Do I need a lawyer?
This is something we often get asked and something I am sure a lot of people are thinking: Do I even need a lawyer? Can't I just do this myself and save some money?
The short answer is yes, you can do it yourself. But we wouldn't recommend it. And here is why:
1) An Insurer Is Not on Your Side
As with any type of insurance claim, the insurer is not on your side. They are representing the person at fault; the person who caused your injuries.
Whether it’s WorkCover or a CTP/public liability insurer, their role is to minimise their bottom line and to resolve each claim as quickly and cheaply as possible.
They may do this by closing your claim early and without funding all appropriate treatment, downplaying your injuries and not obtaining all of the necessary medical evidence, and by making low offers on hope that you accept them without a fight.
They are not looking out for you or trying to be helpful, and they will offer you significantly less than what you're entitled to.
The 2024/2025 data released by the Motor Accident Insurance Commission, shows that legally represented claimants receive much higher compensation then self-represented claimants, for the same injury. The average legally represented claimant received about 7.5 times more compensation than a self-represented claimant.
Additionally, self-represented claimants received substantially less funding for treatment and rehabilitation, with the average legally represented claimant receiving 3.17 more funding.
2) You Don't Know What You Don't Know
An insurer has significantly more knowledge, experience and resources than you, and they will use this to their advantage.
They aren't going to tell you what your claim is really worth, or what evidence you need to give to them to increase their offers - they rely on you being the underdog.
Personal injuries matters are complex and, to get the best result, you need to tailor the claim to the injured person's individual circumstances. This means:
- Demonstrating liability and making sure there are not any discounting factors applied;
- Selecting the best and more qualified specialist to assess your injuries;
- Calculating the full extent of your damages - including your income, medical expenses, pain and suffering and future costs; and
- Providing appropriate medical and financial records, statements and precedents to support your claim.
A personal injuries lawyer will know how to calculate these losses accurately, to maximise your claim.
3) You Get One Shot at This
Once you settle your claim, that's it; you cannot receive any further compensation. This means that if your injury gets worse, if you lose your job, or if you need any unexpected surgery, you will need to pay for those costs out of your pocket if they haven't been included in your claim.
You need to make sure that you are covered for these risks, and that everything has been accounted for.
4) We Won't take on your claim Unless we can get you A Better Outcome - In Your Hand
We purposely keep our caseloads, so that we can provide the best possible service to our client's. This also means that we don't take on a claim, unless we think that our involvement is going to get you a better outcome, in your hand. If it's not worthwhile for us to get involved, we won't act for you.
If you've been injured, this is not the time to cut corners. Get advice from someone that you can trust, who can take this off your plate, and will fight to get the best possible outcome for you.
We will take this off your plate and will build your case for you to get what you deserve.