Welcome to Inside the Claim with CGW, Cooper Grace Ward’s workers’ compensation podcast that offers a behind-the-scenes look at recent trial cases and expert insights from the lawyers who ran them.

In this episode, special counsel Damien Jarrett is joined by senior associate Kim Villis to discuss the Court of Appeal case Cootharinga North Queensland v Wolfs. Damien and Kim explore the importance of pleadings in workers’ compensation claims, focusing on how the risk of injury must be clearly identified in the statement of claim.

Kim explains the challenges that arise when claims are pleaded too broadly, the impact on trial preparation and costs, and why precise pleadings are essential to properly define the scope of a claim. Tune in for practical insights on managing pleadings to avoid surprises and ensure efficient case management.