This master class on catastrophic injuries offers you the opportunity to delve into issues that occur when dealing with these complex claims. Be guided through the concerns of causation and liability as well as gain practical guidance on acting for a minor. In addition, explore assessment of damages and walk away with a comprehensive exploration of catastrophic injuries. 

Presenters

Mr. Graham Droppert SC, Albert Wolff Chambers
Graham was called to the bar in 1996 after practicing in industrial law and personal injury litigation as a solicitor for 8 years. In the years that followed, his involvement in large cases involving brain injury, spinal injuries and major medical negligence led to a greater concentration on personal injury litigation. He was appointed Senior Counsel in 2020 and was the National President of the Australian Lawyers Alliance between 2020 and 2022. He has represented Bangladesh as its Honorary Consul-General. Graham also enjoys engaging in the building of the capacity of the State to meet the many demands for a skilled workforce in the years to come through the North Metro TAFE.

Mr. Neil Morrissey, Barrister, Albert Wolff Chambers
Growing up on a remote pastoral property, Neil broke family tradition by choosing a career in the legal profession. Neil's practice is predominantly in the area of civil litigation with a focus on personal injuries cases. Prior to joining the independent bar he was a solicitor at Bradford & Co. In 2013 Neil completed a Master of Laws at the University of Western Australia with his primary research area being negligence liability. He has a special interest in trial and appellate advocacy and has appeared on behalf of clients in most courts. Neil is a LexisNexis Author co-authoring Practical Guidance for the Western Australian Supreme and District Courts. Neil's notable cases include New South Wales v DC [2017] HCA 22 (led) (abuse of minors), Engine Protection Equipment Pty Ltd v Miller [2018] WASCA 55 (workers' compensation), Cullen v Woodside Energy Pty Ltd [2021] WADC 56 (workers' compensation), Gentle v Wright [2021] WADC 63 (landlord and tenant), Jenner v Mundrabilla Roadhouse Pty Ltd [2021] WADC 59 (occupiers' liability), RLA Morgans v Vrebac [2022] WADC 86 (workers' compensation/statutory construction), Delgado v Bevchain Pty Limited [2022] WADC 98 (discovery) and Praetz v Sodexo Australia Pty Ltd [2023] WADC 48 (pleadings). Neil is a member of the RSPCA's pro bono legal panel and is the current Western Australian State President of the Australian Lawyers Alliance. Outside of work Neil is a qualified aerial mustering pilot and has spent time mustering in the East Kimberley region and in the Northern Territory.

Mr. Robert McCabe, Barrister, Albert Wolff Chambers
Robert McCabe was admitted as a practitioner of the Supreme Court of Western Australia in 2008 and joined the Bar in 2013. Robert's practice has been predominantly in personal injury litigation. Robert has represented individuals and employers in various Courts and Tribunals including Work Cover WA, the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, the District Court and the Western Australian Court of Appeal.

Mr. David Burton, Partner, McCabes
Since 1986, David has acted exclusively for insurers and self-insureds in the defence and management of general insurance, public liability, employer's liability, workers' compensation and compulsory third party motor vehicle claims. He is also widely regarded as a leading practitioner in personal and catastrophic injury claims in Western Australia. His expertise and skills focus particularly on: advising on the assessment of damages for catastrophic, psychiatric and personal injury claims; defending claims as trial counsel or appeal advocacy; establishing potential rights of recovery against other tortfeasors; determining liability for workers' compensation, public and employer's liability, CTP, negligence and contribution cases and; providing opinions on insurance indemnity issues involving personal injuries. David's negotiation skills are well honed and he always seeks to avoid exposing his clients to expensive, protracted and unnecessary litigation costs. When claims have proceeded to trial, David has achieved impressive results at trial or on appeal for insurers and self-insured clients.