Smith’s Lawyers Blog
Latest articles and news
News, insights and resources for Queensland road safety, work safety and dealing with unexpected set backs in life. Browse our latest articles or select a category of interest below.
![Tradie using handheld circular saw](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/611f74ebbfd5d0b20c4a61a6/611f74ebbfd5d021c14a68fe_5c9b20948be2d833038cf2e8_Deadly%2520Dust_Thumb.jpeg)
Workplace Injuries
Deadly Dust: Compensation Claims on the Rise in Stone Bench-Top Industry
Silicosis has been called the biggest lung disease crisis since asbestos.
![Two women riding their electric scooters in Australia](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/611f74ebbfd5d0b20c4a61a6/665dcf98f53e4353b4701a0a_Are%20Electric%20Scooters%20a%20Menace.jpg)
Are Electric Scooters a Menace or a Modern Transport Solution?
Exploring the Rise of Electric Scooters: Transport Solution or Safety Hazard? Dive into the debate
![Celebrating teachers on World Teachers Day](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/611f74ebbfd5d0b20c4a61a6/6163c07de2648a58c71bb695_iStock-827810804%20Resized.jpg)
Workplace Injuries
Teachers and their rights at work in Queensland
Did you know about 70% of teachers claim to have experienced bullying and abuse from students?
![Lady in shock of car accident](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/611f74ebbfd5d0b20c4a61a6/611f74ebbfd5d00f3e4a65e7_5b0f702f3e70f844931ee9f2_featured-1.jpeg)
Car & Road Injuries
Don't Forget These 5 Things After A Car Accident
Car accidents can leave you feeling unprepared. Know what to do in case the unexpected happens.
![Partners comforting hug](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/611f74ebbfd5d0b20c4a61a6/611f74ebbfd5d07ab14a68c1_5b0f702f3e70f846581eeb0e_ptsd-partners-guide.jpeg)
General
PTSD: Post Traumatic Stress - A Partner's Survival Guide
You don't have to feel helpless if your partner has PTSD. Here's how you can help them and you.
![Young driver driving car](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/611f74ebbfd5d0b20c4a61a6/611f74ebbfd5d021ca4a69b7_60ebe12ee31354a515f6f4a8_Untitled%2520design%2520(9).jpeg)
Car and Road Injuries
Unregistered, unlicenced, unsafe: what you should know
Driving unlicensed or unregistered carries a fine or a one-year jail term, and higher crash risks.
![Lady with a hard hat wiping oil off hands](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/611f74ebbfd5d0b20c4a61a6/611f74ebbfd5d046e04a6bf0_611616c70160aa7f209a6279_21.jpeg)
Workplace Injuries
The importance of keeping tradies safe on the job
Tradies represent more than half of Australia's serious workers' comp claims each year.
![Delivery rider on bike](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/611f74ebbfd5d0b20c4a61a6/611f74ebbfd5d07bab4a6a46_5b0f702f3e70f8c14a1eecc2_gig-economy-food-delivery.jpeg)
Workplace Injuries
What Rights Do Workers in the ‘Gig’ Economy Have?
Services like Deliveroo and Airtasker are taking to new heights. What rights do gig workers have?
![Motorcyclist and motorbike](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/611f74ebbfd5d0b20c4a61a6/611f74ebbfd5d0aa974a68d0_5d4a2399de863071a5211f69_How%2520To%2520Get%2520Back%2520On%2520Your%2520Bike%2520After%2520An%2520Accident_Thumb.jpeg)
Car & Road Injuries
How to Get Back on Your Bike After an Accident
Learn the painful lessons I was taught and be thankful you’re still around to ride another day.
![Tradie using handheld circular saw](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/611f74ebbfd5d0b20c4a61a6/611f74ebbfd5d021c14a68fe_5c9b20948be2d833038cf2e8_Deadly%2520Dust_Thumb.jpeg)
Workplace
Deadly Dust: Compensation Claims on the Rise in Stone Bench-Top Industry
Silicosis has been called the biggest lung disease crisis since asbestos.
![Celebrating teachers on World Teachers Day](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/611f74ebbfd5d0b20c4a61a6/6163c07de2648a58c71bb695_iStock-827810804%20Resized.jpg)
Workplace
Teachers and their rights at work in Queensland
Did you know about 70% of teachers claim to have experienced bullying and abuse from students?
![Lady with a hard hat wiping oil off hands](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/611f74ebbfd5d0b20c4a61a6/611f74ebbfd5d046e04a6bf0_611616c70160aa7f209a6279_21.jpeg)
Workplace
The importance of keeping tradies safe on the job
Tradies represent more than half of Australia's serious workers' comp claims each year.
![Delivery rider on bike](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/611f74ebbfd5d0b20c4a61a6/611f74ebbfd5d07bab4a6a46_5b0f702f3e70f8c14a1eecc2_gig-economy-food-delivery.jpeg)
Workplace
What Rights Do Workers in the ‘Gig’ Economy Have?
Services like Deliveroo and Airtasker are taking to new heights. What rights do gig workers have?
![Subcontractor](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/611f74ebbfd5d0b20c4a61a6/61834c95c0989552edf7e929_Blog%20Thumbnail.png)
Workplace
Subcontractors and Insurance: What You Need to Know
Are subcontractors responsible for their own workers' compensation insurance? Read on to find out.
![understanding workplace psychological injury and stress claims](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/611f74ebbfd5d0b20c4a61a6/6175ecbc070daaa31b57ad32_Untitled%20design%20(1).png)
Workplace
Understanding workplace psychological injury & stress claims in Queensland
Psychological injury or stress claims can be considered as workplace injuries.
![Covid-19 declared work injury for frontline workers](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/611f74ebbfd5d0b20c4a61a6/616774455873033da2e5b521_iStock-1303392283%20thumb.jpg)
Workplace
Should COVID-19 be declared a workplace injury for frontline workers?
Should COVID-19 be declared a workplace injury for frontline workers?
![Construction worker advocates for workplace health and safety for Safe Work Month](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/611f74ebbfd5d0b20c4a61a6/611f74ebbfd5d0112d4a6a43_608895f1d10a36b41e7b257b_iStock-1054724872%2520resized.jpeg)
Workplace
Safe work is everyone's responsibility
Every two days in Australia, someone will die from a work-related injury or illness.
![Man with broken leg on couch](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/611f74ebbfd5d0b20c4a61a6/611f74ebbfd5d000ac4a6a13_60b473ef2cf1f878f69c298a_iStock-1302928101resized3.jpeg)
Workplace
Why you should always use your own doctor after a work injury
Doctors are key decision-makers in your claim journey, so make sure they're on your side.
![Man in rental with leaking roof](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/611f74ebbfd5d0b20c4a61a6/611f74ebbfd5d0c01b4a6bee_60ed068d013ff3f295734566_iStock-1227193130%2520resized.jpeg)
Public Place
What to do if you're injured in your rental home
It's more important now than ever to know your rights as a tenant, especially safety at home.
![Person riding electric scooter](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/611f74ebbfd5d0b20c4a61a6/611f74ebbfd5d0393f4a69f1_5cb6ab2757179af6217e883e_Lime_Thumb.jpeg)
Public Place
When E-Scooters Crash, Who Is To Blame?
How safe are electric scooters, and who gets the blame when something goes wrong?
![Image of client](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/611f74ebbfd5d0b20c4a61a6/611f74ebbfd5d089ae4a67b4_5b0f702f3e70f889e41eeb0c_Renae-Mann-Family-Statement-1.jpeg)
Legal Interest
Family statement regarding coronial inquest into death of Renae Jean Mann
Family statement regarding coronial inquest into death of Renae Jean Mann
![Smartwatch technology](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/611f74ebbfd5d0b20c4a61a6/611f74ebbfd5d056a94a69c6_5b0f702f3e70f8137b1eec05_pexels-photo%2520(3).jpeg)
Legal Interest
How Wearable Technology is Making It’s Way into the Courtroom
How Wearable Technology is Making It’s Way into the Courtroom
![Older man holding knee in pain](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/611f74ebbfd5d0b20c4a61a6/611f74ebbfd5d0058d4a69b4_602daeba0044e8b4811d8ce5_TPD%2520blogresized.jpeg)
TPD Insurance
Understanding TPD insurance claims
Have you seen TPD premiums being deducted from your super, but don't know what it is? Read this.
No items found.
![Lady in shock of car accident](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/611f74ebbfd5d0b20c4a61a6/611f74ebbfd5d00f3e4a65e7_5b0f702f3e70f844931ee9f2_featured-1.jpeg)
Car & Road
Don't Forget These 5 Things After A Car Accident
Car accidents can leave you feeling unprepared. Know what to do in case the unexpected happens.
![Motorcyclist and motorbike](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/611f74ebbfd5d0b20c4a61a6/611f74ebbfd5d0aa974a68d0_5d4a2399de863071a5211f69_How%2520To%2520Get%2520Back%2520On%2520Your%2520Bike%2520After%2520An%2520Accident_Thumb.jpeg)
Car & Road
How to Get Back on Your Bike After an Accident
Learn the painful lessons I was taught and be thankful you’re still around to ride another day.
![Women taking a phone call while driving](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/611f74ebbfd5d0b20c4a61a6/611f74ebbfd5d0c3164a6bed_60fdfa5313fbf380034e3041_3.jpeg)
Car & Road
Leave the phone alone: Distracted driving, a growing problem
Driving distracted has resulted in hundreds of Queensland fatalities over the past five years.
![Dash cam](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/611f74ebbfd5d0b20c4a61a6/611f74ebbfd5d03dd34a685a_5ca54b92c67eb884c6aae2f4_mandatory-dashcams-thumbnail.jpeg)
Car & Road
Survey finds 70% of Qld drivers want dash cams to be mandatory
Support for mandatory dash cams is strong. Could it soon be compulsory to have one in your car?
![Man cycling in Brisbane streets](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/611f74ebbfd5d0b20c4a61a6/611f74ebbfd5d05ee74a68f0_60a605a565cdf4debeec818c_iStock-504877260resized.jpeg)
Car & Road
Roads are getting safer, so why are cyclist deaths increasing?
Cyclists were the only road user to see an increase in road deaths in the past decade.
![Car crash at night](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/611f74ebbfd5d0b20c4a61a6/611f74ebbfd5d007c14a6698_60a1cd787bd25f41b662e91e_iStock-958704476resized.jpeg)
Car & Road
National Road Safety Week: The reality of Australia's road toll
Each year about 1,200 people are killed and another 44,000 are seriously injured.
![Road signs](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/611f74ebbfd5d0b20c4a61a6/611f74ebbfd5d03e1e4a67cb_5e5c739892f6ea61eb4cee24_aussie-road-rules.jpeg)
Car & Road
10 of the most forgotten road rules in Queensland
We all know that speeding and drink driving are bad, but what about these Queensland road rules?
![Tired, fatigued driver](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/611f74ebbfd5d0b20c4a61a6/611f74ebbfd5d056494a6780_605c06c3244c4d5b3c38de7a_iStock-1305330894.jpeg)
Car & Road
Wake up: Queensland drivers ignoring fatigue advice
50 per cent of drivers are still ignoring the advice to take a break every 2 hours on long trips.
![Taking photos of car accident](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/611f74ebbfd5d0b20c4a61a6/611f74ebbfd5d0060e4a68b8_603ddb41fbde4fe41b50f316_Car%2520accident%2520resized1.jpeg)
Car & Road
Practical tips for after a road accident
Car accidents are stressful and difficult at the best of times. If you’re injured in one, read on.
![Partners comforting hug](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/611f74ebbfd5d0b20c4a61a6/611f74ebbfd5d07ab14a68c1_5b0f702f3e70f846581eeb0e_ptsd-partners-guide.jpeg)
General
PTSD: Post Traumatic Stress - A Partner's Survival Guide
You don't have to feel helpless if your partner has PTSD. Here's how you can help them and you.
![Two people nervous sitting down](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/611f74ebbfd5d0b20c4a61a6/611f74ebbfd5d071904a670a_5b0f702f3e70f81ba11eeb0d_Partners-Guide-Pain-1.jpeg)
General
Chronic pain: survival guide for partners and family
Those who care for people living with chronic pain play a vital role in effective pain management.
![Person taking photo of people from car](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/611f74ebbfd5d0b20c4a61a6/611f74ebbfd5d00fb14a6bef_60ed0f370902e742a4bbdaaa_Untitled%2520design%2520(10).jpeg)
General
Everything you need to know about insurance surveillance
How far can insurance investigators go? What is legal? What should you do if you're being watched?
![Media release](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/611f74ebbfd5d0b20c4a61a6/611f74ebbfd5d0bfe84a685b_6088aa522f191ec2788a742c_Media%2520release.png)
General
Media release: Law firm calls for more action on worker fatalities
We encourage employers and employees to take a proactive stance on improving workplace safety.
![People comforting each other](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/611f74ebbfd5d0b20c4a61a6/611f74ebbfd5d0468f4a686a_5dae8d862ac078521f094fe3_Mental%2520Health_Thumb.jpeg)
General
Why it's important to protect your mental health after injury
After an injury, it's important to recover physically — as is taking care of your mental health.
![Man meditating at sunset](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/611f74ebbfd5d0b20c4a61a6/611f74ebbfd5d06dc94a65c2_5b0f702f3e70f864ea1eecc5_pexels-photo-267967.jpeg)
General
5 Free Apps to Help with Anxiety and Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD)
Here are some apps to help your mental health after an incident or accident.
![Person at computer with antler headband](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/611f74ebbfd5d0b20c4a61a6/611f74ebbfd5d0d89e4a6a4b_5dfafbcd7cdd9c3305ac7b75_working-christmas-small.jpeg)
General
Not Everybody Gets a Break: Working Through the Holidays
If you’re one of those who keeps working through the holiday season, be careful.
![Tradies sitting at a worksite](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/611f74ebbfd5d0b20c4a61a6/611f74ebbfd5d0f46d4a6986_5d9d8a9e4979e9e8f4b732fb_Tradie_Thumb.jpeg)
General
The Ultimate A-Z Tradie Dictionary
Tradies have their own special language, so it's only fitting they have their own dictionary.
![Construction workers in hi-vis](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/611f74ebbfd5d0b20c4a61a6/611f74ebbfd5d0095f4a6659_5cc03a17721fcdb5732ca265_Young%2520Workers_Thumb.jpeg)
General
A Safety Guide For Young Workers In Trade
Read our tips on how young workers can safely navigate their way around a new workplace.
If it's time to talk, we're here to help. Get free advice direct from our solicitors today.
Our company and team are members of
![Queensland Law Society Logo](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/611f74ebbfd5d070054a61a0/611f74ebbfd5d00f6b4a6209_QLD%20Law%20Society.webp)
![Gold Coast District Law Association Logo](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/611f74ebbfd5d070054a61a0/611f74ebbfd5d0077d4a620a_GCDLA.webp)
![Australian Lawyers Alliance Logo](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/611f74ebbfd5d070054a61a0/611f74ebbfd5d0e0344a6208_Australian%20Lawyers%20Alliance.webp)
![SCLA Logo](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/611f74ebbfd5d070054a61a0/611f74ebbfd5d054d14a61f2_SCLA.webp)