Kate Ralph

Kate has established herself as a trusted professional within the workers compensation industry, having assisted many clients since joining Bartier Perry in 2019. She acts for government agencies, employers and insurers.

Kate provides strategic advice on the management of workers compensation claims at all stages, ensuring that they can be resolved fairly and efficiently for all parties involved, with a focus on return to work. She always balances the commercial needs of her clients.

Kate has experience dealing with psychological injuries caused by exposure to trauma by first responders, health and emergency service workers, and has provided advice to government agencies and insurers on these matters from the initial notification stage, to litigated proceedings in the Personal Injury Commission and Work Injury Damages proceedings in the District and Supreme Courts. She has also been involved in appeals in the Court of Appeal and on occasion the High Court of Australia.

Kate actively participates in legal education and has presented on various topics to government agencies, employers and insurers to keep them informed of legislative changes and important cases. She has also participated in the Law Society of NSW Young Lawyers mentor program assisting new lawyers to develop courtroom skills.

 

Qualifications/Memberships

• Bachelor of Law (University of Queensland)

• Graduate Diploma of Legal Practice

• Certificate in Legal Business Skills

• Member of the Law Society of NSW

 

A word from Kate:

I have developed strong relationships with my clients and a key part of this has been to develop a deep understanding of the specific areas in which my clients operate. In working on these matters I am careful to manage the concerns of the insurer and employer as an organization and the individuals involved in the matter. I am careful not to foster an 'us versus them' mentality between workers, employers and insurers to help the matter progress smoothly to a fair and reasonable resolution.

 

Career highlights

• Conduct of work injury damages claims, including a NSW Police matter which progressed to the High Court of Australia. This matter has become a leading case in psychological injury cases.

• Working with an insurer and Local Health District to run a pilot program to review and manage psychological injury claims.

• Helping an insurer to manage a worker who made over 50 claims in 3 months, and ensured that all relevant time frames were met in responding to the claims.

• Providing advice on sensitive claims to insurers and employers involving allegations of bullying and harassment, criminal conduct or corruption.

 

Specific areas of focus

• Workers compensation and work injury damages claims

• Managing complex and sensitive matters

• Defending matters in the Workers Compensation Commission, District and Supreme Courts

• Dispute resolution