If you’ve discovered, or even suspect, that you’ve been recorded without consent, you may be eligible to seek compensation. Shocking allegations involving major Melbourne hospitals have revealed the extent to which covert surveillance can invade people’s lives. For many, the betrayal runs deeper than the images or videos, it’s about the breach of dignity, safety, and trust.
Carbone Lawyers understand how distressing this experience can be. We work with people who feel voiceless, exposed, and unsure of what comes next. It’s important to understand your legal options, what compensation may be available, and how we can support you confidentially and without upfront legal fees.
When Trust Is Violated
From 2021 to 2025, a junior doctor allegedly conducted covert filming inside staff bathrooms and showers at several major Melbourne hospitals, including Austin Hospital, the Royal Melbourne Hospital, and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre. Investigators uncovered approximately 4,500 videos and over 10,000 images of content that was reportedly catalogued and ranked. An estimated 460 people may have been affected.
Learn more about this case and the legal support for hospital surveillance victims.
This isn’t just a violation of privacy. It’s a systemic failure that raises serious legal and ethical concerns. If you worked in one of these hospitals during that period, and used staff amenities, even the suspicion that you may have been filmed is grounds for distress, and for action. You deserve to know your rights.
You May Be Affected Even If You’re Unsure
One of the most unsettling aspects of unlawful surveillance is not knowing whether it happened to you. Victims often question themselves:
- “I haven’t been contacted, does that mean I’m not affected?”
- “What if I can’t prove anything?”
- “Should I still speak to a lawyer?”
If you feel uneasy, anxious, or emotionally distressed by what occurred, that alone may be enough to explore a claim. Covert filming causes harm, even when the evidence is hidden. You don’t need footage or confirmation to seek guidance. Carbone Lawyers will help you assess your situation with compassion and confidentiality.
What Are Your Legal Options?
Depending on how and where the incident occurred, you may be eligible for compensation under one or more legal pathways:
Psychological Injury Through WorkCover
If the surveillance took place in your workplace, and it has caused mental distress or trauma, you may be entitled to lodge a psychological injury WorkCover claim.
This can provide access to:
- Medical and psychological treatment
- Weekly payments if you cannot work
- Lump sum compensation for permanent psychological impairment
If your injury is assessed as serious and caused by negligence or a breach of duty of care, you may also pursue common law damages, in addition to statutory entitlements. This is a separate legal process and can result in significant financial compensation. Contact us to find out more.
Public Liability for Institutional Negligence
Hospitals, schools, and other public institutions have a legal duty to provide safe environments. If they failed to prevent or detect unlawful surveillance that occurred on their premises, you may be entitled to claim under public liability.
This may include compensation for:
- Pain and suffering
- Economic loss
- Future care or treatment needs
Questions and Concerns We Often Hear
We understand that making a legal claim can feel overwhelming, especially in cases involving trauma, privacy, or workplace dynamics. Here are some of the concerns we frequently address:
“I don’t know if I was filmed.”
You don’t need confirmation. If you were present at the affected hospitals and are experiencing harm, you’re entitled to seek legal advice.
“Will I have to go to court or speak publicly?”
Most cases are resolved privately, and we act with strict confidentiality. Your identity and details are protected.
“It happened years ago, is it too late?”
Possibly not. In many cases, time limits can be extended, particularly for psychological injury or delayed discovery of harm. Contact us as soon as possible to protect your options.
“I can’t afford legal fees.”
That’s not a barrier. Carbone Lawyers offers a No Win, No Fee model for most personal injury claims. There are no upfront legal costs.
“Can I do anything about the images?”
While criminal investigations are separate, we may be able to assist with take-down requests or legal coordination. Our role is to support your claim and help you seek justice.
Why Carbone Lawyers
We are not just legal professionals. We are advocates for people who’ve been let down by institutions they should have been able to trust.
Carbone Lawyers specialise in psychological injury, public liability, and trauma-informed legal care. Our lawyers have decades of experience handling complex cases involving emotional distress, privacy breaches, and systemic failures.
Our team works closely with clients who need support, not pressure. We listen. We protect. We act.
Take the First Step
The first step doesn’t require proof. It just requires a conversation.If you believe your privacy was violated, if something doesn’t feel right, you don’t have to face it alone. Contact us today and we’ll help you understand your rights and what comes next.
