Under our life insurance law capabilities we cover both life and health insurance
Life insurers protect millions of Australian families and businesses from the financial hardship that arises from death, disability and trauma. Nevertheless, Australia remains one of the most under-insured countries in the world. An estimated 95% of Australian families do not have adequate life insurance.
As a market leader in a wide variety of legal services to the life insurance industry, we can help life insurers meet the challenge of the expanding life insurance market. Whether it be in life insurance, income protection insurance or total and permanent disablement insurance, we are able to tailor solutions to meet the specific needs of our insurer clients. This includes:
- Product disclosure statements
- Claims process advice
- Tailored costing models that provide an increased degree of costs certainty
- Customised reporting to assist with accurate reserving and forecasting
- Secure online access to your files
- A commitment to meeting service level agreements and KPI’s
Our clients include life insurers, reinsurers, trustees and superannuation funds. We also act for numerous industry superannuation funds in relation to claims made for TPD and death cover under policies of group life insurance obtained through superannuation.
We work with insurers to make the process of engagement seamless. The degree of integration is up to the life insurer. From secure online access to claim files to custom IT solutions that will enable direct access to information held by the insurer – the possibilities are wide and varied.
We have successfully defended life insurers against claims that did not satisfy the requirements of the policies, and where policies have been avoided for fraudulent misrepresentation and non-disclosure. Our strength is in the delivery of commercial and strategic results to our insurer clients. Whether it be in a dispute involving tens of thousand dollars or millions of dollars, our commitment is to protecting the interests of our clients.
Health Insurance
Our team has significant experience in acting on behalf of medical practitioners, allied health practitioners, diagnostic service providers, public and private hospitals and clinics, as well as their insurers:
- Common law negligence claims;
- Disciplinary complaints and investigations; and
- Coronial investigations and Inquests.
Our lawyers have defended a wide range of claims, including brain damage claims. Our approach is consultative and aims to identify the key issues at an early stage, with a view to working towards the best possible outcome, including, in appropriate cases, by encouraging the claimant to discontinue or through negotiated settlement. Where a case proceeds to hearing, we do everything in our power to ensure a successful outcome.
We have extensively acted for practitioners in disciplinary complaints and investigations, including investigations conducted by AHPRA under the National Law, and hearings before various Panels and Tribunals. In many instances, we have been successful in persuading AHPRA and the relevant Board that the complaint made is without merit and does not warrant further investigation. In other instances, we have, through proactive intervention, assisted the practitioner avoid a formal hearing, thereby minimising stress and reputation damage for the practitioner, as well as costs for underwriters.
Our lawyers have acted in many Coronial inquiry and Inquests. We are able to assist by engaging appropriate experts, assembling the appropriate evidence and appearing at the inquiry or inquest. We are focused on ensuring that the risk of reputational damage, as well as any ensuing civil claim, is minimised.
Please contact our offices if you would like to discuss your needs on 02 9552 2111
