A MOTHER and daughter combination has launched a dedicated personal injury division at a Mildura-based law firm to address the “growing number” of workplace and road incidents in the region.
Joining Maloney Anderson Legal last month as a senior associate, Nina Smart said the number of personal injury cases across the region was rising.
“We are a growing farming region with many itinerant, non-English-speaking workers from overseas so we’re seeing accidents there,” she said.
“And on the roads, there is increased traffic, especially during harvest, roads in disrepair as a result of recent weather events and mobile phones are also causing distractions and mishaps.
“But we’re also seeing a rise in Workcover and TAC disputes from insurance companies who refuse to pay workers their entitlements and fund necessary medical treatment and that’s where we come in to help.”
Well-known throughout Sunraysia via her roles on various health, ethnic and community support boards and committees, Nina brings 28 years of experience in personal injury law.
The division – which has a no-win, no-fee policy – will add to the firm’s suite of services which includes commercial, criminal and family law.
“While the work can be difficult, with clients coming to terms with their injuries, becoming frustrated they can no longer work, struggling to pay household bills and receiving medical treatment, the work is also extremely rewarding,” Nina said.
“We walk alongside them throughout this journey.”
Daughter Sophie, 23, takes on the position of law clerk to complement her tertiary studies in international relations and human rights law.
“Mum inspires me a lot,” she said. “She has helped so many people through their struggles and has made a huge impact on their lives for the better.
“I remember when I was in grade three at school I wanted to be a lawyer just like mum, who was studying, and now that I am studying, I also want to help as many people as possible.
“Our job, together, is to be by people’s side when they need help the most.
“None of us ever knows when we will be in the same position, injured and in need of a guiding hand.”
Already the duo have become known as “The Smarties”, and Nina said they are focused on an empathetic approach to clients.
“It’s a rare joy to work alongside your daughter like this to achieve outcomes that help the growing number of people impacted by workplace and road accidents,” Nina said.
“Sophie and I think the same way and hold similar social justice values and a shared compassion for those whose lives have been uprooted by injury at work or on our roads.
“My father worked in unions and I think I and, in turn, Sophie, inherited from him a robust fervor to fight for what people are entitled to.”
In addition to Mildura, the firm – which also offers services in industrial, conveyancing and property law, wills, probate and estate planning – has offices at Wentworth and Ouyen.
