Legislation in Victoria now protects the medical and counselling records of victims of sexual assault from disclosure in Court hearings.[1] The legislation is directed at:- ‘remedying the mischief of sexual assault victims being deterred from reporting or giving full information to doctors or counsellors in the course of their treatment, because of uncertainty and fear […]
Insights Categories: Litigation
Feb 5, 2019
INSIGHT: Federal Court confirms strict interpretation of the 80/20 rule under the Health Insurance Act 1973
In a recent decision, the Federal Court of Australia confirmed that health care practitioners alleged to have engaged in ‘inappropriate practice’ in providing 80 or more professional services on each of 20 or more days during a relevant period are burdened with the evidentiary onus of establishing that there was an absence of alternative medical […]
May 31, 2018
INSIGHT: Sparks v Hobson; Gray v Hobson [2018] NSWCA 29: Is this a prelude to the expansion of the peer professional opinion defence in NSW?
A recent decision by the NSW Court of Appeal has given rise to hopes that the current interpretation of the words “competent professional practice” as they appear in section 5O of the Civil Liability Act 2002 (NSW) (the Act) may soon be revised. Two members of the judiciary commented critically on the standing interpretation of […]
Apr 7, 2017
INSIGHT: Meridian Lawyers named in Best Lawyers in Australia 2018 edition
Media Release: Australia’s Best Lawyers announcement on 7 April 2017 named Meridian Lawyers Special Counsel Peter Axelrod as a Lawyer of the Year for Aviation Law, following his recognition by Best Lawyers® in this area of law for the past 10 years. Meridian Lawyers congratulates seven Principals for their recognition as amongst the best in Australia in the 10th […]
Feb 29, 2016
INSIGHT: When is an expert the right expert?
Posted by Julie Somerville, Principal Meridian Lawyers: Expert conclaves are here to stay and, despite there being differing views as to their cost effectiveness, issues often arise as to who should participate in the conclave and who possesses the correct expertise to opine on an issue. Last year I wrote about the need to ensure that the […]
Aug 4, 2014
INSIGHT: The dentist as an independent expert witness
When a patient sues a dentist alleging negligence it is the role of the court to weigh up the evidence and then make a determination – unless the parties resolve the dispute otherwise. This involves making findings of fact (e.g. the dentist did not perform an x-ray before proceeding with treatment) and then applying the […]