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Our library has tonnes of information specifically tailored to the needs to psychologists and their clients when it comes to Personal Injury, Employment Law and Workers Compensation.
Introducing Karena
Your Compassionate Lawyer
Meet Karena, a Partner at Coutts Lawyers & Conveyancers, and the head of our esteemed Injury Compensation and Employment Law teams. With over two decades of experience in the field of Insurance Law, Karena’s passion, dedication, and client-focused approach have established her as a leading authority in compensation and employment law.
When should someone seek legal representation for Workers Compensation?
Some employers are great at supporting workers and work together with the Insurer to ensure they receive the best possible outcome. But sadly, there are cases of denied liability, treatment disputes, loss of wage disputes and disputes as to whether the worker is entitled to lump sum compensation. This is where we step in to guide you through every step and ensure the best possible outcome. It is crucial to seek legal advice as soon as an injury has occurred during work. We note that to pursue common law action you have 3 years from the date you were injured to commence proceedings. After this time any rights you may have concerning common law will be lost.
What Compensation could my client be entitled to?
If your client has suffered an injury as a result of medical negligence, they may be entitled to compensation for:
- Pain and suffering i.e Non-Economic Loss
- Past and future medical expenses
- Loss of wages and future loss of earning capacity
- Past and future care expenses such as domestic care
- Equipment & Aides
You as their healthcare provider can help them get the compensation they deserve. We recommend psychologists and other allied health professionals recommend their clients to speak to a lawyer if they believe they have a claim. The team at Coutts are always happy to help and appreciate referrals from psychologists and other allied health professionals if it means that we can help members of our local community.
Do time limits apply?
Yes, a claim for compensation for medical negligence must be commenced within three (3) years from the date of injury. If you have suffered an injury as a result of medical negligence, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. If time limits are not complied with, any potential rights to compensation that you have may be lost. However, there are grounds for leave to reinstate the proceedings pursuant to when the action was ‘discoverable’, i.e. when you became aware that you had a case. We advise once you have sought initial legal advice there is a stabilisation period of 6-12 months to allow your injuries to stabilise.
FAQs
If you think your client has a medical negligence or workers compensation client, Coutts recommends that allied health providers be led by the client. Take detailed session notes, including information about any particular incident that might be claimable, and recommend they speak to Coutts or seek legal assistance. We are happy to provide business cards or brochures for your office to hand to clients who might need our assistance, just complete the form below.
The test to meet for the law and psychological Compensation Claims is that work must be the main contributing factor for the primary psychological injury. This can be determined through extensive questioning by the psychologist and other allied health specialists. If you think your client has a Compensation Claim, Coutts would love to help get your client the justice they deserve. Fill in the form below and one of our specialist Compensation Team Members will be in touch to help.
Psychologists may release records to lawyers and insurers only with the clients written consent, dated within 6-12 months of the request, and only if they were the treating practitioner. Psychologists may also be subpoenaed, and the team at Coutts can assist in helping you assemble the correct documentation to address the subpoena.
If your client has their medical records requested by any insurer, Coutts recommends that psychologists provide only what is requested. We advise healthcare professionals to ensure that consent on the part of the client has been provided and is in date (within 6-12 months of the date of the request) and that all correspondence with the insurer is documented. If you have any concerns that the request from insurers on behalf of your client is less than genuine, please contact Coutts using the form below and one of our team will be in touch.
Being served a subpoena is not as scary as it sounds! We recommend you review the Subpoena carefully and ensure you only provide the documents that are explicitly requested. Collate your documents and ensure you respond to the relevant authority (which is usually the court) by the deadline on the Subpoena. If you have any questions about the process, or if you’re asked for more detailed or confidential information, call the team at Coutts for obligation-free advice on your Subpoena.
What to Expect with Coutts Lawyers
Step 1: Initial Contact
Reach out to Coutts Lawyers via our website, phone, or in person. Briefly describe your matter.
Step 2: Consultation Appointment
Schedule and attend a meeting with a Coutts lawyer to discuss the specifics of your matter and desired outcomes.
Step 3: Information & Legal Advice
Share all related documents and information. Your lawyer will review everything, clarify aspects as needed, and then advise on the best action course.
Step 4: Action Plan Development
Based on the advice, an appropriate action plan will be formulated. This may involve communication, documentation processes, or further legal steps.
Step 5: Implementation
Execute the action plan, addressing a range of legal scenarios as necessary.
Step 6: Resolution & Closure
Navigate towards a resolution, with the path determined by the nature of the matter. Your Lawyer will outline any final actions or considerations.