Have you suffered an injury at a coal mine?
We help injured coal miners and their families as they navigate the claims process.
We’ve grown up in multi-generational coal mining families so deeply understand the needs of injured miners and their families.
We know how tough it is on everyone financially and emotionally if you are missing work, or have to take on lesser duties, and that is why we do all we can to help coal miners and adjacent workers seek compensation.
If you suffered a physical or psychological injury while working at a coal mine we are here to assist. There is no cost to seek assistance and get advice in NSW under the relevant laws so please don’t hesitate to get in touch if cost is a concern.
We can help you seek compensation if you have been injured at work including:
Physical Injuries like back and spinal injuries, muscular injuries, shoulder and knee injuries, nerve injuries, CRPS, head injuries, broken bones or fractures.
Physical Injuries
Psychological & Psychiatric Injuries
Psychological and psychiatric injuries like depression, anxiety or PTSD.
Diseases like respiratory diseases, coal miners pneumoconiosis or “black lung”, hearing loss and industrial deafness.
Diseases
Historic injuries that you may not have been compensated for or if you have injuries arising from the general nature and conditions of your work.
Historic Injuries
We understand that an injury working at a mine has the ability to turn your life upside down. It is our role to help and guide you through the legal process and get the compensation you are entitled to.
Unlike other firms our partners are part of the community and manage every file, so you can rest assured you are getting the best, most responsive service.
Our team of senior lawyers have the very best experience successfully helping miners throughout NSW seek compensation for their workplace injuries.
Experience
We’re proud to have offices in Branxton and Gunnedah where we live, and we support miners throughout the coal fields of NSW.
Local
We know everyone’s situation is different and that personalised service and advice are critical to the best outcomes.
Dependable
“Thanks again for the excellent result in my recent compensation case. My experience was as you described at our initial meeting. I received Professional service in a very personalised manner. All my questions and concerns I had were answered, which is reassuring in what can seem a daunting process. Thanks again to everyone at Shaw and Bunner I would not hesitate to recommend your service to anyone requiring it.”
Regards, SB.
“Thank you for your care, support and hard work over the last few years. It has certainly been a roller coaster of emotions but I am so thankful to have had your support and direction. I am glad that this process has come to an end and I can begin to work on the future with my children.”
Thank you again, AS.
“Thanks so much, both of you. This is a big moment for us, not just the money, but being able to close the book on all of it. I appreciate all your hard work.”
Thanks again, TD.
Our recent client success story
Our client had worked in the underground mining industry for 40 years and had a near-death experience whilst working underground. Our client developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as a result and his claim was denied by Coal Mines Insurance. We were successful in overturning that decision and were also able to explore claims for permanent impairment and pain and suffering arising from numerous physical injuries our client had sustained whilst working underground. We were able to achieve an overall Redemption settlement for our client.
Our client was a contract dump truck operator working at an open cut coal mine when they sustained serious spinal injuries whilst being loaded by a digger. We were able to assist in a claim for damages against the occupier of the mine site and advise our client on their separate entitlement as against the employer, the contract labour hire company. These rights interacted together on settlement which was significant in the case, as well as advising on the distinct industrial issues that were relevant to our client’s circumstances.
About Shaw & Bunner Legal
Kerri Shaw
Kerri is passionate about building strong relationships with her clients, and applying her wealth of legal knowledge to individual client situations to help them understand their legal rights. Kerri attended the University of Newcastle, where she graduated with Honours from a dual Bachelor degree in Laws and Business. During her studies, Kerri gained experience working at the Newcastle University Community Legal Centre. And, whilst working in a national law firm for ten years, she developed specialised knowledge in personal injury law and extensive experience with the Courts.
CO-FOUNDER
Gemma Bunner
Gemma is a real people-person with a genuine passion and desire to ensure people are treated fairly. Gemma enjoys meeting new clients, listening to their story, and applying the law to offer solutions and peace of mind. Gemma graduated with Honours from a dual Arts/Law degree in 2006, spending some time in the United Kingdom focussing on international human rights. Following her studies, Gemma worked for a national law firm based in Sydney and Newcastle for over ten years where she specialised in personal injury work. In 2012 Gemma was recognised by the NSW Law Society as an Accredited Specialist in the area of Personal Injury Law.
CO-FOUNDER
Legal Costs
Under the coal mining workers compensation scheme, you can receive legal advice and assistance to make a claim at no cost to you.
If your claim is successful, you do not pay legal fees for the work we do with respect to your claim. Our fees are paid by the workers compensation insurer, generally Coal Mines Insurance.
On successful completion of the claim, you can also recover the cost of any disbursements incurred in your matter. Disbursements are expenses payable to a third party - such as doctors report fees, payment for clinical notes.
If your claim is unsuccessful, you do not have to pay legal fees - we simply do not get paid. The only time you would be required to pay any legal fees is if a Court found that your claim was fraudulent.
