Practice area 09
Private Client Services
Personal matters handled with the same rigour as the firm's commercial work — and with a clear eye on the limitation periods that decide whether a claim can be run at all.
Our Private Client Services team advises on motor vehicle accidents, public liability claims, workplace injuries, medical negligence, insurance disputes, reviews of insurer decisions, Australian Financial Complaints Authority matters, Total and Permanent Disability claims, and early release of superannuation.
Motor vehicle claims
The firm has extensive experience with CTP insurers. A claim may still be able to proceed even where the other vehicle cannot be identified, or where it was not registered.
Public liability
We are experienced in advising on accidents occurring in both public and private settings.
Medical negligence
Medical negligence claims are complex. We offer comprehensive guidance through the process, from the initial assessment of a claim through to resolution.
Insurance disputes
We act both for and against insurers. A denial is not necessarily final — internal review and escalation to the Australian Financial Complaints Authority are options that are frequently worth taking.
Total and Permanent Disability
We review superannuation policies and represent clients in Total and Permanent Disability claims, including where a claim has already been declined.
Related practice areas
All areasProperty Services
Whether it is a large commercial project or a more tailored arrangement, our Property Services team has the expertise to assist you.
Explore 02Corporate and Commercial
If it's a business activity, our corporate advisers have been there and done that.
Explore 03Litigation and Dispute Resolution
Our approach is to resolve disputes fast and efficiently to make a real difference for our clients.
ExplorePersonal claims questions
Injury, insurance and superannuation claims.
General information only, current at the time of writing — not legal advice. Every matter turns on its own facts, so please talk to us before acting on anything here.
How long do I have to bring a personal injury claim?
Generally three years from the date of the accident in Queensland — but that is the outside limit, not the first deadline. Pre-court procedures require notices to be given far earlier, and for motor accident claims the notice of accident claim is due within months, not years. If you think you may have a claim, the time to ask is now.
What if the other driver was unregistered, or cannot be identified?
A claim may still be available. Queensland's CTP scheme provides for claims against the Nominal Defendant where the vehicle at fault was unidentified or uninsured. Different and shorter notice requirements apply to those claims, so they need to be started quickly.
What does a public liability claim involve?
Establishing that an occupier or operator owed you a duty of care, breached it, and that the breach caused your injury — supported by evidence of the hazard, the circumstances and your losses. Photographs, incident reports and early medical records are usually the most valuable evidence, and they are hardest to obtain later.
My insurer has denied my claim. Is that the end of it?
Often not. Most insurers have an internal dispute resolution process, and if that fails the Australian Financial Complaints Authority can consider the dispute at no cost to you. Denials based on non-disclosure, exclusions or policy interpretation are frequently arguable — the wording of the policy and what was actually asked at application usually decide it.
What is a total and permanent disability claim?
A claim on the TPD insurance held inside most superannuation funds, payable where illness or injury means you are unlikely to return to work you are suited to by education, training or experience. The definition varies between policies and is the battleground in most disputes. Declined claims are frequently worth reviewing, and it is possible to hold cover across more than one fund.
What is required for a medical negligence claim?
Evidence that the treatment fell below the standard of a reasonably competent practitioner, and that the failure caused the harm complained of. Both limbs require independent expert opinion, which is what makes these claims complex and slow. Careful early assessment matters, so that only claims with real prospects are pursued.
Will I have to go to court?
Most personal injury and insurance claims settle at a compulsory conference or mediation without a trial. The pre-court procedures in Queensland are designed to produce that outcome. Preparing a claim properly is what makes settlement possible on reasonable terms.
Get in touch
Talk to a lawyer who will actually pick up the phone.
Tell us what you are dealing with. We will tell you, plainly, what your options are and what it is likely to cost.