What to discuss at the first meeting
Give a history of relevant workplaces or other exposure and any diagnosis or investigation already communicated to you. Ask for a practitioner experienced in the particular type of exposure matter.
Ask promptly about the appropriate process and specialist evidence; do not assume an ordinary workplace claim covers every exposure situation.
Working with a firm in Cairns & Far North
Cairns, Port Douglas and Atherton bring together different Far North locations. For a property or business matter, tell the firm whether you are based locally, elsewhere in Australia or overseas.
For dust diseases & asbestos, ask which parts of the work the firm handles itself and whether it has relevant QLD experience. Let the lawyer know if a property, employer, other party or existing proceeding is outside Cairns & Far North. Your home address alone does not determine the applicable process.
How the engagement may progress
Provide a chronology, relevant locations and employer or insurer details, together with forms and decisions already received.
Discuss medical, employment, incident and expense records. Ask who will obtain reports and how access, privacy and expert costs will be managed.
Have any offer, assessment or release explained before agreeing. Clarify what a resolution would cover and whether related claims need separate advice.
Fees and the scope of work
Ask for the written meaning of no win, no fee, including expenses, any uplift and possible other costs. The phrase alone is not enough to compare arrangements.
Ask for a written scope identifying the work you are authorising, the person responsible and when costs will be reviewed. If you only want advice on one step, say so before the firm begins wider work.
Dates to raise at first contact
Ask early about notice, claim and review limits in the relevant scheme. Keep the incident date and every insurer decision available for assessment.
Questions to ask a dust diseases & asbestos adviser
- What exposure information is needed?