What to discuss at the first meeting
Explain the incident, state or territory and any application or decision already made. Ask which assistance scheme the lawyer will assess and whether other support or legal issues need separate attention.
The relevant scheme and a civil claim are different pathways; confirm the scope of advice.
Working with a firm in North West & West Coast
Devonport, Burnie and Ulverstone are the listed centres for North West & West Coast. An office on the north coast may still be a considerable journey for a West Coast client.
For victims of crime compensation, ask which parts of the work the firm handles itself and whether it has relevant TAS experience. Let the lawyer know if a property, employer, other party or existing proceeding is outside North West & West Coast. 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 victims of crime compensation adviser
- Which assistance process applies?