Mark Victorsen

Mark Victorsen is a highly experienced Partner at Mills Oakley with over 25 years of practice in latent disease claims defence across multiple Australian jurisdictions

Mark Victorsen is a highly experienced Partner at Mills Oakley with over 25 years of practice in latent disease claims defence across multiple Australian jurisdictions. For the past decade, his practice has encompassed both silica-related disease and asbestos claims — a combination that represents a rare and highly sought-after skill set in the Australian insurance market. Mark acts for defendants and insurers across the manufacturing sector, bringing a commanding blend of technical medical knowledge, strategic acumen, and practical claims management experience to every matter.

Mark’s longevity in the field has seen him at the forefront of key cases that have materially changed the legal landscape for latent disease claims in Australia. His involvement in landmark matters has not only shaped the development of the law but has given him an unparalleled command of the substantive legal principles governing these claims — including the specific and often highly technical triggers that determine liability and coverage. This is knowledge that cannot be acquired from textbooks; it has been forged through decades of active involvement at the highest level of the field, and it uniquely positions Mark to advise with authority and precision when it matters most.

In his role as Client Relationship Manager, Mark serves as the primary point of contact for insurer clients, offering proactive advice, strategic oversight, and a consistent senior presence across complex and high-volume claim portfolios. His clients benefit from direct access to a partner who combines deep legal expertise with a thorough understanding of the commercial and risk management priorities that drive insurance decision-making.

Expertise

  • Latent Disease Defence — Silica & Asbestos: Over 20 years of multi-jurisdictional latent disease defence across Australia, with the last decade encompassing both silica-related disease and asbestos claims. This dual specialisation is a genuinely rare skill set, positioning Mark as one of a very small number of practitioners with authoritative command across both disciplines in the Australian market.
  • Litigation & Trial Work: Extensive experience running complex latent claims through to trial, with a strategic and measured approach that protects clients’ interests at every stage of proceedings.
  • Early Resolution & Settlement: A proven track record of resolving a substantial volume of claims well before litigation becomes necessary, delivering cost-effective outcomes through early and well-judged intervention.
  • Medical & Expert Evidence Management: An astute and disciplined approach to medical issues, enabling rapid identification of the salient facts and effective management of expert evidence — a critical advantage in claims where medical complexity is often decisive.
  • Insurance Coverage Advice: Experience providing strategic advice to insurers on complex coverage questions arising from latent disease policies, with a strong record of achieving favourable outcomes on difficult coverage disputes.