Legal Services for First Responders
First responders perform demanding work in circumstances that can place their physical and psychological wellbeing at risk. When a legal issue arises, obtaining advice from someone who understands the nature of that work can make the process easier to navigate.
David Healey Solicitors assists police, fire and ambulance officers, as well as corrections officers at the Alexander Maconochie Centre. We provide private and sensitive legal support across workers’ compensation and criminal matters.
Legal support that recognises the nature of your work
Legal matters involving first responders can have significant personal, professional and financial consequences.
A workplace injury or psychological condition may affect your health and capacity to continue working. A criminal allegation may also place your employment, professional standing and reputation at risk.
David Healey Solicitors takes a personal and sensitive approach to understanding your circumstances and providing advice about the available next steps.
How can we assist?
The relevant legal pathway will depend on the nature of your matter and your employment arrangements.
Workers’ compensation
We assist first responders with claims involving physical injuries, psychological conditions and work-related illnesses, from initial applications through to permanent impairment claims, disputes and litigation.
The applicable scheme generally depends on your employer. ACT Government claims are managed through EML Solutions, while eligible Commonwealth employees may be covered by Comcare.
Criminal matters
A criminal allegation can affect your employment and professional standing as well as result in court proceedings.
We provide private and sensitive advice and representation from the initial stages of a matter through to criminal proceedings, helping you understand the process, your options and the potential professional implications.
Who do we assist?
Our first responder services include assistance for:
- Police officers
- Firefighters
- Ambulance officers and paramedics
- Corrections officers at the Alexander Maconochie Centre
If you work in another emergency response or public safety role, please contact us to ask whether we can assist with your matter.
When should you seek legal advice?
You may wish to contact a solicitor if:
- You have suffered a physical or psychological injury through your work
- You are considering making a workers’ compensation claim
- You are unsure whether EML, Comcare or another arrangement applies
- Your workers’ compensation claim has been delayed, disputed or rejected
- Your payments, treatment, rehabilitation or permanent impairment claim are in dispute
- You have been accused of or charged with a criminal offence
- You are concerned about how a legal matter may affect your employment or professional standing
- You have already begun a claim or proceeding but would like legal assistance
Seeking advice early may help you understand the relevant process and any steps that need to be taken.
SPECIALIST LEGAL SUPPORT
A private and sensitive approach
We understand that first responders may be concerned about privacy, professional reputation and the possible effect of a legal matter on their employment.
David Healey Solicitors provides personal, discreet and sensitive legal support. We take the time to understand your circumstances and explain your options clearly, without making assumptions about your situation.
Frequently asked questions
Which workers’ compensation scheme applies to first responders?
This generally depends on your employer.
Claims made by ACT Government employees are managed through EML Solutions under the ACT Government’s workers’ compensation arrangements. Eligible Commonwealth Government employees may be covered by Comcare.
We can help you identify the relevant pathway for your circumstances.
Do you assist with psychological injury claims?
Yes. We assist first responders with workers’ compensation matters involving both physical injuries and psychological conditions.
Whether a particular claim is available will depend on the circumstances and the requirements of the applicable scheme.
Do you assist first responders with criminal matters?
Yes. We provide private and sensitive advice and representation to first responders facing criminal matters.
Is the first appointment free?
The first appointment is free for workers’ compensation matters and includes an initial appraisal of the merits of the matter.
Different arrangements apply to criminal matters. Please contact us to discuss the appointment and fee arrangements applicable to your enquiry.
Related resources
Learn more about legal services for first responders in the ACT
Closing Loopholes Bill: Amendments to the SRC Act creates a presumptive provision for PTSD claims made by first responders.
On 7 December 2023, the Australian Government partially passed the Fair Work Legislation Amendment (Closing Loopholes) Bill. Of particular interest are the presumptive PTSD provisions that amend the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (‘SRC Act’) to create a presumption
David Healey Solicitors recommended in 2023 Doyle’s Guide
We’re incredibly excited to announce that David Healey Solicitors and Mr David Healey have been recommended as a top Work Injury Compensation Law Firm and Lawyer in the ACT for 2023 by Doyle’s Guide. We are honoured that our dedication
Speak with our team
If you are a first responder seeking advice about a workers’ compensation or criminal matter, contact David Healey Solicitors to discuss how we may be able to assist.
Free initial appointments are available for workers’ compensation matters.