Craig Elkington

Craig has an extensive history as a litigation lawyer practising in the fields of insurance and personal injuries.  During that time, he has acted for both individual claimants and insurers, resulting in a balanced perspective and the ability to provide strategic and commercially sound advice to his clients.

Experience and Expertise

Craig’s early legal career saw him acting for insurers in Brisbane and, subsequently, for London Underwriters during a stint with a city firm.  He has acted for insurers defending personal injury claims arising out of workplace, personal and motor vehicle accidents.  For approximatley five years, Craig acted solely for plaintiffs in such claims, gaining valuable insight into the motivations of both plaintiffs and their lawyers.  He has practised at all levels in the Queensland Courts and has conducted appeals to the High Court.

In recent years, Craig has acted solely for compulsory third party insurers.  Craig’s across-the-board technical expertise enables him to deal efficiently with all aspects of the matters he conducts, with minimal involvement of external counsel.  His particular focus is the resolution of matters through alternative dispute resolution.  He often conducts complex matters involving legal impairment, catastrophic, indemnity, fraud and contribution issues.

Craig is committed to the timely and cost effective resolution of his client’s claims.  He travels frequently to regional areas of Queensland to service the needs of his corporate clients.  His wealth of experience has resulted in productive professional relationships with major stakeholders in the personal injuries field – relationships that can be drawn upon to achieve maximum benefits for his clients.

Accomplishments

Craig has been involved in many complex matters resulting in judgments in the higher courts including:

• Hewitt v Bayntun and Allianz Australia Insurance Limited [2015] QSC 250 – a decision concerning the capacity of a former drug addict to manage a million dollar settlement
• Bourk v Power Serve Pty Ltd [2008] QCA 225 – a decision concerning causation of injury which resulted in the Queensland government ordering a review of workers’ compensation system and the passing of new legislation
• Morris v FAI General Insurance Limited [1995] QCA 157 – a decision concerning the wording of an insurer’s letter containing an admission of liability, which had widespread ramifications concerning the conduct of claims.

Recognition – Publication and Papers

Craig has presented practical lectures to insurance staff to assist with professional development.  Recent topics have included ‘Servitium and Business Claims for Damages’ and ‘Economic Loss’.