Why a Canberra firm can give you the best chance at compensation
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Let’s face it – dealing with an injury is stressful enough without having to navigate the maze of legal paperwork and insurance claims.
And when you’re trying to recover and get your life back on track, the last thing you need is to wonder if you’re getting the compensation you deserve.
Something many people don’t realise until they’re knee-deep in a claim is the ACT often plays by its own rules when it comes to compensation. The legal landscape in Canberra is different from that of New South Wales or Victoria. Luckily, compensation lawyers at Maliganis Edwards Johnson live and breathe the ACT’s compensation rules, and regulations.
Here’s why having a lawyer from the nation’s capital represent you in your compensation case will give you the home-ground advantage…in more ways than one.
They have knowledge of local precedents
Think of ‘local case precedents’ as the secret ingredient in your compensation recipe. When your Canberra lawyer remembers a strikingly similar case from ten years ago, it’s a powerful tool in your arsenal. It’s also a bonus that local lawyers have seen how ACT courts have ruled on cases just like yours, which means they can craft arguments that resonate with local judges and decision-makers.
MEJ Partner Kate Waterford says this happens more often than you’d expect.
“Knowing the systems and people who work within them means we have a running start,” Kate explains.
“Particularly in a town like Canberra, insider knowledge can be the difference between a disappointing settlement and the compensation you truly deserve.”
They have familiarity with Canberra courts and claims
ACT compensation claims come with their own unique timeline and procedures, from specific ACT Civil & Administrative Tribunal (ACAT) requirements to particular Supreme Court processes for larger claims. Your local Canberra lawyer isn’t constantly checking reference materials or making panicked calls to colleagues – they’ve done this journey countless times. When your future financial security is at stake, that kind of confidence is priceless.
“I’ve heard of too valid claims falling apart simply because a deadline was missed,” Kate says.
“The ACT compensation system is filled with these critical time-sensitive requirements that are really different from other jurisdictions. At MEJ, we know what to expect because we work here every day.”
They know the importance of Canberra connections
We’ve all heard the saying – it’s not what you know but who you know. A Canberra lawyer is more likely to have relationships with local stakeholders who matter to your case. They would have spoken to ACT insurance representatives at industry events or exchanged pleasantries with court officials. Small relationships built on mutual respect could have a big impact on your case and ultimately your compensation.
In a nutshell, when your recovery and financial future are on the line, partnering with a lawyer who truly understands the Canberra legal landscape is the smartest move you can make. After all, you deserve someone who’s fighting for every dollar you’re entitled to – not someone who’s still trying to figure out the ACT system.
