Bree Knoester blog

Bree Knoester is the founder of Brave Legal and one of Australia’s leading personal injury lawyers. Bree has practiced for over 20 years as both a barrister and solicitor; and has represented clients in some of Victoria’s largest compensation settlements.
Brave Legal Media
Hybrid Working Here To Stay | LIJ

Personal injury law firm Brave Legal is bucking the trend of lawyers returning to the office, stating “we are loudly committed to a hybrid working environment”.

2 min Bree Knoester
Abuse law Media
60 Minutes: People with disabilities “treated like non-humans” in group homes

Brave Legal client, Lee-Anne Mackey, endured bullying and physical abuse from the staff at her group home. She informed her parents, who used a hidden camera to expose the mistreatment.

< 1 min Bree Knoester
Dust diseases News
WorkSafe responds to rising silica-related disease diagnoses

With silicosis diagnoses on the rise, WorkSafe has reviewed their “proclaimed diseases list” to make the process clearer and faster for affected individuals.

2 min Bree Knoester
Dust diseases News
More positive treatment developments for mesothelioma patients

Any developments in the area of mesothelioma treatment are welcomed and it is so pleasing to be able to share the results of this trial and the new diagnostic test with newly diagnosed clients.

< 1 min Bree Knoester
Dust diseases News
Mesothelioma Diagnostic Test Offers Hope

Bree Knoester recently provided mesothelioma legal advice to 70-year-old woman. But why was she diagnosed and what does the future hold for her seven brothers and sisters?

2 min Bree Knoester
Media Workers compensation
Energy Australia fined after workplace death at Yallourn Power Station

Brave Legal and the Edwards family fought for justice for their son and brother who died as a result of a fatal electrical explosion at Yallourn power station.

< 1 min Bree Knoester
Brave Legal Media
The advice I wish I was given as a junior lawyer

Personal Injury Lawyer Bree Knoester shares the bare bones advice she wishes she was given as a law student.

3 min Bree Knoester
News Personal Injury
How Rude-olf: Christmas Negotiations Gone Wrong

Lawyers take note! Proceed with caution when negotiating this Christmas – or you might find yourself not jingling all the way.

3 min Bree Knoester
Dust diseases News
Unveiling asbestos negligence: A review of “Devil’s Dust”

Two-part miniseries “Devil’s Dust” provides insights into life at James Hardie and the impact of asbestos disease on families.

2 min Bree Knoester
Dust diseases News
Asbestos compensation for ‘Mr Fluffy’ victims

The Loose-Fill Asbestos Disease Support Scheme is a testament to the tireless advocacy of individuals who fought tirelessly for the rights of ‘Mr Fluffy’ victims.

2 min Bree Knoester
Dust diseases News
Surprising past uses of asbestos (and what to do if you’re exposed)

Commonly used in building and construction, asbestos has also been used in surprising ways, including in everyday products.

2 min Bree Knoester
Media Medical negligence
The changing landscape of cerebal palsy litigation in Australia

Investigating causation and disentangling any genetic conditions from a potential compensable birth injury is becoming increasingly complex in infant cerebral palsy claims.

< 1 min Bree Knoester
Dust diseases News
Mesothelioma treatment: A case for optimism

Mesothelioma often comes with a bleak prognosis but there have been increasing developments in the area of mesothelioma treatment.

< 1 min Bree Knoester
Dust diseases News
Case study: James Hardie and the impacts of other asbestos diseases

The significance of the decision in Headon v Amaca (formerly James Hardie) is consistent with the devastating impact that a asbestos diagnosis can have on an individual.

2 min Bree Knoester
Dust diseases News
Asbestos litigation update: Cape Asbestos documents uncovered

After much lobbying, documents have been made publicly available which show boards produced by asbestos manufacturer Cape Asbestos, an equivalent of James Hardie, leads to heavier asbestos exposure than previously thought.

2 min Bree Knoester
Media Workers compensation
Lawfully Explained: Claiming Workers Compensation

Bree Knoester joins the Lawfully Explained podcast to explain the differences in personal injury across the states and whether you’re covered for everything from lunch break mishaps to psychological trauma.

< 1 min Bree Knoester
Media Workers compensation
Brave family relieved as Worksafe overturn their decision

Brave Legal and the Edwards family fought for justice for their son and brother who died as a result of a fatal electrical explosion at Yallourn power station.

< 1 min Bree Knoester
Media Workers compensation
Brave client continues to fight two years after son’s death

Bree Knoester and the Brave Legal team continue to stand alongside a grieving family in their pursuit of a WorkSafe prosecution in relation to the death of their son.

< 1 min Bree Knoester
Brave Legal Media
Paving the way for firms to combat health and wellbeing concerns within the law

As we ease out of lockdown across Australia, Founder and Principal Lawyer Bree Knoester shares how her personal injury firm is leading a different approach to wellness.

< 1 min Bree Knoester
Brave Legal News
Bree Knoester named a “Best Lawyer in Australia”

Bree Knoester has been selected by industry peers for inclusion in the 14th edition of Best Lawyers in Australia for outstanding work in the areas of medical negligence and personal injury litigation.

< 1 min Bree Knoester
News Workers compensation
Provisional payments now available to injured workers

From 1 July 2021, Victorian workers with work-related mental health injuries can access treatment and services whilst their Workcover claim is being determined.

< 1 min Bree Knoester
Media Workers compensation
The Problem With Workers’ Compensation | The Project

Our brave client, Mick and Principal Lawyer Bree Knoester speak out about poor WorkCover insurer tactics that cause delays and worsen injuries.

< 1 min Bree Knoester
Medical negligence News
Duty to “explain and apologise” for medical care incidents

A Statutory Duty of Candour may improve the experience of patients who suffer poor outcomes after medical treatment or medical negligence.

< 1 min Bree Knoester
Brave Legal Media
How client needs may dictate law firms of choice post-pandemic

Joining the Lawyers Weekly podcast, Principal Lawyer Bree Knoester shares why she launched Brave Legal and discusses the rise of boutique law and the changing needs of clients post pandemic.

< 1 min Bree Knoester
Brave Legal News
Bree Knoester launches personal injury law firm, Brave Legal

Leading personal injury lawyer Bree Knoester shares her founder story of boutique personal injury law firm, Brave Legal.

2 min Bree Knoester
News Workers compensation
Important decision for workers with psychiatric conditions

The Court of Appeal handed down an important decision for WorkCover practitioners assisting workers at Conciliation.

< 1 min Bree Knoester
Media Workers compensation
“Immoral and unethical” | Four Corners

Bree Knoester and brave client Chris join the investigation into “immoral and unethical” practices in the workers’ compensation system.

< 1 min Bree Knoester
Media Workers compensation
National newspaper found responsible for psychological injuries

In a legal world first, Bree Knoester assisted a former crime reporter with PTSD hold a media organisation accountable for failing to provide a safe workplace.

< 1 min Bree Knoester
Media Workers compensation
The Law Report: YZ vs The Age

Bree Knoester joins “The Law Report” with Damien Carrick to discuss the world first judgement against The Age for a former journalists’ PTSD.

< 1 min Bree Knoester
Abuse law Media
Survivors settle against estate of Dr Andrew Churchyard

In one of the largest medical abuse cases in Australia, Bree Knoester represented 52 sexual abuse survivors in compensation claims against the estate of their alleged perpetrator – former neurologist, Dr Andrew Churchyard.

< 1 min Bree Knoester