Bourke Legal

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Bourke Legal

Workers compensation lawyers representing Emergency Services First Responders - Police, Firefighters and Paramedics across NSW.

27/08/2026

Thank you so much for the kind words, Jack!

25/08/2026

Waiting for Centrelink clearance can feel frustrating, but it serves an important purpose.

Centrelink checks whether your personal injury settlement covers the same lost income period as any benefits you received. It then confirms whether money must be repaid and whether a preclusion period applies, during which you cannot receive benefits because your payout covers that time.

The defendant or insurer cannot legally release your settlement funds before clearance is issued. Paying earlier could leave you facing a significant repayment later.

To help avoid unnecessary delays, tell your lawyer early about Centrelink payments, keep your letters and payment summaries, plan ahead, and ask how any repayment or waiting period was calculated.

Contact Bourke Legal to discuss what happens next: www.bourkelegal.com

21/08/2026

If you're a NSW Police Officer who's been hurt on duty, understanding your compensation entitlements and what to do next can feel complicated.

We help NSW Police Officers navigate hurt on duty compensation claims, including claims for medical expenses and lump sum compensation.

Our focus is on providing clear, practical advice about your options, your entitlements and the claims process, so you can make informed decisions about your situation.

Read more at https://bourkelegal.com/nsw/compensation-new-south-wales-police-officers/ or call us on 1300 026 875.

18/08/2026

As a Director at Bourke Legal, Melissa Arndell has a particular interest in helping emergency service workers and first responders navigate the workers’ compensation system.

Police officers, paramedics, firefighters and other emergency workers can be exposed to confronting and traumatic situations as part of their work. When an injury — including a psychological injury such as PTSD — affects their ability to work and live their usual life, understanding their rights and accessing appropriate support can feel overwhelming.

Melissa brings experience in workers’ compensation law together with a calm, compassionate approach. She takes the time to listen, understand what her clients are experiencing and help them navigate the legal process with clarity and confidence.

For Melissa, it’s about helping the people who spend their careers helping others.

👉 Learn more about Melissa and how Bourke Legal can assist emergency service workers:
https://bourkelegal.com/melissa-arndell/

11/08/2026

Injured while serving NSW? Know what you may be entitled to.

Bourke Legal helps NSW Police Officers, Paramedics and Firefighters with claims arising from injuries sustained on duty. Depending on your circumstances, this may include medical expenses, make-up pay, permanent impairment payments or work injury damages.

We can also explain medical discharge, TPD lump sums and what happens if you cannot return to work or leave your role.

Book a free, no-obligation consultation. No legal fees are payable unless your case succeeds.

04/08/2026

Can your employment be terminated while you're on workers compensation?

It's one of the most common fears we hear — and that fear alone can stop people from claiming the support they're entitled to.

In NSW, employers generally cannot dismiss you simply because you've made a workers compensation claim or because you're injured, for at least the first 6 months. There are legal protections in place, and employers who dismiss workers to avoid a claim can face serious consequences.

That doesn't mean every situation is straightforward. Every workplace, injury, and claim is different. But fear of losing your job shouldn't be the reason you stay silent about a workplace injury.

If you're feeling pressured, worried about your position, or unsure where you stand, a free case assessment can help you understand your rights.

Talk to the team today at Bourke Legal. Call: 1300 026 875 or visit www.bourkelegal.com

02/08/2026

Meet Jessica Flick, Director at Bourke Legal.

A proud Northern Rivers local, Jessica has dedicated her legal career to standing up for injured NSW workers, with a particular focus on helping front-line emergency workers access the compensation and support they deserve.

Since joining Bourke Legal in 2014 and being admitted to the Supreme Court of NSW in 2015, Jessica has developed extensive expertise in complex workers' compensation and work-related disease claims. She is known for her ability to navigate even the most challenging cases, helping injured emergency workers achieve outstanding outcomes while providing compassionate support every step of the way.

Jessica is passionate about giving injured emergency workers a voice during some of the most difficult periods of their lives.

If you're an injured NSW emergency worker, Jessica and the Bourke Legal team are here to help you understand your rights and guide you through every stage of your workers' compensation claim.

Learn more about Jessica Flick at https://bourkelegal.com/jessica-flick/ or contact Bourke Legal on 1300 026 875.

30/07/2026

Are you a police officer affected by pre-88 injury compensation rules, or supporting someone who is? Bourke Legal's podcast episode with Director, Melissa Arndell explores what "pre-88ers" means and why it matters for NSW police officers' compensation claims.

Listen to the podcast: https://bourkelegal.com/pre88-police-officers-injury-compensation/ or contact Bourke Legal on 1300 026 875.

28/07/2026

If you're a police officer or ambulance paramedic dealing with PTSD after being hurt on duty, getting the right legal guidance can make a real difference.

Bourke Legal Lawyers specialises in hurt on duty claims for police officers and ambulance, paramedics and all emergency workers.

Find out more at https://bourkelegal.com/nsw/hurt-on-duty/ or call Bourke Legal Lawyers on 1300 026 875.

26/07/2026

When NSW emergency workers are injured in the line of duty, they deserve legal support from someone who understands the unique challenges they face.

Meet Pania Watt, Director at Bourke Legal. Pania has built a strong reputation representing injured workers across NSW, with a particular focus on helping police officers, paramedics, firefighters and other emergency service workers navigate complex workers' compensation and PTSD claims.

She has been recognised in the Doyle's Guide as a Recommended Plaintiff Workers Compensation Lawyer in New South Wales and is known for her practical, compassionate and straightforward approach.

At Bourke Legal, the team is committed to standing beside those who dedicate their lives to protecting our communities-helping them understand their rights and secure the compensation and support they deserve.

Read Pania's Profile here: https://bourkelegal.com/pania-watt/ or Call 1300 026 875

Address

Shop 17/60 Marine Parade
Ballina, NSW
2487

Telephone

+611300026875

Website

http://www.bourkelegal.com/

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