Legal Advice for Union Members in NSW

I need the support of a union lawyer in NSW

I need the support of a union lawyer in NSW

Whatever industry you are a part of, your actions and rights are under constant scrutiny. Our NSW union lawyers offer the expertise needed to defend your rights and recover your entitlements. Whether you have experienced a physical injury, have developed a psychological condition or are suffering an illness as a result of occupational exposure, we ensure you are not left worse off after being injured on the job.

Union membership gives workers a collective voice, but when a workplace incident occurs, the legal process can still be complex and overwhelming. With over 50 years of experience, you can trust our dedicated workers’ compensation lawyers for union members to step in and navigate proceedings with confidence.

With a proven track record of achieving the maximum compensation for our clients, you can rely on our expertise when you need it most. Book a Free* Consultation today; we work to a No-Win, No-Fee* policy to ensure nothing prevents you from defending your rights. (*Conditions apply).

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Personal and workplace injuries you can claim

Brydens Lawyers represents our clients across a wide range of union injury claims in NSW. Our team of specialised lawyers and solicitors can support you in the following matters:

Workers' compensation claims

If you have sustained an injury in the course of your employment, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits under the Workers' Compensation Act 1987 (NSW), regardless of who is at fault. These can include weekly benefits to replace lost income, medical and treatment expenses, and lump sum compensation for permanent impairment arising from an injury sustained.

Our workers’ compensation lawyers for union members have decades of experience navigating the ICARE system and challenging insurer decisions to secure the maximum benefits that the legislation entitles you to.

Workplace Injuries

Workplace injury claims

Where an employer’s negligence contributed to your workplace injury, you may be entitled to pursue a common law damages claim in addition to your statutory workers' compensation entitlements. Our workplace injury lawyers for union members act on your behalf to investigate the circumstances of your injury, identify the acts of negligence complained of and maximise the compensation you receive, which would include pain and suffering, loss of earning capacity and future care needs.

Occupational hazards

Union members can face a number of hazards on the worksite, many of which can have devastating effects that take several years to manifest. From hearing loss resulting from repeated exposure to unsafe machinery to asbestos- and dust-related diseases. Such conditions can tremendously impact your health and the quality of life for you and your family. Our experienced solicitors can help you collect the evidence needed to protect your interests and ensure recovery of the benefits or damages to which you are entitled.

Asbestos and Dust Diseases

Public liability claims

The circumstances of some injuries can give rise to additional claims. If you were injured as a result of the negligence of a third party, for example, on a client’s premises, in a public place, or due to a defective product, a public liability claim may be available to you as well as your workers' compensation rights. Brydens Lawyers will assess the full circumstances of your injury to identify every avenue of compensation.

Public Liability Claims

Death and dependency claims

If a family member has passed as a result of a work-related injury or illness, surviving dependants may be entitled to claim compensation under both the workers' compensation legislation and, in appropriate cases, through a common law negligence action. Our compassionate and experienced team will guide you through this process with the sensitivity it deserves.


We help union members claim the max compensation

Being injured at work can affect every aspect of your life: your income, health, ability to care for your family, and your long-term career prospects. As experienced union lawyers NSW workers depend on, Brydens Lawyers helps you understand the full scope of compensation you may be entitled to under the various schemes.

  • Weekly payments

  • Lump sum payments

  • Superannuation payments

  • Medical and treatment expenses

  • Home and car modifications

  • Common law damages

  • Pain and suffering

  • Cost of gratuitous care provided by family

  • Contribution to your court costs

  • Return to work support

  • Death damages


We actively work with NSW unions

Brydens Lawyers is a reliable legal partner for unions and union members to protect their rights. Whatever your industry, our legal team has the knowledge and experience to help you.

AMIEU: Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union

Meat industry workers face daily exposure to sharp equipment, heavy loads, extreme temperatures and repetitive manual tasks. AMIEU members who suffer injuries in abattoirs, boning rooms, processing facilities or cold storage environments may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits, lump sum impairment payments, and common law damages where employer negligence is established. As your AMIEU lawyer in NSW, we understand the physical demands of the industry and the specific injury risks its workers face day-in and day-out.

MUA: Maritime Union of Australia

Maritime workers operate in one of the most hazardous occupational environments in Australia: on vessels, at ports, on wharves and in dockyards. MUA members injured in the course of their duties may have entitlements under both state workers' compensation legislation and, in relevant circumstances, the Seafarers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act. As your MUA lawyer in NSW, Brydens Lawyers can advise you on your rights and pursue your claim across the applicable framework.

MEU: Mining and Energy Union

Mining and energy workers face serious and life-altering injury risks, from traumatic accidents underground and at open-cut sites to long-term occupational diseases, including dust-related lung conditions. As your MEU lawyer in NSW, Brydens Lawyers has experience with the full spectrum of mining and energy injury claims, including coal dust and occupational disease matters, to ensure you are adequately covered.

AWU: Australian Workers Union

The AWU represents workers across a broad range of industries, including construction, manufacturing, food processing, agriculture and warehousing. As your AWU lawyer in NSW, Brydens Lawyers can assess your entitlements and pursue every avenue of compensation available to you, from weekly payments through to common law damages.

Police Association of NSW

NSW Police officers are regularly exposed to physical violence, traumatic incidents and the cumulative psychological toll of frontline law enforcement. As your NSW Police Association lawyer, Brydens Lawyers understands the unique occupational pressures officers face and the sensitivity required in managing these claims.

POVB: Prison Officers Vocational Branch

Prison officers face unique risks that demand specialised legal support. A NSW union lawyer experienced with POVB members understands the realities of working in a correctional environment, including workplace injuries arising from assaults and accidents, adverse action matters, and enterprise agreement breaches. With expertise in Workplace, Health and Safety (WHS), Fair Work processes, and NSW public sector legislation, a dedicated union lawyer ensures POVB members can protect their careers, health, and livelihoods.

PSA: Public Service Association of NSW

PSA members working across government departments, agencies, hospitals and community services are exposed to various physical and psychological injuries and even assault as a result of their work. Our PSA lawyers in NSW can advise you on your rights and pursue the maximum compensation you are entitled to, regardless of who was at fault.

ETU: Electrical Trades Union

Electricians operate in environments carrying serious risks of electrocution, burns, falls from height and manual handling injuries. As your ETU lawyer in NSW, Brydens Lawyers will ensure your claim is pursued thoroughly and your entitlements are protected.

Australian Paramedics Association NSW

As a paramedic, you regularly put yourself at risk in the course of life-saving work. Back and musculoskeletal injuries from patient handling are common, as are cumulative psychological injuries from repeated exposure to traumatic events. As your Australian Paramedics Association NSW lawyer, Brydens Lawyers will fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for injuries sustained in the line of duty.


We represent union members across Sydney and Regional NSW

Brydens Lawyers serves union members across all of New South Wales, not just Sydney. Whether you are based in a regional centre or a metropolitan suburb, our team is available to assist you. We regularly act for clients in:


Why union members choose Brydens Lawyers

When you have been injured, choosing the right legal team matters. Here is why union members across NSW have trusted Brydens Lawyers for over 50 years:

  • Over 50 years of legal experience Brydens Lawyers has been providing expert legal advice for union members in NSW since the early 1970s. We carry a vaunted reputation for successfully prosecuting injury claims for our clients, securing them the maximum compensation to which they are entitled.

  • Easy-to-understand advice The law can be complex, but you deserve to understand exactly where your claim stands and what your options are. We communicate clearly, without unnecessary jargon, at every stage of the process.

  • Confidential consultations Everything you tell us is treated with the strictest confidence. We will listen to your situation without judgment and advise you honestly on your prospects, with no pressure or obligation.

  • No-Win, No-Fee* for eligible matters For eligible personal injury matters, Brydens Lawyers acts on a No-Win, No-Fee* basis. This means you do not have to pay if we cannot successfully argue your case. (*Conditions apply).

  • We speak your language We are proud to employ a diverse, multilingual team who can confidently discuss your case in Arabic, Mandarin, Vietnamese and several other languages, so you know where you stand at all times.


Speak to a lawyer about your situation

If you have been injured at work or if you need legal advice about your workplace rights as a union member in NSW, do not wait. Strict time limits apply to workers' compensation and personal injury claims, and the sooner you seek legal advice, the better your prospects of achieving the best possible outcome.

Contact Brydens Lawyers today for a confidential, no-obligation discussion about your situation. We are here to help you get the compensation you deserve.

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FAQs - for union members

What injuries can a union lawyer in NSW represent me for?

Our workplace injury lawyers for union members can defend your right to compensation, whether you were at fault or not. Applicable workplace injuries can include:

  1. Physical injuries: Broken bones, sprains and strains (including back injuries), cuts, lacerations, burns, amputations, crushed limbs, and damage to joints or muscles.
  2. Psychological injuries: Work-related stress, anxiety, depression and PTSD arising from bullying, harassment or exposure to traumatic events.
  3. Chronic and long-term conditions: Conditions that develop gradually due to the nature of your work, including industrial deafness, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis and repetitive strain injury (RSI).
  4. Occupational diseases: Work-related illnesses such as asbestosis, silicosis, occupational cancers and lead poisoning.
  5. Aggravation of pre-existing conditions: A workplace injury or activity that worsens an existing condition, such as arthritis, may give rise to a valid claim.

Are there time limits to lodge a workplace injury claim for union members?

You should lodge a claim within 6-months of the injury or from the moment you discovered latent injuries. It is best to speak to a union lawyer in NSW as soon as possible, as any delays can leave your case vulnerable to challenges.

How long does it take to resolve a work injury claim?

In most cases, you will be provided preliminary weekly payments by your employer’s insurer to cover your initial costs until your matter is settled. Many union worker compensation claims are resolved after 6 months; however, in exceptional cases, it can take over a year

Which unions does Brydens Lawyers work with?

Our NSW lawyers for union members are experienced in representing clients across all industries. We have successfully served clients in:

  • AMIEU: Australasian Meat Industry Employees Union
  • MUA: Maritime Union of Australia
  • MEU: Mining and Energy Union
  • AWU: Australian Workers Union
  • Police Association of NSW
  • POVB: Prison Officers Vocational Branch
  • PSA: Public Service Association of NSW
  • ETU: Electrical Trades Union
  • Australian Paramedics Association NSW