Faq's
Answers to frequently asked questions.
Is there an initial charge or cost for your services?
No. I work on a no win, no fee basis. I will only charge you a fee if we are successful with your matter.
For more details on the terms of my engagement, please see the Terms of Engagement page of this website.
Can you assist me with my claim/dispute if I do not live in the Whangarei District?
Yes, I certainly can. Most review hearings are convened via video conference and the information I need for your matter is received from ACC directly.
For this reason, it does not matter where in New Zealand you are situated, I will still be able to represent you.
Why should I consider appointing you to represent me?
I have over 10 years’ experience in interpreting and applying difficult legal concepts in practice.
This means that I have a fair understanding of what a claimant needs to prove to be entitled to cover in terms of the Act.
Because I work on a no win, no fee basis the client has nothing to lose by instructing me to represent them in their matter.
If we do not win the matter, you are not left out of pocket with nothing to show for it.
How long do I have to lodge a review against an ACC decision?
The Act provides that you can lodge a review within a period of three calendar months of a decision being issued.
Lodging a review outside of this period is possible, on application. A late application will only be accepted provided that the claimant can provide sufficient extenuating circumstances to justify the delay in applying for a review.
How long does the review process take from start to finish?
Realistically speaking, most review applications take around 5-8 months to finalise. The reason for this is the nature of the process that needs to be followed and the fact that it takes time to gather further medical evidence.
What is your success rate?
Of the matters that proceed to review, we are successful in overturning ACC’s decision in 60-70% of the cases we take on.
Approximately one out of every three reviews are withdrawn on the basis that there is no merit in proceeding.
