Free Assessment by an Accredited Specialist
Splatt Lawyers is a personal injury law firm accredited for specialist status that handles compensation claims. If you have suffered a financial loss due to another party’s negligence, our legal team offers a free consultation that can explain your rights and entitlements.
All our services are backed by a 100% no-win, no-fee guarantee. Pay for a win and zero if you lose. Call 1800 700 125
What is an Accredited Specialist Personal Injury Lawyer?
The specialist accreditation scheme recognises legal practitioners who have demonstrated expertise in a particular area of law and passed a rigorous assessment.
- This recognition confirms their ongoing commitment to practice their chosen area of law at a high standard.
- Legal professionals who have achieved this recognition may use the specialist accreditation logo.
Specialist accreditation is available for most areas of law, including:
- Personal injury law (including medical negligence)
- Family law
- Criminal law
- Wills and estates law
- Business Law
- Immigration Law (national program)
- Property Law
- Taxation Law (national program)
- Workplace Relations
- Succession Law
Who Manages the Specialist Accreditation Scheme?
The Queensland Law Society administers their state’s specialist accreditation scheme, including practitioners in personal injury law. They award accreditation to legal professionals after a rigorous assessment of their competency, including knowledge, skills, and experience in litigating compensation matters.
The NSW Law Society manages the New South Wales scheme. Their program also recognises expertise in a specific area of law, giving clients access to a higher level of knowledge and assistance.
How to Become an Accredited Specialist
Becoming an accredited specialist involves an ongoing process that generally requires the following (depending on the state scheme).
- Only individual solicitors can be accredited specialists, not firms.
- To become an accredited specialist, a lawyer must have practised their particular area of law full-time for at least five years.
- A lawyer must pass the Law Society’s rigorous assessments in communication, problem solving, client relations, and their specialist area of law to gain accreditation.
- Demonstrate a deep understanding of their specific area of law, with proven expertise and problem-solving skills.
- Accredited Specialists must maintain their accreditation through ongoing training and reassessment every few years.
- Accredited specialists must stay informed about changes in legislation, legal precedents, and practice procedures.
- To maintain their status as an accredited specialist, a solicitor must annually renew their accreditation and complete additional professional development points.
- Practice in their area of law for a minimum period each fortnight.
- Peer recognition confirms an Accredited Specialist’s special competence and is often part of the accreditation process.
How Much Does it Cost to Hire an Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law?
- The cost of working with a specialist solicitor may be slightly higher, but this can be offset by the increased chances of success.
- Additionally, the cost of working with an accredited injury lawyer often depends on their experience, knowledge and track record, as well as the complexity of your case.
Kerry Splatt oversees the legal files at Splatt Lawyers. Our legal team works with his guidance, and our standard fees apply to all our personal injury legal matters.
Why Choose an Accredited Specialist Personal Injury Lawyer?
Choosing who represents you for a legal matter is one of the most important decisions you can make about your future. But aren’t personal injury lawyers all the same? Why do I need an accredited specialist?
Most people only have one injury claim in their lifetime, so it makes sense that you want the best possible outcome. If you’ve suffered an injury or illness due to negligence, you may be entitled to claim common law damages for:
- Lost income and super
- Medical expenses and rehab costs
- Pain and suffering
- Out-of-pocket expenses
The legal process can be complex and fraught with pitfalls. This is where an accredited specialist lawyer can help. This mark of excellence recognises them as having the knowledge, experience, and skills to:
- Negotiate with insurers
- Gather evidence
- And build a strong case for a superior result
Accredited specialists are skilled in advanced techniques such as expedited hearings and sophisticated settlement offers which can leverage a better position for clients.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring an Accredited Specialist Lawyer?
When choosing the best lawyer for a personal injury compensation matter, it is natural to question the benefits of hiring an accredited specialist. Think of it like this:
When you are sick, you visit a GP. If your doctor doesn’t have the knowledge and expertise to help you, they will refer you to a specialist. This situation is similar to choosing a specialised injury lawyer.
A law society-recognised injury lawyer is officially recognised as having superior knowledge and skills, which is useful when seeking advice for a loss incurred by another’s negligence.
What is The Difference Between General Personal Injury Lawyers and Accredited Specialists?
General lawyers can legally represent in compensation claims, but:
- Accredited Specialists have superior knowledge of complex legislation and procedures, unlike general lawyers. They have passed the rigorous assessment process, giving them recognition in the legal profession.
- Accredited Specialists are also subject to ongoing professional development and training requirements to stay updated with the latest developments in personal injury law.
How Long Does it Take to Get Results with an Accredited Specialist Personal Injury Lawyer?
- How long it takes to get results with an Accredited Specialist personal injury lawyer usually depends on the type of case and its complexity.
- However, specialist solicitors may be better positioned to move a legal matter more effectively and efficiently.
Can I Switch to an Accredited Specialist Personal Injury Lawyer Mid-Case?
In Australia, you have the freedom to select who advises you in a legal matter, including mid-case.
Yes, you can switch to a specialist lawyer if a case is more complex or has a higher settlement value than expected, or for any other reason.
How to Verify if a Personal Injury Lawyer is an Accredited Specialist in Australia?
First, keep in mind that an individual solicitor can be a specialist, but not a law firm. You can verify if a personal injury law firm has a specialist accredited practitioner with the following steps:
- Look for the specialist accreditation logo (which is not 100% reliable)
- Check a solicitor’s qualifications after their name
- Check your state’s law society website
Kerry Splatt is an Accredited Personal Injury Specialist Lawyer. Call 1800 700 125
What Questions Should You Ask an Accredited Specialist Lawyer?
When meeting with a Queensland-accredited specialist lawyer, you should ask questions to be sure you are making the best decision for your case. Here are some questions to consider:
- How long have you been practising as a personal injury specialist?
- What outcomes have you achieved in cases like mine?
- How much will it cost for you to handle my claim?
- What is your experience with my type of injury?
- What would be your legal strategy to get a successful payout?
- How do you keep me updated on progress?
- What might go wrong during the legal process?
What Types of Personal Injury Claims Can an Accredited Specialist Personal Injury Lawyer Handle?
Accredited specialists in personal injury law handle a wide range of compensation claims, including motor vehicle accidents, workplace injuries, medical negligence, and public liability claims. Here is a list:
Importantly, they understand the legal requirements for proving liability.
QLS 25-Year Accredited Specialist Award
The Principal of Splatt Lawyers, Kerry Splatt, received a significant accolade at the QLS Specialist Accreditation Breakfast in Brisbane for achieving 25 years as a Personal Injuries Accredited Specialist in Queensland.
- The Honourable Chief Justice Bowskill of the Supreme Court of Queensland presented the prestigious award.
- This recognition reflects Kerry’s extensive experience, expert advice, and unwavering dedication to the legal profession and the clients he has diligently served.
Contact Details for Our Accredited Specialist
Here are the contact details for our Brisbane Office:
Find Accredited Specialist Personal Injury Lawyers Near Me
Splatt Lawyers has legal practitioners based across Queensland.
