Last updated August 11, 2023

How do I get the best personal injury lawyer for my claim?

The one simple fact smart clients know to get the best injury lawyer for their case...

The most important decision you can make in your claim is the lawyer you choose to represent you.

Let me say that again so it sinks in… the most important decision in your claim is the lawyer you choose to represent you.

You only have one chance to obtain proper compensation. If you don’t get the best result the first time you can’t come back and try again. If you don’t get the right lawyer you will not get the best result.

A man with a smile in front of a tree in a shirt and suit jacket with the caption “How Do I Get the Best Personal Injury Lawyer for My Claim”

You only have one chance to obtain proper compensation.

The loss of your ability to earn an income to support your family is a stressful and frightening time. You need to secure your family’s financial security in case you can’t return to work or to work that can earn you enough money to support your family.

You have only one chance to secure your financial future by obtaining the best possible settlement of your claim, choose the wrong lawyer and you could lose everything.

One simple question

Congratulations, by reading this guide you have separated yourself from all those who are looking for a lawyer and who will make the critical and costly choice of choosing a compensation lawyer to represent them without knowing how to make sure they have the best lawyer for their case.

There are lots of lazy lawyers who charge large fees without much result and can ruin the one chance you have of obtaining proper compensation.

The internet has allowed lots of hype and grand claims to be made. Most compensation lawyers offer the same things on their websites:

Free consultation
No win no fee agreements
Years of experience

For most people there is really no way to tell which lawyer or website is “the best”.

You may ask a friend but their recommendation may not work out.

The best way is to make sure for yourself that the lawyer you hire knows what they are talking about.

There is one simple question you need to ask any lawyer before you get them to represent you in an injury claim.

Here it is…

Are you a NSW Accredited Specialist in personal injury law?

That’s it… a very simple question.

If the answer isn’t yes then you have the wrong lawyer for your claim.

It is a simple question and should be answered yes.

If your lawyer does not answer this question directly, or tells you it is not important, you should immediately get up and walk out of his or her office or hang up the phone because your claim is far too serious to be dealing with a lawyer who is not straightforward with you.

You have one chance to get the right lawyer for your claim and it’s the most important decision you will make.

You must choose a lawyer who is an acknowledged expert in compensation law

The Law Society of NSW gives specialist accreditation to those personal injury lawyers who have passed an independent exam demonstrating their skill and expertise and have also passed a peer interview with other expert compensation lawyers. Only lawyers who are really experts in this area are accredited by the NSW Law Society.

If the lawyer you are consulting is not an Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law by the NSW Law Society then you have the wrong lawyer.

This is the same principle as seeing a medical specialist for treatment. Would you trust your GP to perform knee surgery? NO, you would consult with an orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in knee surgery.

It’s the same in law, don’t use the local solicitor in your suburb who says he has experience in injury claims, only use an accredited specialist personal injury lawyer.

If I had a family law issue I would see a family law accredited specialist and if I had a criminal charge I would see a criminal law accredited specialist and so on.

I see too many people make the mistake of believing that any lawyer can handle an injury claim, that all lawyers know what they are doing. The truth is the complete opposite. The law is so complex these days that a lawyer must specialise in one area of the law.

You can only become a NSW Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law if you have experience, know what you are talking about and are trustworthy.

Another question which should be asked is…

Who in the office will actually be handling my case on a day to day basis and are they a NSW Accredited Specialist in personal injury law?

This is the probably the second most important question that you must ask. The lawyer you might be speaking with at the initial consultation, who could be a partner and an Accredited Specialist may not actually be the lawyer handling the case.

Most of the larger law firms use the approach where you will initially speak to a partner who seems impressive and is an Accredited Specialist but then your case will be handed to a more junior lawyer. This junior lawyer will not be an accredited specialist and will be inexperienced and will make errors on your claim. The junior lawyer may be using your claim to gain experience.

You need to know the name of the lawyer who is actually doing the legal work on your claim and if that lawyer is an accredited specialist in personal injury law. If not, you have the wrong lawyer.

This issue is simple – do you want a lawyer that you can call with experience who knows what they are doing and will provide value or do you want to be treated like a commodity or a number. The larger law firms tend to farm out cases to junior lawyers. You will have difficulty ever speaking to a senior lawyer, you will probably never hear from the Partner again and you will not get the result you deserve.

Don’t get delegated to a junior lawyer

Here are 3 more things to think about when choosing your lawyer:

Make sure you are getting straight answers and make sure you like your lawyer. You will be spending a lot of time talking to your lawyer so make sure it is someone you will be able to get along with and someone your trust. This is very important
Don’t choose your lawyer because his or her office is close to home and is convenient. This is one of the best ways to get a lawyer who is not a specialist personal injury lawyer. The best lawyers usually work in the CBD as this is where the Supreme Court is located and where they spend their time. Whilst a lawyer may be convenient, make sure they are an accredited specialist in personal injury law.
An experienced lawyer even if they charge more will always be more worthwhile over a less expensive, inexperienced lawyer. You only have one chance to obtain proper compensation and it must be done well. The more experienced lawyer whilst charging more will get you a result which more than makes up for the added expense and in less time. An inexperienced lawyer will be charging you to learn on the job, that’s not who I would want handling my case.

The most important decision you can make in your compensation claim is choosing the lawyer to represent you. Don’t just go for the first lawyer you find or the large firm. All lawyers are not the same. There are good lawyers and bad lawyers. If necessary you need to interview a number of lawyers before deciding on the one you want to represent you.

Make sure the lawyer who is actually handling your case on a day to day basis is a NSW Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Matthew Garling

Matthew Garling is an Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law approved by New South Wales Law Society. He is admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of NSW and the High Court of Australia. Matthew is also a member of...

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Phillip R.

12:05 26 Apr 25

My case was extremely well managed by Garling & Co. I can highly recommend and commend Matthew Garling for his professionalism in handling my matter in a direct manner. Thank you.

alex S.

05:14 14 Apr 25

The guys know what they doing, high professional, best service and good results.They always there for answers every question in the same day.I can not be more happy with this company.HIGH... RECOMMENDED!!!read more

Pitchman D.

01:31 08 Apr 25

"I am writing to wholeheartedly recommend Matthew Garling at Garling & Co. From the outset, Matthew was incredibly communicative, always responsive to my questions and concerns, and kept me fully... informed throughout the process. Their expertise in worker’s compensation was evident, and I felt confident in their ability to navigate my complex case. Matthew Garling was also incredibly empathetic and understanding, making me feel supported and heard during a difficult time. I would highly recommend Matthew to anyone seeking legal representation. They truly went above and beyond to achieve a positive outcome for me."read more

T M

08:15 27 Feb 25

To describe my experience with Garling & Co Lawyers as transformative would be an understatement. From the moment I engaged their services, I was met with a level of professionalism, compassion, and... legal acumen that is truly unparalleled. At the heart of this exceptional team is Mr. Matthew a man whose profound intellect, vast experience, and unwavering commitment to his clients set him apart as one of the finest advocates in the field of personal injury law.Mr. Matthew possesses an extraordinary depth of knowledge, honed by years of navigating the complexities of personal injury claims. His ability to anticipate challenges, strategize effectively, and counteract adversarial tactics is nothing short of remarkable. In my case, where I suffered a debilitating back injury as a result of a workplace accident, the road to recovery both physically and legally felt insurmountable. Insurance companies and medical examiners sought to downplay the severity of my condition, attempting to minimise my impairment rating and deny me the compensation I rightfully deserved. Yet, Mr. Matthew stood firm, refusing to let them diminish the gravity of my suffering.What struck me most about Mr. Matthew and indeed the entire team at Garling & Co is their genuine care for their clients. Mr. Matthew is not merely a lawyer; he is a compassionate advocate who understands the human element behind every case. He listened intently as I described the chronic pain, mobility limitations, and emotional toll caused by my back injury , treating my story with the seriousness it warranted. His internal and external team, equally brilliant and dedicated, worked tirelessly to gather medical evidence, consult specialists, and build an unassailable case that highlighted the true extent of my injuries. Together, they formed an unstoppable force, driven by a shared mission to deliver the best possible result for their clients.The professionalism exhibited by Garling & Co is of such a high caliber that it defies belief. Every interaction was marked by courtesy, precision, and transparency. They communicated with me regularly, keeping me informed at every stage of the process and ensuring I felt empowered rather than overwhelmed. Their ability to simplify even the most intricate legal matters into understandable terms speaks volumes about their expertise and client-centered approach.Thanks to Mr. Matthew and his team, what began as a daunting and disheartening journey ended in triumph. Facing a severe back injury that left me unable to work or enjoy life as I once did, I encountered countless obstacles designed to diminish my claim. Yet, under Mr. Matthew’s guidance, those barriers were dismantled one by one. The result he achieved for me was not just satisfactory it was extraordinary. He secured the maximum compensation I deserved, restoring not only my financial stability but also my faith in the legal system.If you find yourself grappling with the aftermath of a personal injury, whether it be a back injury , workplace accident, or any other trauma, I implore you to place your trust in Garling & Co Lawyers. They are more than capable of turning despair into hope, adversity into victory, and injustice into resolution. With Mr. Matthew leading the charge, you can rest assured that your case will be handled with the utmost integrity, intelligence, and tenacity.In closing, I wish to express my deepest gratitude to Mr. Matthew and the entire team at Garling & Co. You have made an indelible impact on my life, and I will forever be indebted to you for your tireless efforts and unwavering support. To anyone seeking representation that combines brilliance, professionalism, and genuine care, look no further Garling & Co is the epitome of excellence.read more

S Z

07:46 27 Feb 25

I cannot express enough gratitude for the exceptional support and dedication provided by Garling & Co Lawyers, particularly Mr. Matthew, Alison, and their incredible team. They have been nothing... short of a lifeline during one of the darkest chapters of my life a time when I felt abandoned, broken, and unsure if anyone could truly help me.After sustaining multiple disabilities from a workplace injury, I was left grappling with physical pain, emotional turmoil, and overwhelming uncertainty about my future. I had initially turned to another law firm one of those big names everyone talks about but they failed me. Despite their promises and polished reputation, they couldn’t deliver when it mattered most. Faced with insurance medical examiners determined to downplay my injuries and strip away my rights, I felt powerless. It seemed like no one was on my side until I found Garling & Co.From the very first conversation, Matthew, Alison, and the entire team showed me what real compassion looks like. They didn’t just hear my story; they felt it. Every phone call I made was answered with patience and understanding. Every question I had was met with clarity and reassurance. For the first time in months, I felt seen, heard, and valued not as a case file, but as a person.What sets Garling & Co apart isn’t just their unmatched legal expertise it’s their humanity. They understood the weight of what I was carrying, and they carried it with me. Where others saw obstacles too great to overcome, they saw opportunities to fight harder. Their wisdom, determination, and relentless pursuit of justice transformed a losing case into a victory that exceeded all expectations.The difference between my previous lawyers and Garling & Co? Heart. My former lawyers treated my case like a transaction; Garling & Co treated it like a mission. They refused to let the insurance company minimize my suffering or dismiss my struggles. Instead, they fought tooth and nail to secure the maximum impairment compensation I deserved a result I never dreamed possible after everything I’d been through.If you’re reading this and feeling lost, scared, or defeated, please know there is hope. No matter how complex or challenging your situation may seem, Garling & Co will stand by you. They’ll dig deep, work tirelessly, and leave no stone unturned in their quest for fairness and justice. You won’t just be hiring lawyers you’ll be gaining advocates who genuinely care about your well-being and your future.To Matthew, Alison, and the entire team at Garling & Co: thank you!!! doesn’t feel like enough. You’ve given me back my dignity, my peace of mind, and my belief that good people still exist in this world. If anyone is searching for a team that will pour their heart and soul into your case, look no further. These are the lawyers who will turn your darkest days into brighter tomorrows.read more

Jude M.

03:54 21 Feb 25

I rang Mr Matthew Garling on a matter, and Matthew gave me his time and honest advice from goodwill. Matthew is a very honest, good man of integrity who went beyond the call of duty. I would highly... recommend Matthew and his company.read more

Pouya Zadbar T.

01:36 15 Feb 25

Garling and Co were very helpful and did their best to get the most payout for my mothers workers compensation claim. We were very happy with their patience and understanding as this was a long and... trying process with the insurance. I Would definitely recommend their services.read more

Don T.

05:59 13 Feb 25

I had an occupational accident for 2 years and after the surgery for a whole year there was no good result and my body was in so much pain that I could not return to work. Everyone told me to find a... lawyer immediately, I did not know which lawyer could help me so I searched on Google. After searching I found that many clients were very satisfied with Garling & Co, so I texted Garling & Co. They immediately called back and asked if I felt pain and could not come to the office, they would come to see me but I replied that I could come. And the legal journey started from there. I met Mr. Garling who was about my age but very enthusiastic and dedicated and he explained and advised me in a way that I could understand all the questions and I agreed with him very much, then he handed over my case to Ms. Allison to contact me. Everything went very well according to his arrangements from the first step to the last step. Until the last day, he explained how the negotiation was going and I understood the whole story. I did not ask for too much and the number I gave was quickly agreed to avoid lengthy legal headaches. In total, after 4 years of the accident and almost 2 years with the help of Garling & Co, everything was resolved happily for all parties. Once again, I thank Mr. Garling, Ms. Allison and everyone at Garling & Co for helping me, they are wonderful and I hope they will continue their good work helping people who need legal help like I need help. Thank you very much Garling & Co.read more

Pedro M.

04:26 11 Feb 25

Thank you so much for all the help and support this past years.I recommend it to anyone who needs help.Thanks again and all the best for the Garling & Co team and a special thanks to Kerry Byrnes.

Ron J.

03:49 11 Feb 25

I had an overall good experience with Garling and Co. I was the victim of a major motorvehicle accident in April 2021. There were a few complications in my case including me having to move overseas... for 2 years temporarily during the progression of my claim and original lawyer from Garling that handled my case leaving the firm. The move overseas resulted in the insurer cutting off my income replacement, which lasted for 9 months, which as you can imagine created a major financial strain on the family On both these occasions, Garling worked to get a good result. They fought in front of the NSW Panel, and got a reported decision that states that all Permanent Residents and Citizens of Australia have the right to be paid income replacement even when overseas, during an accident claim under CTP cover. They also worked very hard in the face of a typically uncooperative and obstructive insurer to progress my claim over the last (almost 4 years) and the replacement lawyer Kerry Burns has done amazing work, with care, empathy and professionalism. I've had a good experience with them!read more

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How do I get the best personal injury lawyer for my claim?

You only have one chance to obtain proper compensation.

One simple question

You must choose a lawyer who is an acknowledged expert in compensation law

Don’t get delegated to a junior lawyer

Matthew Garling

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