Sarah Askew

Sarah has dedicated the past 15 years of her legal career to representing people with acquired brain injuries and spinal cord injuries, securing life-long care, dignity and justice for vulnerable clients.

After initially studying commercial and intellectual property law, Sarah’s career direction changed when she worked closely with an individual who sustained a hypoxic brain injury at birth. That experience shaped her commitment to catastrophic injury law and client-centred advocacy.

Since 2019, Sarah has practised exclusively in acquired brain injury and spinal cord injury claims, acting solely for injured individuals and their families. Her work spans motor vehicle accidents, public liability and workers’ compensation matters, with settlements exceeding $1 million.

With a compassionate and client-centered approach Sarah regularly acts for children who were injured at a young age and their families where lifelong planning is critical and addressing all needs such as dealing with capacity issues and court-sanctioned settlements.

Sarah’s practice includes advising clients on:

• Acquired brain injury and traumatic brain injury claims

• Spinal cord injury compensation

• Motor vehicle accident claims

• Public liability matters

• Workers’ compensation claims

• Lifetime care and support planning

• NDIS and NIIS disputes

Sarah is particularly skilled in managing the complexities of brain injury claims, including coordinating care across multiple stakeholders and ensuring clients have access to appropriate rehabilitation, housing support and long-term services.

She is a strong advocate for clients with mild traumatic brain injuries, who are often overlooked because traditional imaging does not reveal their injury. Sarah understands that the absence of a positive scan result does not mean the absence of real and disabling symptoms.

Her role extends beyond damages outcomes. Sarah has successfully assisted clients to:

• Access housing and community supports

• Secure rehab and support services funding through the National Injury Insurance Scheme/ CTP Insurers

Sarah believes quality of life is as important as financial compensation. She focuses on ensuring clients are supported not only in their daily needs, but in the activities, relationships and independence that give life meaning.

Known for her deeply personal approach, Sarah meets clients in their homes, works around fatigue and memory limitations, and travels interstate when needed to ensure her clients are heard. She places strong emphasis on listening — understanding each client’s wishes, barriers and priorities.

Sarah is driven by two things she loves most about her work: building genuine relationships with her clients, and continually learning from the medical specialists and organisations involved in their care.