Adelaide Lawyers

Personal Injury Law

Experienced advice to assist you through the injury claims process

Evans Testa branded letterhead.

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.

  • Motor Vehicle Accidents

    Motor Vehicle Accident injuries can be significant and affect your ability to work and undertake activities of daily living. You may be entitled to claim for injury caused by another person in a motor vehicle accident, and you may be compensated for income lost due to being unable to work because of your injuries. The claims process is complex and legal help is advisable.

  • 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.

  • Medical Negligence

    Medical Negligence covers an area of law where a person can claim for injuries due to reasons including a medical professional failing to diagnose or incorrect treatments.

ET Law business cards and pens on a table.

8,000+

Matters handled

We have handled over 8,000 matters, with many that are repeat clients.

Phil Testa in front of ET Law signage.

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 South Australia logo.

    Law Society of South Australia

  • High Court of Australia logo.

    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,

Lauri Evans & Phil Testa

ET Law Logo
Lauri Evans and Phil Testa, founders of Evans Testa.

Case Studies

Real outcomes for real people. These case studies show how we approach a matter and the difference the right representation can make.

  • Falling in a shopping centre

    An early-twenties client fell in a shopping centre through someone else's negligence and wanted their medical expenses covered.

    Context

    • Public liability claim.
    • They were injured after falling in a shopping centre due to someone else's negligence. They wanted their medical expenses paid.
    • Early twenties.

    Consequences

    • No compensation for medical expenses or lost income.
    • Upset.

    Challenges

    • The person was extremely emotional.
    • The insurer sought proof of the claim.

    Strategy

    • We engaged an investigator to take a history regarding the incident before progressing the claim.
    • Contacted the insurer.

    Outcome

    • A financial settlement was reached.
    • Treatment and losses were covered.

    Our advice

    Get advice in their situation.

  • Compensation after a pedestrian was struck by a motor vehicle

    A teenage student was struck by a motor vehicle and needed compensation for their injuries and the impact on their studies.

    Context

    • Motor vehicle accident.
    • The client was a student struck by a motor vehicle.
    • The client was a teenage student.

    Consequences

    • No compensation for being unable to attend studies or work, and future effects of the injuries.
    • Anxious.

    Challenges

    • The effects of the injuries on the client were profound.
    • Liability had to be established.

    Strategy

    • We worked through each aspect of the claim, obtaining relevant evidence.
    • Approached the insurer and medical treaters.

    Outcome

    • Compensation was paid to the client, including a substantial allowance for their legal costs.
    • The client could focus on their future.

    Our advice

    Get legal advice early on.

  • Total and Permanent Disability claim

    A middle-aged parent unable to work due to a medical condition needed their TPD insurer to accept their claim.

    Context

    • TPD claim.
    • Unable to work due to their medical condition.
    • Middle aged with children and financial commitments.

    Consequences

    • Extreme financial pressure on the client.
    • Nervous.

    Challenges

    • The client had tried to deal with the insurer without success.
    • A dispute over the existence of pre-existing injuries.

    Strategy

    • Obtained a detailed chronology of the injuries.
    • Took detailed instructions and obtained relevant medical evidence before approaching the insurer.

    Outcome

    • The client's claim was accepted and the insurer paid out the TPD claim.
    • Financial security.

    Our advice

    Get legal advice on their TPD claim.

Our Process

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. 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.

  4. 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

    Personalised service with experienced lawyers who take the time to listen and provide advice tailored to your specific needs or situation.

  • Home Visits Available

    The ability to organise home visits to prepare Wills, Powers of Attorney and Advance Care Directives.

  • No Set Formula

    We do not apply any one set formula to all our matters. Each matter is dealt with on a case by case basis.

  • Upfront Quotations

    We provide up front quotations as to the likely cost of your matter and can offer fixed fee services in some cases.

  • 24-Hour Emergency Service

    We offer a 24 hour emergency service for arrest and urgent matters, so you can reach a legal representative when you need one most.

  • First 30 Minutes Free*

    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.
  • How much will my claim be worth?
    This depends upon numerous factors including whether you were unable to work due to your injuries and whether your injuries affect your future ability to work.
  • What evidence do I need to support a claim?
    This can depend but usually includes payslips and / or reports from doctors regarding your injuries.
  • Will my medical expenses be paid for?

    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.

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.