FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
Soul Legal operates on a No Win, No Fee basis for clients with meritorious claims. You pay no legal fees unless your case succeeds. When we achieve a successful outcome, the defendant usually pays the majority of legal fees. Any gap in fees that cannot be recovered is deducted from your settlement proceeds at the conclusion of your case. During the claim process, you may need to pay third party costs like medical reports. We are on the Legal Aid Panel, and disbursements are typically covered by Legal Aid for clients who cannot afford these costs. This structure ensures access to quality legal representation regardless of your financial situation.
Strict time limits apply to personal injury claims in WA. You must notify insurers of your intention to make a claim within a reasonable time after your accident. Specific limitation periods also exist that can bar claims entirely if you wait too long. For motor vehicle accidents, you should complete an online crash report and submit it to the Insurance Commission of Western Australia as soon as possible. For workplace injuries, submit a workers compensation claim form to your employer promptly. We strongly recommend seeing a lawyer immediately after any serious accident to protect your legal rights and avoid missing critical deadlines.
Take these steps to protect both your health and your legal rights. First, seek medical attention and ensure all your injuries are properly recorded by your doctor, even injuries that seem minor at the time. For motor vehicle accidents, complete and submit an online crash report to the Insurance Commission of Western Australia. For workplace injuries, report all injuries to your doctor and submit a workers compensation claim form to your employer. Then, seek legal advice as soon as practical. A common mistake is assuming your injuries will heal on their own and delaying medical treatment or claim submission. These delays can seriously prejudice your claim later. The Road Safety Commission also provides helpful resources about what to do after traffic accidents.
Compensation depends on your injury type and circumstances. For motor vehicle accidents, you can claim general damages for pain and suffering, compensation for lost earning capacity if injuries affect your ability to work, all treatment costs including future medical care, and the cost of home help and assistance required because of your injuries. For workers compensation claims, you can seek income compensation to replace lost wages, coverage for medical and health expenses, rehabilitation costs, and permanent impairment compensation for lasting effects. The amount you receive depends on the extent of your injuries and losses. Our lawyers assess your specific situation and advise on the full compensation you may be entitled to claim.
The timeline varies significantly based on injury severity and case complexity. For serious injuries, it may take a year or more for your condition to stabilise, especially if you require ongoing surgery or if your future prognosis remains uncertain. Rushing to settle before you know the full extent of your injuries typically results in inadequate compensation. Once your injuries stabilise and we have gathered all necessary medical evidence, we present your claim to the insurer and attempt settlement through negotiation. Many claims resolve within months at this stage. If the insurer refuses a fair settlement, court or WorkCover proceedings add more time but ensure you receive proper compensation. Throughout the process, we keep you informed about realistic timelines and progress toward resolution.