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Michael Garbett

Brisbane Managing Partner

Brisbane

+61 7 3225 5920

Michael has practised exclusively in the area of accident compensation for over 25 years. He has extensive experience in all areas of insurance litigation; however, in recent years has devoted his time to practising in the area of motor vehicle accident compensation.

EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE

Michael has practised exclusively in the area of accident compensation since admission in 1993. He is highly regarded by his clients and colleagues across the insurance industry.

Over the course of his career, Michael has acted for private and government CTP insurers, WorkCover Queensland and public liability insurers.

Michael has developed a special interest in catastrophic claims and has represented insurers in numerous multi-million dollar claims.

Michael now devotes his time to practising in the area of motor vehicle accident compensation and represents several different CTP insurers in Queensland. He is very focused on proactively bringing suitable matters to a swift resolution via cost effective settlement methods while simultaneously identifying fraudulent and exaggerated claims which need to be brought to trial.

Michael has many long standing relationships with his insurance clients in Queensland. 

ACCOMPLISHMENTS 

Michael has been involved in many significant and complex claims over the course of his career.

In particular, he has represented CTP insurers in claims involving claimants who have been rendered quadriplegic and blind, as well as claims where people have sustained significant brain injuries.

Michael is also involved in the development of innovative strategies with CTP insurers dealing with minimal impact and fraudulent claims. 

Michael is the current chair of the Queensland Law Society Accident Compensation Committee and is uniquely positioned to advise clients on proposed legislative changes which may impact on their operations. He was involved in preparing submissions related to the introduction of the National Injury Insurance Scheme in Queensland as well as change to the Motor Accident Insurance Act 1994 (Qld) designed to eradicate the practise of claim farming.

RECOGNITION

Awards

Ranked as a Preeminent Lawyer – Compulsory Third Party (Defendant) in Queensland by Doyle's Guide since 2018.

Ranked as a Leading and Recommended Lawyer - Workers Compensation & WorkCover in Queensland by Doyle's Guide since 2022. 

Ranked in the peer-reviewed Best Lawyers® in Australia list for:

  • Insurance Law since 2021
  • Personal Injury Litigation since 2022
  • Motor Vehicle Law 2025

Expertise

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Laws, 1993 Queensland University of Technology

Memberships

  • Chair of the Queensland Law Society Accident Compensation Committee