Ricardo’s quiet strength leads to a $466,000 TAC settlement after a motorcycle accident.

7 July 2025

Ricardo is the kind of person who puts others first. As a mental health nurse working with vulnerable teenagers, and a long-time volunteer with Australian disability sports teams, he’s spent his life supporting people through their toughest moments. So when a careless driver failed to give way and caused a motorcycle accident that left Ricardo with a broken foot and a serious knee injury, his first instinct wasn’t to complain, it was to carry on.

At the time, Ricardo made a modest claim through Victoria’s Transport Accident Commission (TAC) scheme, receiving weekly wages and some medical expenses while he took just several weeks off work. But he didn’t push for more. That’s just who he is, stoic, humble, and focused on helping others.

But over time, the impact of the accident became harder to ignore. Ricardo struggled with pain while sitting and standing at work. He could no longer lift wheelchairs or manage long-haul flights for his volunteer work. The physical toll was real, but so was the emotional one. Losing the ability to volunteer, a role that had become part of his identity, hit him hard.

Even the TAC recognised how much Ricardo was struggling. In a commendable move, they suggested he speak with a personal injury law firm to explore further options. That’s when Ricardo reached out to Law Partners.

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How we helped Ricardo get the compensation he deserved.

Senior managing solicitor Catie Norman, a specialist in Victorian motor vehicle accident claims, took on Ricardo’s case. She quickly saw what a remarkable person he was, and how much he had undersold the impact of his injuries.

Catie dug deep into Ricardo’s life, career, and medical history. She discovered a man who had won numerous awards for both his professional and volunteer work, a true pillar of the community. She compiled comprehensive reports, arranged updated medical assessments, and built a compelling case that showed not just the physical damage, but the profound personal cost of the accident.

The TAC listened. Moved by Ricardo’s story and the strength of the medical evidence, they agreed he had suffered significantly and deserved more than the standard payout. The result was a $466,000 settlement.

This amount included compensation for pain and suffering, the likelihood of early retirement, and the possibility of future surgery. It was a powerful acknowledgment of everything Ricardo had endured, and everything he’d given to others.

Ricardo says, “I never expected anything like this. I’ve always just tried to get on with things and focus on the people I care for. But this process working with Law Partners gave me permission to look after myself, too. It made me realise that what I went through mattered, and that I deserved support. I’m incredibly grateful to Catie and the Law Partners team for helping me to see that.”