Soul Legal

Soul Legal
FREE ASSESSMENT
CALL TODAY
FREE ASSESSMENT
soul-legal-white-logo
CALL SOUL LEGAL

Personal Injury Lawyer In Scarborough, WA

Soul Legal Has Recovered Millions in Compensation for Western Australians

MAKE AN APPOINTMENT
MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

What changed in WA injury law between 2024 and 2026 (and why it affects your Scarborough claim)

If you were injured in Scarborough in the last two years, the rules that decide what you receive have changed, and they may not be the ones you think they are. Three of them changed, and one of those changes can add a tax bill to a settlement that would have reached you tax-free two years ago.

What changed, 2024 to 2026
WhenThe changeWhat it means for you
1 July 2024The Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023 replaced the 1981 ActNew terms, new forms, and a settlement backlog that ran for months after commencement
15 Oct 2024Common Law Election Validation Bill, after Neville v Choice One [2024] WASCA 104A one-day timing gap had invalidated potentially hundreds of common law elections; the fix also extended limitation periods by 12 months for affected workers
Dec 2025ATO Class Ruling CR 2025/88The income-compensation part of a workers’ comp settlement is now taxed as ordinary income in the year you receive it
1 July 2026WorkCover WA Permanent Impairment Guidelines, 2nd editionA new special-assessment pathway, but assessors can no longer count the impairment that future surgery would cause
17 Aug 2026Fair Work Commission minimum standards for gig delivery workersFood and grocery delivery platforms must now provide a minimum level of personal accident cover

The tax change is the one that surprises people. Since CR 2025/88, the income-replacement component of a registered workers’ compensation settlement under the 2023 Act is treated as ordinary income and taxed in the financial year you receive it. Medical and permanent-impairment components are generally treated differently. For a lower-income worker, a lump sum that represents several years of lost wages can land in a single tax year and push you into a higher bracket. Early in 2026, most insurers slowed or froze settlement activity while they worked out how to apply the ruling, which left some injured workers waiting on both money and closure. The Law Society of Western Australia has argued the ruling should be revisited. As of August 2026 it still stands, and there is no clean fix available through state law alone. A firm that structures your settlement with this in mind can change what you actually keep.

We track these changes because they decide real numbers on real claims. If you are still being told your payout is tax-free, that advice is about a scheme that ended.

CONTACT SOUL LEGAL PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS TODAY

Receive an Obligation Free Claim Assessment within 24 hours

PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM

Injured in a public place due to unsafe conditions or a defective product? You may be able to pursue a personal injury claim. Compensation can help cover medical expenses, lost income and other costs arising from your injury.

LEARN MORE

WORKERS COMPENSATION CLAIM

If you have been injured at work or while travelling between job sites, you may be eligible to make a workers’ compensation claim. You may be entitled to compensation for medical treatment, lost wages and other related expenses.

LEARN MORE

CAR ACCIDENT CLAIM

Injured in a car, truck, motorcycle, bicycle or quad bike accident? You may be entitled to claim compensation for your injuries and losses. Eligibility will depend on the circumstances of the accident and who was at fault.

LEARN MORE

Your Scarborough claim is run by a director, not passed to a graduate

At Soul Legal, Kevin Wong or Rebecca Sorgiovanni runs the file through the stages that decide its value. You are not handed to a first-year lawyer for the medical evidence and the negotiation, which is where most compensation is won or lost.

Kevin Wong has practised personal injury law since he graduated from UWA Law School in 1991. He has appeared in WorkCover, the District Court, the Administrative Appeals Tribunal, the Supreme Court of Western Australia, the Federal Court, and the High Court of Australia. He was the instructing solicitor in De Sales v Ingrilli [2002] HCA 52, the High Court case that abolished the old chance-of-remarriage discount applied to widows in dependency claims. He was counsel in Westrupp v BIS Industries [2015] FCAFC 173, which confirmed workers’ compensation coverage for FIFO workers. That is appellate-level capability, and it is rare in a suburban injury practice.

Rebecca Sorgiovanni has practised since 1997 and founded her own firm, Sorgiovanni Legal, in 2007 before co-founding Soul Legal with Kevin in 2018. She is an accredited alternative dispute resolution practitioner and a registered mediator, and she has appeared everywhere from the WA Industrial Relations Commission and WorkCover WA to the Court of Appeal and the Coroner’s Court. She established new law in Re Her Honour Judge Schoombee; Ex Parte Attorney General for WA [2011] WASCA 129.

Between them that is more than 60 years of WA injury practice. The firm is named for the client, not the founders, and clients work directly with a qualified lawyer from the first call.

logo for a personal injury lawyer perth

The personal injury claims we run for Scarborough residents

Personal injury covers more than a car crash. In a beachside suburb inside the City of Stirling, the claims we see cluster around a few local realities: the hospitality and retail work along the foreshore, the traffic on West Coast Highway and Scarborough Beach Road, and the crowds the beach draws in summer. Each of the main claim types works differently in WA.

Worker with an arm injury signing workers’ compensation documents.

Workers’ Compensation Claims

If you are hurt at work or your job makes you ill, WA runs a no-fault scheme: you do not have to prove your employer did anything wrong to receive income compensation, medical and rehabilitation expenses, and permanent-impairment compensation. It covers full-time, part-time and casual work, which matters in Scarborough, where a large share of the foreshore’s bar, cafe and restaurant jobs are casual. Where your employer’s negligence caused a serious injury (assessed at 15 percent or more whole-person impairment), you may also bring a common law claim for pain and suffering and future loss through the District Court. We lodge workers’ compensation claims with WorkCover WA, challenge rejected claims, and run the common law side where the impairment threshold is met.

READ MORE

man photographing his vehicle with damages for car accident insurance

Motor Vehicle Accident Claims

Every motor-injury claim in WA runs through the Insurance Commission of Western Australia (ICWA), not directly against the other driver, under the compulsory third-party scheme funded by your rego. It covers drivers, passengers, motorcyclists, cyclists and pedestrians, and you can claim even if you were partly at fault. West Coast Highway and Scarborough Beach Road carry heavy weekend and summer traffic, and the coastal shared path puts cyclists and pedestrians close to it. We run the full car accident claims through ICWA: treatment, rehabilitation, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

READ MORE

Compensation for public liability claims

Public Liability Claims

A slip, trip or fall on unsafe public or private property can support a claim under the Civil Liability Act 2002 (WA). Scarborough’s foreshore, its pool, the amphitheatre and the grassed terraces are managed by the City of Stirling, and a claim for an injury on council land runs against the council or its insurer. Shopping centres, cafes and licensed venues carry their own duty. We identify the right occupier for public liability claims and hold them to it.

READ MORE

Accident passenger receiving emergency medical attention

Medical Negligence Claims

When a health provider breaches its duty of care through a surgical error, a misdiagnosis, a delay or a medication mistake, the harm can be permanent. These claims are evidence-heavy and run on their own timeline. We act for clients who have been harmed this way and build the specialist evidence a court needs.

READ MORE

Seeking legal advice for car accidents

Criminal Injuries Compensation

Victims of assault and other offences can claim through the Criminal Injuries Compensation Scheme, including many historical matters. Kevin Wong has represented crime victims through the District Court and beyond. Scarborough’s late-night entertainment strip produces its share of these.

READ MORE

Injured woman reviewing accident claim documents

Dog Attack Compensation

Under the Dog Act 1976 (WA), owners face strict liability for injuries their dogs cause, often covered by home insurance. For the most serious injuries, the Catastrophic Injuries Support Scheme (in place since 1 July 2016 for motor vehicle accidents) provides lifetime treatment, care and support. We handle both.

READ MORE

Call Today And Know Where You Stand

No Win, No Fee. Your first consultation is free.

CALL TODAY

*At Soul Legal we only charge fees in personal injury claims if you are successful settling your claim or have a successful judgment (excluding disbursements). A Defendant may be able to claim costs against you if successful in defending an action brought by you

How Soul Legal runs your Scarborough personal injury claim

Every claim moves through five stages. Most settle by negotiation without a court hearing, and we handle all contact with insurers and other parties so you can focus on recovering.

Stage 1: Free claim review. Call (08) 6558 1786 or send an online enquiry. A senior lawyer reviews your situation and any documents you have, and gives you a straight read on whether you have a claim worth running. Free, confidential, no obligation. If you cannot travel, we come to Scarborough.

Stage 2: Building the case. Your lawyer gathers medical records, specialist reports, witness statements and scene documentation, and requests the insurer or employer file. We carry this load, not you.

Stage 3: Lodging the claim. We lodge with the right body: ICWA for motor injuries, WorkCover WA for workplace injuries, or the relevant court for a negligence claim. Every deadline and form is ours to manage.

Stage 4: Negotiation. We deal directly with the insurer. Kevin and Rebecca do not accept low offers to close a file quickly. Many claims resolve at a pre-trial conference.

Stage 5: Resolution and payment. When a fair outcome is reached, your compensation is paid. If an insurer will not move, we are ready to run the matter to trial; Kevin has taken cases to the Supreme Court and the High Court.

The two claim clocks
 Motor injury (ICWA)Workers’ compensation (WorkCover WA)
Who insures itInsurance Commission of WA, via your regoYour employer’s workers’ comp insurer
Do you prove fault?No, and you can claim if partly at faultNo, it is a no-fault scheme
First deadlineReport the crash and lodge a Notice of Intention to Claim with ICWA, usually within 6 monthsReport the injury to your employer as soon as possible
Main benefitsTreatment, rehab, lost wages, pain and sufferingIncome compensation, medical and rehab, permanent-impairment
Common law optionBuilt into the schemeOnly where negligence caused 15%+ whole-person impairment

Your personal injury rights under Western Australian law

WA gives you more than one route to compensation, and each has its own deadline. The pathways that apply to a Scarborough claim usually sit under the Limitation Act 2005, the Motor Vehicle (Third Party Insurance) Act 1943, the Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023, and the Civil Liability Act 2002. Miss a deadline under any of them and a good claim can be lost.

Strict time limits apply

You generally have three years from the date you first knew about your injury to start court proceedings under the Limitation Act 2005. For a child under 15 the deadline extends to six years. For a motor injury, you report the crash to ICWA and lodge the Notice of Intention to Make a Claim, usually within six months, though a late notice is not automatically fatal because ICWA has to show it was prejudiced to defeat the claim. The safe move is to get advice early, before evidence goes cold. See how long a WA injury claim takes.

What the pain-and-suffering threshold really pays

This is the part that catches people out. In WA, general damages for pain and suffering in a motor injury claim only start once your loss clears a threshold that is indexed every July.

Soul Legal serves Scarborough and the northern coastal suburbs

We act for injured people across Scarborough (postcode 6019) and the surrounding City of Stirling suburbs, including Doubleview, Wembley Downs, Woodlands, Innaloo, Gwelup, Karrinyup, Trigg, North Beach and Watermans Bay. Further north, we also act for clients in Joondalup. Our Perth CBD office at Suite 2/22 St Georges Terrace is about 14 kilometres from the Scarborough foreshore, and our Baldivis office serves clients to the south. Home and hospital visits are available for anyone who cannot travel.

Scarborough is not a nine-to-five office suburb, and its injuries reflect that. The work here is hospitality, retail and tourism, concentrated along the beachfront and the entertainment precinct around the Rendezvous Hotel, and a lot of it is casual and late-night. The beach itself, one of Tourism Australia’s top ten for 2025, pulls large crowds through summer, which puts pressure on West Coast Highway, the coastal shared path, and the City of Stirling’s foreshore facilities, the pool, the amphitheatre and the skate park among them. When we run a Scarborough claim, the local detail changes the outcome. Whether your injury happened behind a bar, on the highway, on the sand or on council land changes which scheme applies, which insurer pays, and which deadline is already running.

What Scarborough-Area Clients Say About Soul Legal

Soul Legal is Leading Personal Injury Compensation Law Firm

I had a few workplace bully incidents at my work. It escalated so badly that it got really out of hand and I did not know what to do. I thought about resigning at first but then I thought why should they get away with being a bully and I have to lose my job. Everything was in limbo and I felt I had no support. I was then referred to see Rebecca Sorgiovanni from Soul Legal. She took it by the horn and took care of everything. I was totally blown away by her. I can't thank her enough for her support. She was there for me all the way. Everytime the other side wanted to talk to me, I had Rebecca in my corner there to support me . She knew exactly what was happening and what to do. I am happy if anybody wants me to refer Rebecca's services to them. Anytime, just call me and I am more than happy to talk to them about it.
Micheal Anthes Perth Resident 6000
I had a horrific accident in 2016. I was nearly killed. I went to Soul Legal lawyers and saw Kevin Wong and I have never been happier. Kevin took on my case and everything could not have gone better. Thanks to Kevin Wong and Soul Legal. I am more than thrilled and thankful that I have received a settlement and I more than recommend Kevin and Soul Legal. To anyone who has anything at all, I say go to see Kevin Wong and Soul Legal and know that you can't go wrong .
Dawn A LewisPerth Resident 6000
I am so happy with my outcome regarding my claim against my unfair dismissal case. Rebecca from Soul Legal fought hard for me, nothing but high praise for your company. Thanks again.
Thomas RPerth Resident 6000
Kevin Wong from Soul Legal - Most trustworthy, honest and competent lawyer. Would fight the case for you and stand by you. I would cordially recommend him for any case that requires skills and personal efforts.
J. UPerth Resident 6000
Rebecca Sorgiovanni - Thanks again so much for all you did for me and your support through a most difficult time. I wish all the very best to you and your team. Many thanks.
S. HPerth Resident 6000
Rebecca, we are very grateful for your efforts and you have been exemplary to deal with in every way - I am very grateful that you crossed my path as it restores some faith back to me that there are still good people on this planet with kind souls fighting the good fight. I truly admire you and your practice for this. Thank You.
L. LPerth Resident 6000
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the diligence, perseverance, professionalism and support you have shown as I fought for the 'principle' of the matter. I have already started recommending your firm to others.
Karen HRockingham Resident 6168
I can't thank Rebecca enough for helping me through an extremely tough time. Not only was she extremely professional but very understanding and caring to my personal needs. I found Rebecca to be very knowledgeable and I highly recommend her services.
M SPerth Resident 6000
Kevin - Thank you so much for your kindness and professionalism. Your help was such a strong anchor while my decision making skills were low. I really appreciate the effort and assistance. I will always highly recommend you and your team to anyone else I know that may need you.
Sue HWaikiki Resident 6169
Rebecca at Soul Legal took on a Workers Compensation claim I had due to a work accident. Her advice and expertise in that particular area of law was first class. Everything was explained to me and she negotiated a settlement with my employment insurer in an extremely professional manner which was financially above my expectations. I highly recommend that if you have any legal matter you need to resolved to contact Soul Legal to discuss. Simon Hayles
Simon HaylesPerth Resident 6000
"Kevin made a stressful period much more manageable. After my crash I was extremely affected and having his professional support and guidance throughout ensured that all areas of claim were covered which meant the outcome was positive and I could continue my recovery without restrictions." Ursula Beattie
Ursula BButler Resident 6036
Thank you so much Kevin and Lyle. Rate your office 10/10. I can't find people like you: easy to deal with, so calm, understanding, friendly and happy, helpful and of course very sympathetic to people. One of a kind. People need you in our community. I will not hesitate to recommend you to the people I know that really need your service. Thank You
V WPerth Resident 6000
Thanks so much for everything Rebecca, you are great at what you do, not only that, but you have been so supportive of me during the whole ordeal as well and I appreciate that so much
Shana BBaldivis Resident 6171
I have over the past five years, come to know the team at Soul Legal. I have found them to be honest, reliable, professional, comprehensive, strategic, one step ahead and a powerful opponent. When you hire Soul Legal to manage your case, you have hired a team of legal advocates who care, who will keep you informed, who will fight for you and be the voice you need to represent you again. Rebecca Sorgiovanni and her team are some of the most amazing, caring lawyers out there. P. Revson
P. RevsonBaldivis Resident 6171
Kevin Wong is the best lawyer and is very friendly. I'm so happy with his job. Many thanks Mr. Kevin for your help
L VBertram Resident 6167
Kevin, I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and your team for your counsel, support and advice throughout the process. It has been nothing but exceptional and I'm very happy with all services provided, being available anytime to discuss my concern via calls was great. I wish the best for your firm moving forward, and will definitely recommend Soul Legal should I know anyone needing counsel in the future
K GVictoria Park Resident 6100
Kevin, thank you SO SO much to you and the Soul Legal team for all of your help with my case, negotiating the settlement and making the whole process so easy. I am so grateful! I wish Soul Legal all the best and will definitely recommend you if the need ever arose
Natalie BShelley Resident 6148
Thank you for all your help, understanding, patience and commitment to assist me during my difficult times. God bless you and your family and all the very best for the new year."
M.TPerth Resident 6000
Thank you for representing me for my workers compensation claim. I appreciate the manner in which you handled my claim and kept me well informed throughout the process and I was pleased with the end result of the settlement.
Andrew MGosnells Resident 6110
Words are simply not enough to show my appreciation and admiration for Kevin and the team at Soul Legal. I was extremely tentative and anxious about bringing up the past but I was treated with the utmost care and dignity which helped me feel comfortable enough to pursue those who had done wrong by me. Thanks to Kevin we won a settlement that has changed my life forever and I am forever grateful to Soul Legal.
Mr JSouth West WA
Lara, I cannot thank you enough for all the calls, emails we had, and during both conciliations you were so supportive, giving me the best piece of advice, I could express myself freely. I have to say I prayed a lot for this case and my God didn’t let me down. I knew we were going to win during the second conciliation although the odds were here. Lara, you were fantastic and everyone (my physio and my gp) did ask for your name so they can provide to other clients in need.
P. MCloverdale Resident 6105
My heart is full of gratitude for the work you have done in handling my case. From the beginning to the end, it was a really daunting and stressful time I went through with the insurance being inconsiderate however I appreciate your effort and perseverance fighting this case. I would highly recommend people to choose Soul Legal, not only for the service but also for the amazing staff members.
P. MuthyaluCloverdale Resident 6105
Rebecca, thank you from the bottom of my heart, during the first conciliation you were there explaining to me in details about the outcome and consequence that we might obtain from this case. I was restless, thinking about all the implications I could have, but you were very nice and spoke nicely so that I ended up feeling calmer.
P. MCloverdale Resident 6105
Dear Stuart, Kevin, and the team at Soul Legal, I am writing to express my deepest gratitude for the exceptional service I received from Soul Legal. From the beginning to the finalisation of my claim, your team has demonstrated a level of professionalism, care, and personalised attention that far exceeded my family's and my expectations. The manner in which Soul Legal handled my case was truly "with heart and soul," living up to your firm's mission statement. Despite the significant challenges and losses involved, the outcome achieved has provided me with a sense of closure and relief. We particularly appreciated the way you and a big shout out to Stuart! managed the more challenging aspects of my claim, ensuring that I felt supported and informed throughout the process. Stuart's thoughtful accommodations and adjustments to my needs due to the minor traumatic brain injury were especially heartwarming and made a significant difference in my recovery journey. Your approachability and genuine concern for my well-being have been invaluable during this difficult time. I honestly cannot think of anything that could have been done differently. However, I am more than happy to share my positive experience by leaving a Google review for Soul Legal. I believe it is important for others who find themselves in similar situations to know about the exceptional service your firm provides. Blessings and gratitude to you all.
Robyn. LApplecross Resident 6153
Thank you so much for taking on my case and being my lawyer in my time of need. I don't think we could have found anyone better from the bottom of my heart. I wish to thank you for all you've done - A very grateful family.
KevinPerth Resident 6000

Watch How We Help Our Clients Win Their Cases

Client Testimonial
Client Testimonial
Client Testimonial
Client Testimonial
Client Testimonial

Personal injury claims in Scarborough, WA: common questions

Anyone injured through someone else’s fault, or injured at work, or hurt in a motor vehicle crash, can usually claim. Motor injury and workers’ comp are no-fault, so you can claim even if the crash or the workplace injury was partly your doing. Negligence claims (public liability, medical negligence) do need fault shown.

On a No Win No Fee basis, nothing unless your claim succeeds. When it does, we pursue party-and-party costs from the insurer, which covers the majority of your legal costs, and the balance comes from your settlement under a costs agreement you see up front. The first consultation is free, and if we cannot help you, you are not charged.

Most personal injury claims settle in nine to eighteen months. Serious injuries often take longer, because we wait until your condition stabilises before valuing it, which can be a year or more. Rushing to settle before the injury has settled usually costs you.

Partly, and this is new. Since ATO Class Ruling CR 2025/88 in December 2025, the income-compensation part of a registered settlement under the 2023 Act is taxed as ordinary income in the year you receive it. Medical and impairment components are generally treated differently. How your settlement is structured affects your tax, so it is worth advice before you sign.

Yes, for motor injury and workers’ comp, which are no-fault schemes. Your compensation may be reduced for contributory negligence, but partial fault does not shut you out. For negligence claims, contributory negligence can reduce but rarely erases a claim.

Treat it as a warning. ICWA suspects almost 30 percent of new motor-injury claims are harvested through cold-calling and paid referrals, and new $10,000 offences now target it. A legitimate firm does not buy your crash details or ring you out of the blue. Report it on (08) 9264 3333.

Usually not. Most claims settle by negotiation or at a pre-trial conference. If an insurer will not offer a fair outcome, we are prepared to run the matter to trial, and that readiness is often what moves the offer.

NO WIN – NO FEE*

Talk to a Scarborough personal injury lawyer today

No Win, No Fee. Your first consultation is free and confidential. Call (08) 6558 1786, or 0411 896 133 after hours, and get a claim assessment within 24 hours. If you cannot travel, we will come to you.

(08) 6558 1786

View Our Recent Blog Articles

Watch Our Videos

ENTER YOUR DETAILS BELOW