Charlotte Dignan
Special Counsel, Brisbane
As an employee and industrial relations expert, I specialise in all facets of workplace personal injury litigation, for both plaintiffs and defendants. I provide strategic advice to employers in relation to workplace accidents, including in respect of liability, quantum and management of worker's injuries.

I pride myself on being able to synthesise information and convey conclusions in a timely way. I strive to remain current and attuned to industry and legal developments so that my clients receive the best advice and counsel that I can offer.

Clients benefit from my ability to stay calm under pressure and my strong organisational skills, two things that are key when engaged in litigation and dealing with conflict-resolution.

Career highlights

  • Acts for a number of large self-insured employers in Queensland. This work involves defending common law claims, both litigated and in the pre-court phase. I ensure that each claim is carefully investigated to ensure the best outcome for my clients.
  • Acted in complex claims including criminal assaults by third-parties upon workers, sexual misconduct and harassment, catastrophic injury claims, black lung cases, multi-party claims involving the construction and mining industries and claims against self-represented litigants.
  • Assists in the investigation and management of complex statutory claims including pure psychological claims and claims involving fraud.
  • Acted in various appeals in the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission involving determination on whether a delayed disc protrusion was an "injury" and the reasonable management action exclusion which involved a significant issue in the application of the decision of WorkCover v Kehl.