What to discuss at the first meeting
Identify every relevant fund or policy and the period when cover may have applied. The policy terms, work history and evidence requested by the insurer are central to the assessment.
Ask about each possible policy separately rather than assuming all funds use the same test.
Working with a firm in New England & North West
For advice around Armidale, Tamworth, Moree and Gunnedah, distinguish personal matters from business or farm matters at the first enquiry. Land, a trading business and a family estate may involve different owners and documents.
For tpd & superannuation claims, ask which parts of the work the firm handles itself and whether it has relevant NSW experience. Let the lawyer know if a property, employer, other party or existing proceeding is outside New England & North West. 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 tpd & superannuation claims adviser
- Which policy terms are being assessed?