Workers accessing benefits under the Workers Compensation Scheme would be familiar with their obligation to obtain certificates of capacity as a means of producing evidence on their capacity to work. Until recently, the Workers Compensation Act required certificates of capacity to be issued by workers’ nominated treating doctors. […]
The age of the digital world is rapidly progressing, forcing us to confront previously unthought of and potentially uncomfortable situations. Almost everyone has some form of online social presence. Most people however, give little thought to what happens to their social media presence when they die. […]
On 24 April 2020, new legislation came into effect in NSW aimed at protecting eligible tenants under retail and commercial leases. Under the new Retail and Other Commercial Leases (COVID-19) Regulation 2020, between 24 April 2020 and 25 October 2020, if a tenant of a retail or commercial lease fails to pay rent, fails to pay outgoings (like rates, strata fees, etc), or is not open for business during the hours specified in the lease, the landlord cannot (among other things): […]
Hypothetical by Manny Wood published in the Coffs Coast Advocate on 23 May 2020. Amelia suffered brain damage at birth causing severe cognitive impairment and severe communication impairment. Amelia’s parents separated two years after her birth. They have since remarried and both have had two more children. Amelia’s mother, Carol was her primary carer during her childhood. Both of Carol’s children to her new partner have a loving relationship with Amelia. […]
Hypothetical by Manny Wood published in the Coffs Coast Advocate on 16 May 2020. Between 2008 to 2012, Jane underwent several pap smears and cervical biopsies which were wrongly reported by her hospital. By the time the errors were detected in 2013, Jane was diagnosed with cervical cancer. Unfortunately, the cancer had advanced beyond the scope of surgical intervention and left Jane with one option; to undergo chemotherapy and endure the associated side effects, including infertility. Determined to have children, Jane had eight of her eggs cryo-preserved and decided to pursue a commercial surrogacy arrangement in California, using two of her own eggs and two donor eggs. [...]
Hypothetical by Manny Wood published in the Coffs Coast Advocate on 9 May 2020. Robert and Mary wish to seek legal advice in relation to their estate planning and have new documents drafted and executed. Robert has been told by his doctor that in light of the coronavirus threat, he is in a high-risk category and it is important that he self-isolates and that he does not leave the house. Mary contacts their solicitor and is advised that new regulations have recently been passed that allow documents to be witnessed via video link. The solicitor is happy to talk to Robert and Mary over the phone, to ascertain [...]
Hypothetical by Manny Wood published in the Coffs Coast Advocate on 2 May 2020. Caitlin and her de facto partner, Tom, were employed as job recruiters by their family company. They worked from home and had two dependent children. Unfortunately, Caitlin fell victim to paranoid delusions and was convinced that Tom was conspiring with another agency to take her clients and undermine her career. She also suspected him of spying on her and recording their conversations. […]
Workplace Issues for Employers and Employees During the COVID-19 crisis, there have been a number of information releases directed to employers from public authorities. Unfortunately, in some circumstances, the recommendations made appeared to be contradictory. […]
Personal Injury Law Workers’ Compensation In recent months, there has been an increased uptake in work-from-home arrangements resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic. This shift in work environments has raised concerns over whether the NSW Workers’ Compensation Scheme continues to cover workers who have sustained an injury at home during work hours. […]
Estate Planning Due to fears surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic, Ticli Blaxland Lawyers have experienced an influx of enquiries regarding Wills, Powers of Attorney and Appointments of Enduring Guardian which can now be witnessed remotely. The community can rest assured we are open for business as usual and that our legal team is ready to assist with any estate planning enquiries in a quick and safe manner. […]