After a two week virtual trial, a TAFE teacher has successfully resolved his claim for common law damages for his work-related psychological injury.

Assisted by Redlich's Practice Director, Lauren Freeman and former lawyer Shyla Sivanas, our client gave evidence over Zoom about how his injury occurred and the severe impact it has had on his life.

Our client was injured when he was verbally assaulted by a prisoner while teaching woodwork within a prison. Our client was required to teach prisoners in a workshop that was isolated from the main area of the prison and his claim was focused on the inadequacies of the communication methods and security that was supplied to him by the prison.

The prison had consistently denied that it was negligent in causing our client’s injuries and made no offers of settlement, forcing the matter to proceed to trial. 

After closing submissions to the Court, our client’s case settled for an amount higher than formal offers previously put to the Defendant in earlier attempts to resolve his dispute.

Our client’s story was finally heard by the prison and we are pleased he was able to obtain a settlement that recognises the significant impact that his injury has had on his capacity to work and his enjoyment of life. 

Despite unprecedented remote working arrangements, the COVID-19 restrictions have not created a barrier for our client's claims to proceed. If you would like to have a confidential consultation with one of our team, contact our lawyers on (03) 9321 9988.