Personal injury · Melbourne, VIC
Verified Australian personal injury lawyers practising in Melbourne and surrounding suburbs. Practising certificates checked against the VIC register. Fees published. Methodology transparent.
Personal injury law in Australia is state-administered — each state runs its own no-fault CTP (motor accident) and workers compensation schemes alongside common-law claims for negligence. The relevant scheme is determined by where the injury occurred and how it was caused. Time limits are strict and vary by scheme; legal advice in the first 6 weeks materially improves outcomes.
Melbourne is the second-largest legal market in Australia with substantial commercial and equity practices. The Supreme Court of Victoria, Federal Court (Melbourne Registry), and Federal Circuit and Family Court (Melbourne Registry) all sit here. The Law Institute of Victoria regulates solicitors; the Victorian Bar regulates barristers.
Regulators: Law Institute of Victoria (liv.asn.au) and the Victorian Bar (vicbar.com.au)
Magistrates Court Workers Compensation Division for statutory disputes; County Court of Victoria for common-law claims. TAC handles transport accidents; WorkSafe Victoria handles work injuries.
Indicative fees drawn from our 2026 practitioner survey and published cost data. Confirm in writing with any firm before engaging — written costs disclosure is mandatory under the Legal Profession Uniform Law.
| Pathway / matter type | Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| TAC claim | 15-25% of settlement | Victorian TAC scheme |
| WorkSafe common-law | 20-30% | Threshold-test required |
| Public liability | 20-35% |
For the full personal injury cost breakdown across Australia, see our Personal injury cost guide.
Matter types we see most often in our intake from Melbourne and surrounding suburbs.
State-administered Compulsory Third Party schemes. NSW: Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017 administered by SIRA / Personal Injury Commission. VIC: TAC. QLD: MAIC. Statutory benefits available regardless of fault for first 6 months; common-law damages require fault to be established.
No-fault statutory scheme — weekly payments, medical expenses, permanent impairment lump sums. Common-law work injury damages available where employer negligence caused injury and impairment threshold met (15% WPI in NSW).
Negligence claims against occupiers/operators of premises where an accident occurred. Civil Liability Acts in each state set caps, thresholds, and contributory negligence rules. Most matters settle pre-litigation.
High-complexity claims requiring expert evidence on standard of care, breach, causation and damages. Time limit 3 years from injury (longer for children). Specialist firm required.
Total & Permanent Disability claims against superannuation insurance policies. Policy-definition disputes are common; many TPD claims are initially denied and succeed on review.
Dust-disease claims, ADF compensation, victims-of-crime compensation — each has its own scheme with specific procedural requirements.
Five questions that determine whether the lawyer in front of you is the right fit for your matter.
15 listed for Melbourne. Editorial rankings are independent; sponsored placements are labelled.
Victorian Bar (independent barrister)
Harry Forrester is a barrister at the Victorian Bar, practising from Owen Dixon Chambers West. Signed the Victorian Bar Roll in 2011. Engaged through List G Barristers.
Victorian Bar (independent barrister)
Nasos Kaskani is a barrister at the Victorian Bar, practising from Aickin Chambers. Signed the Victorian Bar Roll in 2011. Engaged through List A Barristers.
Victorian Bar (independent barrister)
Jessie Taylor is a barrister at the Victorian Bar. Signed the Victorian Bar Roll in 2011. Engaged through Parnell'S Barristers Pty Ltd.
Victorian Bar (independent barrister)
Michael K Clarke SC is a barrister at the Victorian Bar, practising from Henry Winneke Chambers. Signed the Victorian Bar Roll in 2011. Engaged through Dever'S List.
Victorian Bar (independent barrister)
James E McIntyre is a barrister at the Victorian Bar. Signed the Victorian Bar Roll in 2011. Engaged through Svenson Barristers.
Victorian Bar (independent barrister)
Shaun E Gladman KC is a barrister at the Victorian Bar, practising from Aickin Chambers. Signed the Victorian Bar Roll in 2011. Engaged through Dever'S List.
Victorian Bar (independent barrister)
Nicholas J Dunstan is a barrister at the Victorian Bar, practising from Owen Dixon Chambers West. Signed the Victorian Bar Roll in 2011. Engaged through Lennon'S List Barristers.
Victorian Bar (independent barrister)
Sarah Fisken SC is a barrister at the Victorian Bar, practising from Aickin Chambers. Signed the Victorian Bar Roll in 2011. Engaged through Foley'S List Pty Ltd.
Victorian Bar (independent barrister)
Dr Steven Stern is a barrister at the Victorian Bar, practising from Owen Dixon Chambers West. Signed the Victorian Bar Roll in 2012. Engaged through Svenson Barristers.
Victorian Bar (independent barrister)
P Gerard Nash KC is a barrister at the Victorian Bar. Signed the Victorian Bar Roll in 1959. Engaged through Svenson Barristers.
Victorian Bar (independent barrister)
Andrew J Kirkham AM RFD KC is a barrister at the Victorian Bar. Signed the Victorian Bar Roll in 1967. Engaged through Svenson Barristers.
Victorian Bar (independent barrister)
Peter B Murdoch KC is a barrister at the Victorian Bar, practising from Owen Dixon Chambers West. Signed the Victorian Bar Roll in 1972. Engaged through Young'S List.
Victorian Bar (independent barrister)
John T (Jack) Rush AO RFD KC is a barrister at the Victorian Bar, practising from Owen Dixon Chambers West. Signed the Victorian Bar Roll in 1976. Engaged through Lennon'S List Barristers.
Victorian Bar (independent barrister)
Manny Garantziotis KC is a barrister at the Victorian Bar. Signed the Victorian Bar Roll in 1978. Engaged through List A Barristers.
Victorian Bar (independent barrister)
John H Karkar KC is a barrister at the Victorian Bar. Signed the Victorian Bar Roll in 1978. Engaged through Svenson Barristers.
Same practice · other cities
Other practice areas in Melbourne
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