Areas of Personal Injury Law We Cover
Our vast experience allows us to provide you with expert guidance in pursuing claims for injury sustained in numerous situations.
Product Liability
Product Liability allows people who suffer injury or loss as the result of a defective product to take legal action for compensation.
A product is defective if it does not provide the level of safety that the community generally is entitled to expect. A company who either manufactured, supplied or imported the product may be liable. Management of these claims is complicated and legal guidance is a necessity.
Professional Negligence
Professional Negligence may involve injury or loss suffered due to a professional failing to provide a service with the degree of skill expected of them. Such professionals may include accountants, engineers and health practitioners.
This area of law is complex and requires expert legal advice.
Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) Claims
Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) Claims are lump sum payments paid as a result of a person sustaining injury. They are usually made through an insurer or a superannuation fund.
To lodge a successful claim, a person usually has to prove that they are unable to perform their normal working role or any suitable work in light of their experience, education or training.
In effect, a person must show that they are unfit to undertake work that they have the skills to do. The disability does not have to be work related and may, for example, include mental illness, MS, chronic fatigue syndrome, car accident injuries or injuries sustained due to a fall. The claims process is often daunting and legal guidance is a necessity.
Criminal Injuries Compensation
Criminal Injuries Compensation allows for victims of criminal acts to be compensated for their injuries.
8,000+
Matters handled
We have handled over 8,000 matters, with many that are repeat clients.
Phil Testa
Partner
Barrister & Solicitor
24 years of experience
Meet Phil Testa
Phil Testa was admitted to practice in 2002 after completing a double degree in Arts and Law at Adelaide University. He has considerable experience in general legal practice and has worked at various firms. Phil has also worked at Allianz SA – CTP managing claims involving major and catastrophic injury. He practices in all areas specialising in Civil Litigation, Family Law, Personal Injury Law and Wills and Estates. He was a member of the Law Society’s Accident and Compensation Committee for numerous years. Over the years, Phil has successfully handled large and complex matters involving personal injury (Common Law, Workers Compensation, Motor Vehicle Accidents) and general Civil Litigation. He has also developed a keen interest in all aspects of Family Law.
Phil is:
- a Barrister and Solicitor admitted to practice in both the Supreme Court of S.A. and the High Court of Australia.
- a member of both the Law Society of South Australia and the Law Council of Australia (Family Law Section).
Law Society of South Australia
High Court of Australia
A Letter from Lauri & Phil
Lauri and Phil commenced working together in 2007 before starting Evans Testa Lawyers. Lauri had a policing background in uniform duties, plain clothes and prosecution. Having started in 1986 and resigning in 2003, to start something fresh. As with most corporate jobs, she began to get restless. To complement work in prosecution, and to fill some extra hours, she completed her law degree after hours. An opportunity to leave the police and put the degree into action was offered and a decision influenced and supported by family was taken. At the time, the opportunity had arisen to work with a small boutique firm that provided stability and growth. After 10+ years, and too much growth, a new opportunity arose to start a small, fresh, individual firm.
After completing his studies in law, Phil worked in the insurance industry managing major and catastrophic claims. This piqued his interest in personal injury law before he worked at numerous firms practising in this and other areas. Phil has since practiced for many years in civil litigation, family law, wills and estates. After many years, Phil jumped at the opportunity to start a small firm with a completely new outlook.
Lauri and Phil commenced Evans Testa in 2013. Since then, it has grown into a firm servicing the local and wider areas in numerous practice areas.
Warm regards,
Our Process
Step 1: Initial Free* Consultation
We often initially chat over the phone or face to face about your legal matter. We take the time to talk to you so we can understand your problem and offer options as to the right path moving forward.
*Your first 30 minute personal or telephone consult is free of charge.
Step 2: Engagement
If you choose to engage our services we will clearly set out what we require from you and what the initial steps will be in handling your matter. We will also provide you a quotation for your legal fees moving forward.
We will be transparent regarding our likely fees.
Step 3: Conduct of Matter
We will keep you informed regarding the conduct of your matter and let you know what is required at each step of the process in a timely manner.
We advise you, but you will always determine the path your matter takes.
We can promise that one lawyer will handle your matters from start to finish. Your matters are also never “handballed” to a junior lawyer.
Step 4: Conclusion of your matter
We aim to conclude your matter as expeditiously as possible.
Your matter may conclude but could give rise to further related legal issues. If so, we will offer further assistance.
Why Choose ET Law
Personalised service with experienced lawyers who take the time to listen and provide advice tailored to your specific needs or situation.
The ability to organise home visits to prepare Wills, Powers of Attorney and Advance Care Directives.
We do not apply any one set formula to all our matters. Each matter is dealt with on a case by case basis.
We provide up front quotations as to the likely cost of your matter and can offer fixed fee services in some cases.
We offer a 24 hour emergency service for arrest and urgent matters, so you can reach a legal representative when you need one most.
Your first 30 minute personal or telephone consult is free of charge, so you can understand your options before you commit.
FAQs
Below are some of our more frequently asked questions for our legal services
What is personal injury law?
Personal injury law deals with situations where a person suffers injury, physical or psychological harm due to the negligence, carelessness or wrongful act of another person. The law provides a way to claim compensation for losses caused by that injury.What are the common types of personal injury claims in South Australia?
These include:
- Motor vehicle accidents – car, motorcycle and/or bicycle collisions
- Workplace injuries – including workers’ compensation claims
- Public liability claims – injuries in public places, shops or at someone else’s property
- Medical negligence – errors by doctors, hospitals or other healthcare providers
- Product liability – injury caused by defective or unsafe products
- Assault or intentional acts – injury caused as a result can sometimes be claimed for
Do time limits apply?
In general, a 3 year time limit from the injury date applies in which to claim.
In some cases, injuries do not become apparent until much later and you should seek advice.
Claims involving children have different time limits.
It is important to seek legal advice regarding injuries as soon as possible.
What proof is required in a personal injury claim?
Each type of claim is different so you should seek advice.
Proof that the injury occurred and the circumstances it occurred in is required. This may be in the form of photographs, recordings and Police / third party reports.
In general, medical evidence will be required as will evidence of lost income due to a person suffering injury.
Send us a message
Use the following form or contact us directly through phone or email.
Your first 30-minute consultation is free*.
For after hours emergency advice, call 0409 645 733.