Whether you’re a new client enquiring about our services or a long-time client checking-in, you and your matter will always be treated with the utmost confidentiality, compassion, and respect.

If you’re a new client calling for the first time:

Our aim for any new client is to learn a little bit about your matter, and arrange a time for you to see the right lawyer.

Our lawyers specialise in five main areas of law – compensation, employment, family, property, and immigration. If you know which type of matter belongs to you, let us know. If not, tell us what has happened and we’ll know the right person for you to speak to.

Be sure to let us know how you heard about us too!

From there, we will arrange an initial consultation with one of our lawyers – either in-person, by phone, or by video call. We’ll always let you know if there’s any cost associated with that appointment (for many matters your initial consultation is free). Your lawyer will take it away from there!

If, for some reason, we think you’ve come to the wrong place (ie. if your matter concerns an area of law outside of our specialties), we’ll do our best to get you headed in the right direction.

If you’re an existing client calling about your matter:

Here we just need three things: your name, your lawyer, and the reason for your call.

From there, you will be transferred through to your lawyer’s assistant. Every lawyer at Nikolovski Lawyers is supported by a brilliant clerk or legal assistant. They have an intimate working knowledge of your matter, and – more often that not – will have the answer that you’re looking for. Don’t underestimate them!

If they’re unable to assist you or if your issue is urgent, they can transfer you through to your lawyer, or arrange for them to return your call as soon as possible.

Our lawyer’s work tirelessly in support of their matters, so please don’t take it personally if they’re unable to take your call – they’re just busy. If they personally fielded every call, they’d have no time to work on the meat and bones of your matter!

Get in touch:

Now that you’re fully-prepared, feel free to give us a call on (02) 4227 6833!

One call can make all the difference.

Read all the media coverage surrounding one of our proudest public liability claims.

Led by our stellar Senior Associate Amy Scanu, Nikolovski Lawyers successfully defended this matter on three separate occasions:

In the NSW District Court, the NSW Supreme Court of Appeals, and in a Special Leave Application to the High Court of Australia.

You can read about this matter at the links below:

1. ‘Wollongong City Council ordered to pay over $600k in damages after man breaks arm on Mount Keira footpath’ – ABC Illawarra (30 September 2020)

2. ‘Wollongong council’s $600k payout to man who tripped and fell at Mount Keira’ – Illawarra Mercury (14 April 2021)

You can learn more about public liability claims here.

Get in touch:

Have you or a loved one been injured on public or private property? One call can make all the difference.

Call us at (02) 4227 6833, or email us at admin@nikolovskilawyers.com.au.

Warning: Game of Thrones spoilers lie within…

Let us imagine Jon Snow was an employee of a company situated in NSW called The Night’s Watch Pty Ltd. In the course of his employment he is fatally wounded by several stab wounds, and death follows within a short period. What kind of compensation is Mr Snow entitled to?

1. Death Benefits

Under the NSW Workers Compensation Legislation, death benefits are payable to his dependents (or if he has no dependents, to his legal personal representative). These include a substantial lump sum and funeral expenses.

2. Weekly Payments to Dependent Children

Weekly payments are also payable to any dependent children of the worker. If Jon had taken on the role of parent for any of the Stark children after the death of Ned and Catelyn (their parents), they would be counted as his children for the purpose of the death benefits claim.

But what about Lump Sum Compensation for Permanent Impairment?

Where an injury results in a permanent impairment, lump sum compensation may be payable for that impairment. The right to bring such a claim is not extinguished by the death of a worker and may be brought by the legal personal representative.

In a recent case*, the NSW Court of Appeal was asked to consider whether an incident that resulted in catastrophic injuries causing near-immediate death, could also result in a permanent impairment claim?

The Court considered the purpose of compensation for permanent impairment, which is to compensate an injured worker for the loss of quality of life caused by the injury. It determined that there is no ‘permanent impairment’ when the worker’s injuries are fatal and the worker ‘survives for a very short period, measured in seconds or a few minutes’.

In our scenario, Jon’s death occurred within minutes and therefore no permanent impairment compensation would be payable.

This begs the question, just how long does a worker have to survive their injuries for a permanent impairment claim to arise?

Imagine if another employee, Sandor ‘The Hound’ Clegane, had died days after suffering fatal injuries at the hands of Ser Brienne. Should Sandor be eligible for a permanent impairment claim? What if he only survived a few hours? Or if he had survived a few weeks?

A Fantastical Complication

But the case of Jon Snow doesn’t end there! You may recall Jon Snow did not stay dead. He was resurrected by the Lord of Light. What effect do you think his resurrection would have on the claim for death benefits? What if he came back as a White Walker instead?

We might have to leave that for the maesters to decide…

*Hunter Quarries Pty Ltd v Alexandra Mexon as Administrator for the Estate of the Late Ryan Messenger [2018] NSWCA 178.