Deanna Caretti
Special Counsel, Adelaide
As a workers' compensation specialist, my practice largely focuses on complex workers' compensation matters as well as providing claims management statutory interpretation advice and representation to several Government Departments in South Australia

I am known for my experience in defending and conducting litigation involving statutory benefits. Clients value my pragmatic and collaborative approach and ability to deliver negotiated outcomes, including on matters which run from Conciliation to Hearing and Determination.

I enjoy working collaboratively with ReturnToWorkSA, and its agents EML and Gallagher Bassett, in addition to several Government Departments in South Australia including the Department for Education and Department for Human Services.

Career highlights

  • Acting for ReturnToWorkSA and its agents EML and Gallagher Bassett, on complex workers' compensation matters.
  • Worked as the instructing solicitor on numerous successful strategic litigation matters that proceeded to Hearing and Determination at the South Australian Employment Tribunal.
  • Advising on case law since the introduction of the Return to Work Act (SA) 2014, affecting the workers' compensation scheme as a whole, which has required a complex analysis of the law, identifying risks / liability and any potential implications to the Return to Work Scheme generally.
  • Advising agents EML and Gallagher Bassett on claims in the pre-determination phase and providing a strategic approach for anticipated litigation.
  • Working closely with experienced counsel in the jurisdiction to prepare disputes for Trial in the South Australian Employment Tribunal.