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Australian Military Compensation Solicitors - Army Navy Air Force Claims
Australian armed forces personnel put their lives on the line every day. Injured defence force members in the Army, Navy and Air Force deserve to receive independent legal advice on how to maximise their entitlements to military compensation. This is where we can help. We are an independent network of Australian military compensation solicitors interested in protecting and promoting the rights of injured Australians who currently serve or have served in the Australian Army, Navy or Air Force.
Approximately 25,000 to 30,000 Australians have been deployed across conflicts over the past decade alone. Reports indicate that at least 4,000 military personnel from the East Timor operation and Afghanistan and Iraq conflicts have put in a claim after being injured or developing illnesses and conditions in the course of their deployment. Whilst most of these claims have been for minor injuries, some personnel have suffered severe life-threatening and life-long injuries such as brain and spinal cord damage. Those with life-long disabilities require ongoing support and usually have complex care needs.
No matter the size, complexity or type of compensation claim, our military compensation solicitors can advise you of your legal rights. Our solicitors are here to help you get the compensation you deserve. Do not delay in seeking legal advice, as time limits apply in making a personal injury claims. Complete the contact form or email us today for obligation-free legal assistance.
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Claim Types
Due to the variety of activities undertaken by the military, accidents and injuries can be sustained in many situations. Our military compensation claims lawyers deal with awards of damages available to defence force members and ex-members, for injuries and illnesses that occur in the following areas whilst on duty or off duty :-
- death benefits
- road accidents
- medical negligence
- work related-accidents
- victims of crime compensation
- total and permanent disability claims
- partial and permanent disability claims
- discrimination, harassment and bullying at work
- occupational illness & diseases such asbestosis and mesothelioma
Each type of claim has strict requirements and time lines that must be followed in order to have a successful award of compensation. Our expert lawyers will help you decide your best course of action and will develop the best legal strategy for demonstrating your claim. They will evaluate your case thoroughly, explore all potential sources of recovery and preserve your rights under the law. Having a lawyer who is well-versed in Army, Navy and Air Force personal injury compensation will give you the peace of mind of knowing your claim is being handled properly.
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Military Injuries and Illnesses
Our military injury lawyers are experienced in a wide range of accident and injury claims. They know exactly how to win compensation no matter what your accident and injury. Accidents often result in both physical injury and psychological trauma. Even if you don’t suffer from a physical injury, you can still suffer from psychological damage such as nervous shock, stress, anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress disorder. Some people recover quickly, whilst others are left to deal with medium or long-term disabilities which impact on their day-to-day functioning.
Army, Navy and Air Force personnel are exposed to a wide variety of risks which can result in accidents. Common injuries and illness sustained by defence service men and women include :-
- gun shot wounds
- shrapnel wounds
- head injuries
- back injuries
- whiplash
- hearing loss
- vision loss
- asbestosis
- mesothelioma
- burns from explosions
- fractures and dislocations
- sprains, strains and stress fractures
- spinal cord injuries (paraplegia, quadriplegia)
- psychiatric illness, depression, shock, and anxiety
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Injury Compensation
Australian injury compensation law is complex. There are different laws in each State which apply to different types of claims. Generally speaking, you may be able to access compensation which covers loss of income (past and future wages), cost of domestic assistance and attendant care, medical treatment, pharmaceutical expenses, equipment aids, adapted accommodation, adapted transport. You may also be compensated for pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life, and permanent impairment. Some compensation schemes provide regular pension payments, whilst others allow for lump sum awards.
Most compensation matters may be successfully settled without resort to litigation. A solicitor can advise you of your legal options, help prepare your claim and lodge any necessary paperwork with insurance companies or government authorities. If your claim is denied or you disagree with any decisions made by these bodies, you may have rights to appeal. There are various options when it comes to appealing decisions including internal reviews, alternative dispute resolution (such as mediation or arbitration), or legal proceedings in the relevant tribunal or court of law.
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Evidence
When preparing a claim for compensation it is necessary to gather as much supportive evidence as possible. In preparing your case, it is important that your solicitor obtain a statement from you detailing the circumstances surrounding your accident, how your injuries and disabilities affect your ability to function on a daily basis.
A solicitor will also require details of any relevant witnesses, photographs of the location and injury (where appropriate), and copies of any relevant supporting documentation such as hospital and medical records and financial records in support of a claim for loss of income.
It may also be necessary to have you assessed by an independent medical expert. A medical specialist can examine you, review your medical records and provide an opinion as to the cause of your injuries and the effect they have had on you, and whether you will require medical or surgical treatment, medication, rehabilitation, therapy and other assistance.
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No Win No Fee Solicitors
Our military compensation solicitors will fight fearlessly to achieve the best possible outcome for your personal injury claim. Injured defence force personnel deserve the best support, medical care, rehabilitation and injury compensation. To ensure that you receive maximum compensation, you should obtain competent legal advice at the outset of your claim. Don’t go it alone. Our lawyers handle these claims on a daily basis and they know how to maximise your chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
Depending on the type of claim that you have, our military compensation solicitors may be able to act for you on a No Win No fee basis. This means that you do not have to pay your solicitor their professional costs unless you successfully obtain compensation. You may however be required to contribute to the cost of disbursements (such as medical reports and records) that are necessary to prepare and lodge your claim. Solicitors are required by law to make full disclosure of costs that will be incurred or provide an estimate of likely costs that may be incurred in handling your matter.
Do not hesitate to ask any questions regarding the likely costs associated with your claim, your chances of success, the amount of compensation you may be able to recover, and any time periods which may apply. It’s better to seek legal advice sooner rather than later as there are strict time frames for lodging personal injury claims, and these deadlines vary according to the type of claim that you have and the applicable legislation.
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