New Zealand’s leading specialists in Accident Compensation Claims
We are a small law firm, based in Wellington, specialising in ACC law. We can act for clients in New Zealand and overseas.
If ACC makes a decision that you would like to challenge through the review process, please contact us as soon as possible.
You have three months to apply for a review from the date the decision is issued. In most instances, we are only able to consider taking on cases in which a decision has been issued by ACC.
Our Fees
We understand many of our clients find themselves in a difficult financial position when challenging an ACC decision.
Legal aid
Legal aid is government funding to pay for legal help for people who cannot afford a lawyer. If you are reviewing an ACC decision you can apply for a civil legal aid grant. Eligibility is based on your total household income, assets and dependent children aged 18 years and under. If we think you are likely to qualify for legal aid, we will send you a copy of the legal aid application form and submit it on your behalf to the Ministry of Justice.
Fee Agreement
If legal aid is not an option, we will discuss our fees with you and provide you with a letter of engagement.
The basis on which fees will be charged and when payment of fees is to be made will be set out in our letter of engagement and our standard terms of engagement.
Asbestos Compensation – Mesothelioma
We have successfully represented many claimants and their families both in the pursuit of lump sum compensation and ex-gratia payments for their asbestos related injuries.
Even in death, and on behalf of the claimant’s estate, compensation can still be sought.
- If ACC have declined an asbestos related claim for cover or compensation, contact us immediately on (04) 801 5621
- Additionally, if you or a family member have ever worked for James Hardie Industries in New Zealand and have contracted an asbestos related disease/injury, please do not hesitate to make an enquiry to info@jmlaw.co.nz
Mental Health Representation Wellington (Incl. Porirua and Hutt Valley)
The prospect of a Compulsory Treatment Order (CTO) can be a frightening and disempowering experience. It is therefore imperative that you get sound and expert legal advice about your situation.
If you become an in-patient under the Mental Health Act at Wellington, Porirua or Hutt Hospitals, we have an experienced team of mental health lawyers who will be able to advise you of your rights and represent you at a CTO Court hearing.
Legal Aid will be made available for this which we can apply for on your behalf.
- The first step is to contact us at info@jmlaw.co.nz or to phone (04) 801 5621 to arrange one of our mental health lawyers to visit you at hospital to discuss your case.
Victims of Crime Compensation
If you have suffered a personal injury which is the result of a criminal offence, ACC will assess your injury for cover and compensatory entitlements under the Accident Compensation Act 2001.
However, not all personal injury entitlements are completely covered by ACC.
For example, ACC will only pay 80% of lost income. This leaves 20% unaccounted for.
There are also ongoing treatment costs which may not be covered by ACC. Such payments can be made available through the Courts in the form of reparation. Calculating reparation may consider things like lost income, lost ability to save for retirement, and the lost potential of earnings of people who showed promise and were likely to be promoted and earn more.
- Please contact us contact us at info@jmlaw.co.nz to discuss whether reparation, over and above your ACC entitlements, may be applicable to your accident/injury as a result of a criminal offence.
Workplace injury – Additional Compensation
In most cases, workplace injuries will be covered by ACC.
However, in some cases additional compensation may be available if the employer breached Workplace Health and Safety legislation.
- Please contact us contact us at info@jmlaw.co.nz if you are injured at your workplace in a way that compromised your health and safety as an employee.
Making a Claim Under the Prisoners’ and Victims’ Act 2005
If you are a victim of crime, and the offender has been awarded money for wrongs that occurred in the corrections or criminal justice system, then you may be entitled to make a claim to the Victims’ Special Claims Tribunal.
You may have received a notice from the tribunal informing you that this situation has occurred. We can assist you to make a compensation claim to the tribunal.
A capped legal aid grant is available to all eligible claimants regardless of their financial situation.
- If you have received or believe you should have received a notice from the Victims’ Claims Tribunal please contact us info@jmlaw.co.nz to discuss your claim.
