Personal Injury Claims / Compensation Claims
개인 상해 청구/손해보상 청구
자주묻는 질문 답변
법적 용어로 개인 상해를 이야기 할 때, 다른 사람의 책임으로 인해 발생한 신체적 정신적 손해를 개인에게 입혔는지를 나타냅니다. 예를 들면, 자동차나 사람 또는 공공장소의 소유주나 관리자가 될 수 있습니다.
개인 상해 청구는 그 범위가 넓기 때문에 관리하기 쉽게, 다음과 같이 분류합니다.
• 일과 관련된 상해( 통근 관련 상해 포함)
• 공공장소 이용시 발생한 상해(공공 수영장과 같은)
• 제품 결함으로 인한 상해
• 범죄나 폭행으로 인한 상해
• 자동차 사고
위의 사항은 보상받을 수 있는 몇가지 사례입니다. 이외의 다른 청구의 보상과 관련하여 personal injury lawyers Brisbane and QLD팀이 더 자세히 조언해 드릴수 있습니다.

개인 상해 청구를 시작할때 해아할 것
상해를 입는 것은 매우 어려운 시기가 입니다. 다른사람이나 다른 사물에 의해 상해를 입은경우, 이로 인해 스트레스를 받게되고 무엇을 해야할지 혼란스러울 수 있습니다.
가장 먼저 해야할 것은 고객님 본인의 건강을 보살피는 것입니다. 본인의 안정을 찾아야, 고객님이 입은 상해에 관한 보상을 저희의 도움을 받아 진행할 수 있습니다.
각 주별로 개인 상해 청구에 대해 상한금액이 있음을 인지하셔야 합니다. 고객님이 어떤 보상을 받을수 있을지에 대해 이해하기 위해 저희 팀 전문 변호사와 반드시 상담을 받으셔야 합니다.
개인 상해 청구시 책임 대상에 대한 시간 제한도 존재하며, 이 시간 제한은 사건의 경우마다 다르게 적용됩니다. 만일 특정 의학적 이슈로 청구를 하는 경우 필요성과 긴급성에 기반하여 이 시간제한은 다르게 적용됩니다.
이러한 시간제한 때문에, 고객님의 상해로 인해 가능할 때 개인 상해 청구를 시작하는것이 필수적입니다.
어떤 경우에라도, 가능하다면 다음과 같은사항을 따라야 합니다.
• 누가 사고를 유발했는지, 어떤 손상을 입었는지 보여줄 수있는 필요한 증거를 수집해야합니다. 사진을 사용하십시요.
• 사고후 어떤일이 발생했는지 기록하십시오. 의료적인 비용, 병원/의사 방문, 근무 중단 시간, 임금손해등에 관한 기록을 남기십시오.
• 사고를 목격한 사람에 관련한 이름과 연락처 세부사항을 수집하고 관련정보를 확인하십시오.
• 사고와 관련하여 누군가와 이야기를 나눴다면, 대화 내용을 기록할 수 있도록 메모를 남기십시오.

누가 청구 할 수있습니까?
호주내에서 다른사람의 과실로 인해 상해를 입었을 경우 보상 청구가 가능합니다.
자동차 사고로 인해 상해를 입은경우, 폭행이나 범죄로 인해 상해를 입은 경우, 가해자를 대상으로 의료 비용을 청구를 할 수 있습니다.
무엇을 청구할 수 있습니다?
• 의료 비용 – 상해로 인해 발생한 과거와 앞으로 발생할 비용 모두 포함
• 수입의 손해 – 과거와 미래
• 장례비용
• 비금전적 손해 – 예. 고통 괴로움
• 물질적 손해 – 예. 자동차나 소지품
개인 상해 청구 자격 여부에 관해 확실치 않다면 저희팀과 연락하십시요.

자전거 배달을 하는 젊은 사람은 부상을 입을 가능성이 13배 높다.

코비드 락다운이 시작된 이래로, Uber Eats 나 Doordash 등의 회사를 위한 배달이 엄청난 수로 늘어난 것을 볼 수 있다. 배달업은 도전적이며, 어렵고 보통은 저임금이며, 교통상황등의 현실적인 위험에 노출되어 있다. 새로운 보고서에 따르면 자전거로 배달하는 사람들의 경우 일반 취미생활로 자전거를 타는 사람들보다 오후 8시부터 자정까지13배 이상 응급상황실에 보고된다. 그렇지만 대부분의 부상은 보고되지 않는다.
상업목적의 배달부들은 대부분 바쁜 저녁 시간대에 배달을하는중 부상을 당하고, 이들은 거대 다국적 기업과 하청계약되어 있다. 이들 대부분은 Medicare 이 지원을 받지 못한다. 호주 노동법에 따르면 하도 계약업자인 경우, 최저임금 보장, 병가, 연차 등의 보장이 되지 않는다는 것을 의미한다. 자전거 배달부들은 대부분이 젊은 남자들이고, 11배이상의 사람들이 영어가 모국어가 아니다. NSW 에서 이민 배경을 가지고 있는 최소한 5명의 음식 배달부가 2020 년도 하반기 2달동안 업무중 도중 도로에서 사고로 사망했다.
보상이 보고되지 않는 이유
두려움. 대부분 사람들이 사고가 발생했을때 말을하지 않는 이유중 하나는 사람들은 알려져있지 않은것에 대한 두려움 때문이다. 고용인들은 사고를 보고할 경우, 어떤 파급효과를 일으킬지 모르고, 이행의로 인해 어떤 부당함을 받을지 모른다는 걱정을 한다.
무기력함. 젊은 고용인들의 무기력함은 그들이 어린 나이와 경험부족등의 이유로 감독관들이 안전문제나 부상에 대해 지속적으로 인지시켜주는 것에 영향을 잘 받지 않는다. 이런 직장의 안전관점에서 이러한 점은 권고사항이나 감독관과 아이디어를 공유한다거나, 위험한 행동을 거부하거나, 안전담당자에게 연락하여 불만이나 사고를 보고할 권리를 부여하는 것을 의미한다.
잡음을 만들지 말아라. 흥미로운 사실은, 같은 업종에 나이가 있는 고용인이 있는경우에는, 사람들이 보고하지 않는 이유중 하나가 고용인들이 그것이 일상적으로 그것을 본인 일의 일부라고 생각하기 때문이다. 대부분의 고용인들은 부상에대한 다른 개념을 가지고 있고 본인들이 생각하기에 작은것이라고 판단되면 보고하지 않는다. 그리고 그것을 방지하기 위한 어떤것도 하지 않는다. 부상이 업무와 관련이 있는 경우를 이해하지 못하고 불편함과 고통까지도 업무의 일부로 받아들인다. 그들은 이런 잡음을 만든일이 본인의 현재 직업을 유지하는데 제한이되고 회사가 성장하는데 방해가 될까 두려워한다.
변호사를 선임하는것은 더 공정한 차이점을 만들수 있습니다.
부상을 당했던 답변자의 38% 가 다른사람이 화를 내거나 아무런 결과를 얻지 못할거라고 생각해서 보고하지 않았다고 답변했습니다. 전형적으로 호주인들은 고소하기를 꺼려하지만 본인이 누군가의 행동으로 인해 손해를 보았을때는 보상을 받을 자격이 있다는 것을 아는 것이 매우 중요합니다. 이러한 당황스러운 일로 어떻게 해야할지 모를때, Phoenix Law Injury& Accident Lawyers의 보상관련 경험이 있는 브리즈번 개인상해 변호사가 도와드리겠습니다.

병원 비용, 생계비용의 손해, 신체적, 정신적 고통, 삶의 즐거움을 상실하셨다면 저희가 이런 부분에 대해서 도와드릴 수 있습니다. 1800-GET-HELP 로 전화 주시거나 웹사이트를 방문해 주십시오. https://www.phoenix-law.com.au/ +61 (07) 3180 0908 #workinjury #qldlaw #workerscompensation #injury
일하는 중에, 개인 또는 공공장소 부상을 당했다면, 경험이 풍부한 보상전문 변호사들이 여러분의 상황을 설명하고 이해할 수 있도록 도와드릴 수 있습니다.

Young delivery cyclists 13 times more likely to be injured

Since Covid lockdowns began, we’ve seen a huge increase in delivery riders for companies like Uber Eats and Doordash. It’s a challenging job, tight deadlines, hard-work, usually poorly-paid, and presents real danger from traffic and abuse. A new report has found delivery cyclists are thirteen times more likely than recreational cyclists to present to an emergency department between 8pm and midnight, yet the injuries largely go unreported.

Commercial delivery riders are often injured on the job during the busy evening delivery period, and whilst they sub-contract to huge multinationals, they are often not covered by Medicare. Under Australian labour laws, being an independent contractor means not being entitled to minimum wage, sick leave and annual leave. Delivery cyclists are most likely to be young males, eleven times more likely to have a primary language that is not English. At least five food delivery riders in NSW, all from migrant backgrounds, were killed in two months in late 2020 in road accidents while on the job.

Why injures may not be reported

FEAR. One of the most common reasons people don’t speak up when a workplace incident occurs is because they are afraid – their fear is of the unknown. Employees don’t know what the repercussions will be if they report the incident, and they worry that this action might bring some kind of punishment.

POWERLESSNESS. Add a sense of powerlessness as young employees report that they feel they have less influence in the workplace because of their age and inexperience which keeps them from telling their supervisor about safety concerns or injuries. They also report feeling they do not have a voice that can help change something in the workplace. In the context of workplace safety, that could mean making recommendations, sharing ideas with any supervisor, refusing to perform dangerous work or even the empowerment of calling a safety representative to report a concern or incident.

“DON’T MAKE ANY NOISE “  Interestingly,  employees with more seniority in the same job, have an approach of not reporting injuries because they understand that is a normal part of getting the job done. Many employees have different definitions for injuries and do not report those that they understand are “small” and do not think they can anything to do to prevent them. Not understanding when an injury is work-related and accepting discomfort and even pain as part of the job. They fear that “making noise” will limit them to keep their current job or aspire for growth in the organization

 Appointing a Lawyer can make a fairer difference

 38% of respondents who had been involved in an incident, did not report it because they felt they may be met with anger or that nothing would be done as a result. Australians typically are reluctant to sue, but when you have suffered losses due to the actions of someone else, it’s important to know what you’re entitled to in terms of compensation. If you’re not sure what to do in this upsetting time, the Brisbane personal injury lawyers at Phoenix Law – compassionate experienced Injury Lawyers,  are here to help.

You will more than likely need help with medical expenses, loss of earnings, physical and psychological suffering, or loss of enjoyment of life. CALL 1800-GET-HELP or see https://www.phoenix-law.com.au/ +61 (07) 3180 0908 #workinjury #qldlaw #workerscompensation #injury 

Whether you were injured in an accident, at work, or on private or public property, our knowledgeable and compassionate lawyers can help you understand and help you speak up.

Worker compensated for hand sanitiser throat injury at Adelaide School.

Hand sanitiser has become prolific since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. For a school support worker, at Hallet Cove School in Adelaide, it has contributed to a throat injury. On April 28, 2020, and again a week later, Tracey Reimers breathed in fumes from hand sanitiser that had been introduced to the school. Feeling like she had something stuck in the back of her throat, and always needed to cough, the laryngeal sensitivity — was relieved by a Botox injection to her throat in August 2020. The condition was aggravated after Ms Reimers breathed in mist from a fan a girl had brought into a classroom in February 2021 and found it worse when working with older students, who used more deodorant, perfume and aftershave.

The South Australian Employment Tribunal ruled that the woman should be reinstated with the Department for Education, and will be paid for work loss and medical expenses. The Brisbane personal injury lawyers at Phoenix Law   are here to help you with personal injury compensation.

You may need help with medical expenses, loss of earnings, physical and psychological suffering, or loss of enjoyment of life. CALL 1800-GET-HELP or see https://www.phoenix-law.com.au/ +61 (07) 3180 0908 #workinjury #handsanitiser #qldlaw #workerscompensation #injury

Accidentes laborales – Especialmente en un entorno industrial, el lugar de trabajo puede ser peligroso, pero eso es sólo una parte del panorama. Hay numerosos factores, que van desde el sobreesfuerzo hasta la mala manipulación de materiales peligrosos, y una multitud de variables que pueden contribuir o influir en un incidente laboral.

Dado el gran número de horas que se pasan en el lugar de trabajo, las lesiones son desgraciadamente habituales, pero no siempre se trata de una negligencia. Si sufres una lesión en el trabajo, puedes reclamar una indemnización. Busque inmediatamente atención médica para sus lesiones y luego un abogado experto en indemnizaciones podrá ayudarle.

Levantamiento
Con demasiada frecuencia, los empleados intentan levantar un objeto demasiado pesado por sí mismos, por lo que son propensos a sufrir esguinces, distensiones o desgarros musculares. No hay nada malo en pedir ayuda con los objetos que son difíciles de levantar. El sobreesfuerzo puede producirse al levantar, empujar, tirar, sujetar, transportar o lanzar objetos. La lesión por esfuerzo repetitivo (RSI) describe el daño y el dolor causados por el movimiento repetitivo y el uso excesivo y no se limita sólo a los operadores de ordenadores y teclados.

Pueden ocurrir accidentes terribles al manejar maquinaria pesada.

Por desgracia, y a veces de forma trágica, en las obras de construcción, las fábricas, las industrias y las explotaciones agrícolas, el cuerpo puede sufrir daños por las máquinas. Las lesiones más comunes asociadas a las máquinas son el aplastamiento, el corte, el cizallamiento, la perforación, la abrasión, las quemaduras, el desgarro, el estiramiento o una combinación de dos o más de estos. Otras lesiones comunes son las descargas eléctricas, la pérdida de audición y la mala salud por la liberación de sustancias peligrosas o la falta de oxígeno.

Las lesiones por choque e impacto pueden incluir a vehículos, máquinas o maquinaria del lugar de trabajo, pero suelen estar asociadas a los empleados que conducen vehículos de motor por motivos de trabajo. Una vez más, busque atención médica inmediatamente, y luego hable con nuestro experimentado equipo de indemnización.

Fatiga, estrés y distracción.

Para recuperarse de un trabajo manual extenuante, es esencial que los empleados hagan las pausas adecuadas. No hacerlo puede provocar una serie de problemas físicos, como la atrofia y el agotamiento general. Los resultados de cualquiera de ellos pueden ser mucho más devastadores que tomarse un descanso de 10 minutos.

La fatiga, el estrés y el cansancio en el lugar de trabajo pueden provocar agotamiento, falta de atención y, finalmente, una lesión laboral. Incluso los empleados bien descansados pueden fatigarse en el trabajo, por lo que los empresarios deben asegurarse de que los empleados se tomen descansos a intervalos regulares.

Los empleados que no están en el estado mental o físico adecuado para un trabajo tienen más probabilidades de lesionarse. Las distracciones en el trabajo son como estar fatigado y estresado. Es imposible que los trabajadores realicen su trabajo con todo su potencial si están distraídos. No es raro escuchar historias de trabajadores lesionados en el trabajo porque se distrajeron mientras estaban en el trabajo.

Materiales peligrosos

La manipulación inadecuada de materiales peligrosos o el no uso de equipos de protección personal (EPP) es una causa común de accidentes en el lugar de trabajo, y puede dar lugar a lesiones por sustancias químicas y quemaduras. Si se leen las hojas de datos de seguridad de los materiales y se proporciona el atuendo de protección adecuado, se pueden evitar los incidentes en el lugar de trabajo. La exposición a sustancias químicas abrasivas o peligrosas puede suponer un riesgo de reacciones cutáneas u oculares y lesiones potencialmente más graves. Los empresarios deben asegurarse de que los empleados que trabajan con productos químicos peligrosos disponen del equipo de seguridad adecuado, como gafas y guantes.

Mala limpieza en el entorno de trabajo.

Todo el mundo tiene derecho a un lugar de trabajo seguro;
La iluminación inadecuada suele pasarse por alto cuando se intentan evitar los accidentes en el almacén o el lugar de trabajo.

Los tropezones y las caídas pueden atribuirse a los suelos resbaladizos y a los pasillos con mucho tráfico, así como al calzado inadecuado. Representan el 33% de todas las lesiones personales, y son una de las principales causas de todas las reclamaciones de indemnización de los trabajadores. Los problemas más comunes son las lesiones de cabeza, espalda y cuello, las fracturas de huesos, los cortes, los esguinces y los tirones musculares. Los trabajadores que sufren lesiones durante su trabajo pueden tener derecho a reclamar una indemnización por daños y perjuicios. Es fundamental ponerse en contacto con nosotros lo antes posible.

La falta de equipos de seguridad, una formación deficiente y unos procedimientos de seguridad inadecuados pueden contribuir a que se produzcan accidentes con repercusiones físicas y emocionales en los trabajadores, al tiempo que crean importantes implicaciones financieras también para el empresario.

Violencia laboral y acoso

Lamentablemente, la violencia entre compañeros de trabajo se ha vuelto demasiado común. Suele estar provocada por la política de la oficina u otras cuestiones delicadas. La integración de la resolución de conflictos y la mediación entre compañeros puede ayudar a reducir los riesgos de esos estallidos. El exceso de trabajo, el estrés y el acoso laboral pueden causar lesiones psicológicas graves y duraderas.

¿No está seguro de tener derecho a una indemnización?

Según nuestra experiencia, es más que probable que tenga derecho a ella. Nuestros abogados expertos en lesiones personales en Brisbane y QLD pueden ayudarle ahora.  PHOENIX LAW & ASSOCIATES gestionan las reclamaciones en el sistema ‘No Win No fee’ es decir, no cobra honorarios a menos que ganemos su caso. Contacto 1800 438 435

A Sydney bus driver has been awarded compensation after an altercation with a train station attendant who refused to let him use the toilet, leaving him “extremely stressed and upset” in May 2021 in Campbelltown.

He arrived at Macarthur Station in the early hours of the morning needing “to do one and two”, but found the toilets locked as the train station attendant would not unlock the toilet doors, saying he had not had a chance to clean them.

After pleading several times, the driver turned away, and the attendant “pushed him on his back”. The attendant eventually unlocked the toilet, and the driver later completed an injury report form, describing it as “assault”.

He told the commission the incident and subsequent disciplinary meetings at work had exacerbated his anxiety and depression. The driver lodged a claim with Transdev’s worker’s compensation insurer GIO for medical expenses, being $900 for consultations with a psychologist and $3240 for future appointments, also with a psychologist.

GIO disputed the claim. The matter was heard before the commission, which this month ruled in the driver’s favour. “I am satisfied that the applicant sustained a psychological injury on May 2, 2021,” senior member Kerry Haddock said. “That injury was an aggravation of a disease, to which his employment was the main contributing factor.” She noted the driver’s supervisor described him as an “excellent worker”. “I accept that the treatment proposed is appropriate,” she said
This story will resonate with any Australians working long hours away from the home.

If you have suffered a similar incident, please talk to our expert personal injury lawyers in Brisbane & QLD now. PHOENIX LAW & ASSOCIATES run claims on a No Win-No Fee Basis. CALL US NOW +61 (07) 3180 0908 |or 1800-GET-HELP |e; info@phoenix-law.com.au |Level 16  300 Adelaide Street, Brisbane QLD.

#psychological injury #workerinjury #compensationlawyers #personalinjurylawyers

Especially in an industrial environment, the workplace can be hazardous, but that’s only part of the picture.

Numerous factors, ranging from overexertion to mishandling of hazardous materials, and a multitude of variables that can contribute to or influence a workplace incident.

Given the sheer number of hours spent in the workplace, injuries are unfortunately commonplace, but it’s not always about negligence. If you suffer an injury at work, you can claim compensation. Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries immediately, and then an experienced compensation lawyer can help you.  

Lifting

Too often employees attempt to lift an object that’s too heavy on their own, and so are prone to sprain, strain, or muscle tear. There is no harm in asking for help with objects that are difficult to lift. Overexertion can happen when lifting, pushing, pulling, holding, carrying, or throwing objects. Repetitive strain injury (RSI) describes damage and pain caused by repetitive movement and overuse and is not limited only to computer and keyboard operators.

Horrific accidents can occur when operating heavy machinery.

Unfortunately, and sometimes tragically, on building sites, factories, industries and farms, the body can be hurt by machines.  Common injuries associated with machines are crushing, cutting, shearing, puncturing, abrasion, burns, tearing, stretching or a combination of two or more of these. Other common injuries include electric shock, hearing loss and ill health from the release of hazardous substances or lack of oxygen.

Crash and impact injuries may involve vehicles, machines, or workplace machinery, but are usually associated with employees driving motor vehicles for work purposes. Again, seek medical attention immediately, and then talk to our experienced compensation team.

Fatigue, Stress and Distraction.

To recover from gruelling manual labour, it is essential that employees take adequate breaks. Not doing so can lead to a spate of physical issues, including atrophy and general exhaustion. The results of either of these can be far more devastating than taking a 10-minute breather. Fatigue, stress, and tiredness in the workplace can lead to exhaustion, inattention, and eventually a workplace injury. Even well-rested employees can grow fatigued while on the job, so employers must ensure employees take breaks at regular intervals.

Employees who aren’t in the right state of mind or physically sound for a job are more likely to be injured. Distractions in the workplace are like being fatigued and stressed. It’s impossible for workers to perform their jobs to their full potential if they are distracted. It isn’t uncommon to hear stories of workers injured at work because they were distracted while on the job.

Hazardous Materials

Improper handling of hazardous materials or not wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) is a common cause of accidents in the workplace., and can result in chemical and burn injuries. By reading material safety data sheets and providing the appropriate protective attire, workplace incidents can be avoided. Abrasive or hazardous chemical exposure can risk skin or eye reactions and potentially more severe injuries. Employers should ensure employees who work with hazardous chemicals have the appropriate safety equipment like goggles and gloves.

Poor Housekeeping in the work environment.

Everyone is entitled to a safe workplace;

Inadequate lighting is often overlooked when attempting to prevent accidents in the warehouse or workplace.

Trips and Falls may be attributed to slick floors and high-traffic corridors and Improper footwear. They account for 33% of all personal injuries, a top cause of all workers’ compensation claims. Common issues are head, back, and neck injuries, broken bones, cuts, sprains, and pulled muscles. Workers who sustain injuries while in the line of work may be entitled to make a workers’ compensation claim for their damage. It’s vital to get in touch with us as soon as possible.

Lack of safety equipment, poor training and inadequate safety procedures may contribute to accidents with physical and emotional impacts on workers while creating significant financial implications for the employer too.

Workplace Violence and Bullying

Sadly, violence among co-workers has become all too common. It is usually brought about by office politics or other sensitive issues. Integrating conflict resolution and peer mediation can help to reduce the risks of such outbursts. Overworking, stress, and workplace bullying can cause severe and lasting psychological injuries.

Not sure if you are eligible for compensation?

In our experience, you will be more than likely entitled. Our expert personal injury lawyers in Brisbane & QLD can help now. PHOENIX LAW & ASSOCIATES run claims on a No Win-No Fee Basis. CALL US NOW +61 (07) 3180 0908 | 1800-GET-HELP |e; info@phoenix-law.com.au |Level 16  300 Adelaide Street, Brisbane QLD.

Have you been injured in a car accident? You may be eligible to make a claim. What is a CTP claim?

A CTP (Compulsory Third Party) claim is an insurance claim for a lump sum to compensate you for injuries sustained in a car accident and the effects of those injuries, including but not limited to:
– Medical and rehabilitation costs to treat your injuries; and
– Lost income resulting from the injuries.

Can I make a CTP claim?

In Queensland, you can make a CTP claim if you:
1. Were injured in a car accident; and
2. The car accident was not your fault, or only partially your fault.
If you are a passenger in the at-fault car, you can still make a claim.
Who do I make a claim against?

CTP claims are made against the CTP insurer of the at-fault car. CTP insurance is compulsory with car registration. Every registered car has a CTP insurer.

In Queensland, we have a voluntary CTP insurance scheme in that you can nominate which insurer you would like your CTP policy with. As such, there are a number of different CTP insurers in Queensland that we deal with, such as Suncorp, RACQ, Allianz and QBE.

Why should I make a CTP claim?

Why should you be out of pocket for expenses and losses associated with an injury that was not your fault?

1. Making a CTP claim allows you to access funding for medical and treatment expenses from the CTP insurer. If your claim is accepted and your medical treatment approved by the insurer, they will usually fund most of your medical and treatment costs as verified by your doctor. These expenses include items such as:
– GP consults
– Physiotherapy
– Investigations such as X-Rays, CT scans, Ultrasounds, MRIs
– Psychological treatment
– Medications
– Travel associated with treatment. This can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses.

2. If your injuries are long-term, that is, they persist after 9-12 months, then a CTP claim can also serve to compensate you for possible future expenses and losses arising from those injuries.

Sometimes, an injury can be serious enough to affect your earning potential, which will result in future losses of income. This can happen due to reasons such as:
– You can no longer do your usual job and require retraining and reskilling
– Your injury prevents you from heavy lifting and manual handling
– You can only work part-time instead of full time
– You will need time off work to rest
– Your general productivity, efficiency and capacity has decreased

What can I claim for?

1. Pain and suffering from the injuries themselves (this will be a fixed amount depending on the severity of your injuries and the medical evidence)
2. Past and future medical and rehabilitation costs
3. Past economic loss
4. Future economic loss
5. Past and future care costs (if applicable).

Past economic loss is the income you have lost as a result of your injuries – eg. due to time off work.

Future economic loss typically makes up the largest portion of your lump-sum payment. It is an amount paid to compensate you for the risk of future lost income due to your injuries. How much will depend on the impact of your injuries on your ability to work.

The amount of compensation available to an individual in each of these areas is dependant on the evidence. The injured party needs to show through documentation and medical records their losses and how they have been affected. If you are ever involved in a car accident, it is a good idea to keep
copies of all documents and make notes from the time of the accident onwards.

Why should I use lawyers for my CTP claim?

The CTP process is complex and may take 12 – 18 months or more. As your representatives, we will guide and support you through this process so that it is as easy as possible and you can focus on your treatment and recovery.

Most importantly, we will gather evidence to prove your case and provide you with advice so that you can make informed decisions throughout the process and regarding any offers of settlement made to you.

How much the CTP insurer will pay you is determined by:
– Evidence of your injuries and impact on your work;
– Evidence of expenses and any other losses;
– Your personal circumstances and history;
– Previous Court decisions in matters with similarities;

The negotiation stage is where we really shine. We will prepare your evidence, your case, and advocate and negotiate on your behalf to achieve the best possible outcome for you.
Have any questions? Call our friendly team for a free of charge and a no-obligation initial consultation.
Phone 1800-GET-HELP (1800 438 435)

Are you Googling “what does no win no fee mean”?

 

If you’ve been hurt on the road, at work or in a public place and are considering making a compensation claim, you probably have more than a few questions about how the “no win no fee” system works, and what, if anything, you’ll end up paying for legal fees.

 

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here’s what you need to know about lodging a claim, without the legal jargon.

 

What is “no win no fee”?

Basically, if you sign up to a “no win no fee” agreement with a lawyer, then that lawyer will work on your case without the “certainty” of payment until a “win”.

In one way, this takes a significant risk away from the injured party when deciding whether to make a claim.  It also means the lawyer will be motivated to do everything possible to get that “win” so that they can get paid!

As your lawyers, we will share your risk by putting our time and right to payment on the line until we get that “win”.  

 

What is a “win”?

In legal terms we call it a “successful outcome” or “successful conclusion”.

A claim is considered to be successful once someone makes a reasonable offer of payment, which will lead to the ultimate resolution of the claim.  At that time you become liable for the legal fees incurred, however they are not payable until the conclusion of the matter, when the money hits the bank.

 

Will I have to pay anything upfront?

No. There are two different types of legal fees:

1. Professional fees: the fees charged for our time spent working on your matter.  

2. Disbursements: things your lawyers have to pay to others to get you a result, for example: getting evidence from police, medical records and paying for specialist medico-legal reports.  

We will cover the expense of the outlays as your claim progresses, then these are repaid to us from the settlement monies when the matter is finalised.  

All clients have the choice whether or not to fund their own disbursements. Most clients choose not to, either because they can’t afford to, or they simply prefer that the lawyers bear that risk, which we offer to do.

 

How do lawyers calculate their professional fees?

Professional fees are sometimes charged by the hour.  We have a full team of people – from admin assistants to senior lawyers –  who will work on your case. They spend time on things like, preparing the arguments, reading and understanding the evidence, attending meetings with you and the insurer etc. Normal service stuff.

Professional fees are also sometimes charged by the job.  For example, compiling a brief to a doctor depends on the size and volume of the brief, rather than the time it takes to put it all together (it’s more cost effective this way for you!).  Also, if we went to court to lodge a document, we just charge for item, and not the time it takes, so you avoid paying for waiting at the registry because another clerk from another firm is clogging up the queue.

 

Will I get a breakdown of costs?

Of course!

All work completed on your matter is logged and recorded.  It will say who did the activity and how long it took.

As your claim nears the final stages an assessment, an assessment will be done on your file to calculate our total legal fees based on the hourly rates of the various persons who did the work.  

This assessment is sometimes performed internally, but often we use an independent cost assessor to provide an accurate and independent assessment of the legal fees payable.  

 

What is the 50/50 cap?

A lot of people have questions about how much of their final settlement amount will be taken up by legal fees.  What if I settle for less than what the lawyers will charge?!

Well, that can never happen.

Queensland laws don’t allow lawyers to charge the client any more in legal fees than the client gets in their hand.  This is called the 50/50 rule and it trumps any assessments or calculation of legal fees.  

The bottom line is: If your claim is successful, you can not be left with nothing or owing any monies.  

The settlement award will:

  • Cover any repayments to relevant government bodies
  • Repay your outlays
  • Pay your legal professional fees and;
  • Produce an in-hand amount for you.  

 

What are “relevant government bodies”, and why do I have to repay them?

When a claim settles, the insurer must notify government bodies such as Centrelink, Medicare etc for a charge/clearance.  They are required to do this. If there is any monies owed for payments or services related to your injury, the insurer will repay that money to the relevant organisation on your behalf.

For example, if you attend a GP and are bulk billed for a consultation related to the compensable injury, then Medicare is entitled to be paid back the amount of the consultation that they covered in the first instance.  

Don’t worry, these don’t eat into your settlement because we add these amounts into the claim from the insurer as part of your overall settlement. It’s kind of like, the insurer pays you to pay back Medicare.

Centrelink operates a little bit differently though, and its best to speak to us about how it works.  

 

Who pays me my final cash-in-hand settlement amount, and how much will it be?

After the relevant government bodies have been repaid, the rest of the settlement monies are forwarded to our trust account under your name.  

From there, we will repay the outlays that have been incurred to progress your matter.  

The amount left over after statutory refunds and outlays is called the net settlement. The most a lawyer can charge for professional legal fees is half of the net settlement.  

 

How do I sign up for a no win no fee claim?

If you have more questions about whether you are eligible to lodge a claim, call (07) 3180 0908 or email info@phoenix-law.com.au for a confidential, obligation-free consultation.

We’re here to help YOU!

You can also get help in your  preferred language, if you’re not a native English speaker.

We have a multinational team including:

  • Mandarin speaking lawyers
  • Cantonese speaking lawyers
  • Japanese speaking lawyers
  • Farsi speaking lawyers
  • Dari speaking lawyers
  • Hindi speaking lawyers
  • Urdu speaking lawyers
  • Kurdish speaking lawyers
  • Bosnian speaking lawyers
  • Croatian speaking lawyers
  • Serbian speaking lawyers
  • Slovenian speaking lawyers
  • Macedonian speaking lawyers
  • Montenegrian speaking lawyers

In an ideal world, media outlets would act as a mirror that reflects society back at itself and gives us much-needed opportunities to examine our actions, attitudes and beliefs. A societal “self-crit”, if you will.

In reality, however, the news media often performs that examination itself, giving viewers and readers pre-packaged ideas about topics most of us won’t research past the headlines.

This potentially polarising approach is particularly problematic when it comes to one topic that most news publications and current affairs programs never get tired of covering: Compensation.

When it comes to portraying “compo” claimants, there seems to be no middle ground in Australia: You’re either a blameless victim or a shameless opportunist.

Blameless Victims: Genuine, Deserving Claimants

The Australian media, and in turn the Australian public, tends to see some groups of people as blameless victims.

These groups include:

  • Victims of violent crime and sexual abuse
  • Customers who have been wronged by a huge corporation and;
  • “Battlers” who have had their rights flouted by the government (The Castle, anyone?).

While it’s easy to sympathise with these groups, there can be unintended consequences when media outlets act as advocates:

  • Emphasis on any accusations before of an official verdict is reached can cause the public to make unfounded judgements about people who may later be proven to be innocent. If claims against someone are later found to be unsubstantiated, the damage the media can do to their reputation often lasts a lifetime.
  • Sometimes the victim’s right to privacy is flouted in favour of the public’s right to know. Even if a compensation claimant is portrayed favourably, the media attention they receive can negatively impact their lives.
  • The media’s tendency to publicise only the most salacious cases may leave people who have a legitimate but not necessarily newsworthy claim to feel as though they aren’t injured enough to seek payment.

Shameless Gold Diggers: Opportunists Looking for Quick Cash

While some compensation claimants can do no wrong in the eyes of the media, many people who make a claim find themselves in the limelight in all the wrong ways.

Claimants the media portrays as shameless opportunists include:

  • Slip, trip & fall claimants who are injured while going about their daily lives
  • Businesses seeking recompense after being adversely affected by government policy
  • Celebrities pursuing large claims
  • Stories about these groups often have less sympathy for a claimant and more of a focus on how large a claim is, how the victim’s suffering could be their own fault, or how ridiculous the premise of a claim may be.

These interpretations, while sometimes valid, have problems of their own:

  • Framing the process of seeking compensation for a public injury in a negative light can make people who are entitled to claim feel too ashamed to act.
  • Focussing on celebrity cases, such as Rebel Wilson’s defamation lawsuit, can perpetuate inaccurate assumptions about who Australia’s laws are designed to protect. The majority of defamation cases in Australia aren’t pursued against media publishers; they’re between everyday people.
  • Publicity surrounding corporate claims often perpetuates ignorance of what compensation is and how it works, neglecting many of the nuances involved in commercial litigation.
  • When it comes to compensation, many Australians have an understanding of the law that is based entirely on media representations of cases. But, these representations can be inaccurate, biased, incomplete or oversimplified, and as such are not an ideal resource for anyone who needs legal information.

In our next blog “Contextualising Compensation: What You Need to Know About Claiming” we fill in the gaps so that whether you’re considering making a claim or you’re just reading about someone else’s case, you’ll be well informed.

Need to know more about compensation law in Queensland? Tell us your story today and we’ll let you know what your options are. Just fill in our online contact form, call (07) 3607 3274 or email info@phoenix-law.com.au and our friendly team will be in touch.