Have you been injured at work? Our specialised and experienced team of personal injury lawyers will fight for the compensation you deserve.

Stacks Goudkamp specialises in bringing personal injury claims for employees and other persons who were exposed to asbestos and have developed an asbestos-related illness or disease. Many Australians were exposed to asbestos over decades in the past and have developed debilitating and, in some instances, fatal illnesses.

At Stacks Goudkamp, our experienced personal injury lawyers can assist you in making a claim and obtaining compensation. We operate on the “no win, no pay” principle where we only charge you professional costs and disbursements in the event that you are successful in obtaining compensation or damages.

What Can I Claim For?

There are many types of asbestos-related illnesses which can be subject to compensation claims. They include the following:

1. Mesothelioma: This is a type of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos dust. Mesothelioma is a fatal condition. It can be caused by long and extensive exposure to asbestos or even indirect and transient exposure to asbestos. The latency period can be between 10 and up to 40 years. There can be instant and severe symptoms.

2. Asbestosis: This is a “dose-related” disease developed over a long period of time. For example, somebody who worked in an asbestos factory.

3. Pleural plaques: Pleural plaques are thickening caused by fibrosis of the pleura, that is the lining of the lungs.

4. Asbestos-related pleural disease (ARPD): This covers a number of different related illnesses caused by exposure to asbestos.

5. Asbestos-related lung cancer: This is a lung cancer that has been caused solely or in connection with exposure to asbestos.

If you have been exposed to asbestos or develop any one of the above-mentioned illnesses, please contact us as soon as possible. We will organise for you to make an application with the Dust Diseases Authority which administers a “no fault” scheme. 

Making Compensation Claims with the Dust Diseases Authority

Stacks Goudkamp can assist you with making a compensation claim with the Dust Diseases Authority (DDA) and can bring claims on your behalf before the Dust Diseases Tribunal in a compassionate and respectful manner. The DDA will at no charge to you organise for medical examinations, lung function tests, chest x-rays and CT scans.

The DDA will investigate your claim and if you have been found to suffer from an asbestos- related disease, you will be entitled to an award for weekly compensation. The DDA keeps an eye on persons who have obtained a compensation payment to see if there has been any deterioration.

The Dust Diseases Tribunal

If you are entitled to further compensation or damages, then our team of personal injury lawyers can bring a claim in the Dust Diseases Tribunal (DDT) which has jurisdiction in relation to dust-related conditions such as asbestos-related pleural disease, asbestosis and mesothelioma.

This tribunal is a specialist tribunal which allows us to obtain common law damages on your behalf including amounts for pain and suffering, past and future medical expenses, past and future care and assistance, past and future economic loss.

Why Choose Stacks Goudkamp?

Our personal injury lawyers have acted in cases dealing with employees from the Department of Defence, Royal Australian Navy, Telecom, Postmaster General, and also for cases of indirect exposure. Our team can always work out the best avenue for you to proceed to obtain compensation and/or damages.

We are able to obtain expert evidence from the relevant specialists and other experts in order to litigate the cases. The overwhelming number of cases now settle at mediation and we will guide you through the process in a systematic way.

Get in Touch with Our Personal Injury Lawyers

Contact your local team for a personal consultation to find out if you are eligible to make a claim. Call 1800 251 800 or contact us today.

John’s STORY

John was involved in a horrific workplace accident that left him with severe injuries to his neck and back. The accident occurred due to his employer’s negligent actions, leaving his family devastated. Watch John’s story and see how Stacks Goudkamp were able to help.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

ASBESTOS CLAIMS

Asbestos-related conditions that can be claimed for include:
  • Asbestosis
  • Mesothelioma
  • Asbestos-related lung cancer
  • Asbestos-related pleural disease
  • Asbestos-related laryngeal cancer
  • Other asbestos-related conditions

Each condition has specific criteria and medical evidence requirements. Urgent assessment and legal support are particularly important for mesothelioma claims.
To establish work-related asbestos exposure, you need to show:
  • When and where you were exposed to asbestos
  • The type of work you performed
  • The duration of exposure
  • The products or materials you worked with
  • Your working conditions
  • Whether protective equipment was provided
  • Details of your employers during exposure periods
  • Witness statements from co-workers (where possible)

Your lawyer can help gather evidence, even for exposures that occurred many years ago.

Time limits for asbestos claims have special considerations:

  • Claims should be made as soon as possible after diagnosis
  • The long latency period of asbestos diseases is recognised
  • Urgent claims processes exist for mesothelioma cases
  • Time limits may be extended in certain circumstances
  • Different time frames apply for dust diseases tribunal claims
  • Each case is assessed on its individual circumstances
  • Prompt legal advice is essential after diagnosis
The Dust Diseases Authority (DDA) provides important services:
  • Arranges free medical examinations
  • Organises lung function tests
  • Provides chest x-rays and CT scans
  • Investigates exposure claims
  • Awards weekly compensation if eligible
  • Monitors health for any deterioration
  • Maintains ongoing medical surveillance
  • Provides support throughout the process

No costs are charged for DDA medical examinations and assessments.
Through the Dust Diseases Tribunal, you may be entitled to claim:
  • Pain and suffering compensation
  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Past and future care and assistance
  • Past and future economic loss
  • Weekly compensation payments
  • Treatment and medication costs
  • Travel expenses for medical treatment
  • Domestic assistance

Different entitlements may apply depending on your specific condition and circumstances.

Stacks Goudkamp offers specialist expertise in asbestos claims:

  • Extensive experience in dust diseases claims
  • Compassionate and respectful handling of claims
  • No win, no pay arrangement
  • Specialist knowledge of the Dust Diseases Tribunal
  • Understanding of complex medical evidence
  • Access to medical and occupational experts
  • Ability to expedite urgent claims
  • Comprehensive support throughout the process

The Dust Diseases Tribunal (DDT) is a specialist tribunal that:

  • Has specific jurisdiction over dust-related conditions
  • Operates with specialised procedures for asbestos cases
  • Fast-tracks claims for terminal conditions
  • Allows claims against multiple defendants
  • Can preserve evidence through early hearings
  • Understands complex medical evidence
  • Has expertise in historical workplace exposures
  • Provides a more streamlined process than regular courts


Legal representation is essential to navigate this specialist jurisdiction effectively.

Claims can still proceed if your employer no longer exists:

  • Claims can be made against the company’s insurers
  • Historical insurance records can be traced
  • The DDT maintains records of defendant companies
  • Claims can be made against parent companies
  • Multiple defendants may be involved
  • Special provisions exist for defunct companies
  • Alternative claim pathways may be available
  • The DDA scheme operates on a ‘no fault’ basis

Family members may be entitled to claim in certain circumstances:

  • Dependants can claim after a person’s death
  • Claims can continue if started before death
  • Family members exposed to asbestos dust through washing work clothes
  • Carers may claim for assistance provided
  • Estate claims can be pursued
  • Compensation for funeral expenses
  • Support for family members during the claim process
  • Access to family counselling services
Important evidence for asbestos claims includes:
  • Medical diagnosis and reports
  • Employment history records
  • Witness statements from co-workers
  • Documentation of asbestos exposure
  • Historical workplace records
  • Evidence of disability and symptoms
  • Financial records for economic loss
  • Care and assistance details
  • Specialist medical opinions

Stacks Goudkamp can help gather the necessary evidence, even for exposures that occurred decades ago.

MEET THE TEAM

Anna Tavianatos

Practice Group Leader
Anna is an experienced and personable personal injury lawyer who specialises in assisting injured workers. Anna primarily handles Workers Compensation

Krystal Parisis

Special Counsel
Krystal specialises in assisting workers access the compensation and support they need after suffering a workplace accident.

WHAT CAN I CLAIM COMPENSATION FOR?

If you have sustained an injury or illness at work, it can have a devastating effect on your life and finances. In the event you have been injured at work, you may be eligible to receive weekly payments, reasonably necessary treatment expenses, and the possibility of a tax-free lump sum payment.

You may be able to claim the following compensation:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Permanent impairment
  • Past and future earning losses and loss of working and earning capacities
  • Medical and other expenses
  • Rehabilitation expenses
  • Travel expenses
  • Domestic assistance due to your injuries and restrictions
  • Benefits for death of a worker

The amount of compensation you will receive depends on many factors; these include:

  • The severity of your injuries
  • Your age
  • If your employer was negligent
  • Your working conditions
  • Your capacity for work
  • Dependent on meeting different thresholds
  • How the injuries occurred, specifically in relation to psychological injuries
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Such as:

The Stacks Goudkamp way

We are dedicated and the leading No Win, No Fee personal injury lawyers in NSW. For over 40 years, Stacks Goudkamp has been helping injured Australians to receive the compensation they need and deserve.

We are dedicated and the leading No Win, No Fee personal injury lawyers in NSW. For
over 40 years, Stacks Goudkamp has been helping injured Australians to receive the
compensation they need and deserve.

Reach Out

Call or Email us to start the process and to receive expert legal advice for personal injury or compensation claims. Seek the professional support you deserve on (02) 4058 2715 or enquire online through our website.

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We are just a call or email away. Do not struggle with complex personal injury claims processes and in dealing with insurance companies on your own. We are here to listen and to help you to get the compensation you deserve.

Free Initial Consultation

We will not charge you for a comprehensive initial consultation where we will listen to your needs and provide you with free detailed advice. Compassion is what drives us. You can be sure that your questions will be answered.

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Here, we will explain the next steps and what it takes to achieve the best possible outcome.

No Win, No Fee

We will not require you to pay our legal fees, or any expenses (disbursements), unless we win your personal injury claim i.e you receive compensation. We know that being injured can result in terrible financial pressures.

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We pride ourselves on giving every injured Australian the peace of mind that we will look after them by acting on a no win no fee basis for their compensation claims.

CONTACT US

Contact your local team for a free consultation to find out if you are eligible for compensation

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I could write a book as to how the last 4 years would have been different if not for Tom and his team.
The support, assistance, advice from the first conversation till even after the settlement was second to none from the team at Stacks Goudkamp.
Four years on and after many downs, my children and I have our lives back.
We are unable to THANK YOU enough, but know that you have changed our lives for the better in so many ways since the accident.