Free Legal Assistance for NSW Flood Victims

As the trauma of the recent flood disaster continues to linger, many affected individuals are facing the additional distress of insurance claims being denied, often due to clauses buried in policy fine print. To address this issue, Legal Aid NSW is offering free legal assistance to NSW flood victims through the Disaster Response Legal Service (DRLS). This service provides advice on insurance claims and disputes, housing and tenancy issues, financial hardship, workplace rights, and government disaster grants.

Key Takeaways:

• The Disaster Response Legal Service (DRLS) offers free legal assistance to NSW flood victims, providing advice on insurance claims and disputes, housing and tenancy issues, financial hardship, workplace rights, and government disaster grants.
• People affected by storms and floods have had insurance claims initially rejected, only to have them later accepted by their insurer after seeking legal assistance from the DRLS.
• DRLS senior lawyer Ma'ata Solofoni emphasizes the importance of seeking legal advice early to achieve a better outcome, especially regarding complex issues like storm damage coverage.
• Many individuals are unaware of the benefits provided by their insurance policy, such as temporary accommodation and spoiled food coverage.
• Time-stamped photos of damage can assist with insurance claims, and DRLS lawyers can provide invaluable assistance to those overwhelmed by the disaster.
• The service is available at recovery centres across NSW, including Taree, Kempsey, Port Macquarie, and Macksville, or can be accessed via a telephone advice clinic.
• Since 2020, the DRLS has helped approximately 7,000 people in NSW across 113 Local Government Areas.
• About 4,300 individuals received face-to-face assistance from DRLS lawyers at disaster recovery centres.
• The service helps people maximize the benefits under their insurance policies, often resulting in faster resolution of claims, access to temporary accommodation, and avoidance of homelessness and financial hardship.

Statistics:

• Since 2020, the Disaster Response Legal Service has supported approximately 7,000 people in NSW across 113 Local Government Areas.
• About 4,300 individuals received face-to-face assistance from DRLS lawyers at disaster recovery centres.
• The service helps people maximize the benefits under their insurance policies, often resulting in faster resolution of claims.
• DRLS assistance means insurance claims are resolved faster, people can access temporary accommodation and avoid homelessness and financial hardship.

Sources:

• Staff Reporters, "Legal Advice Available at Recovery Centres Throughout Region."
• Ma'ata Solofoni, senior lawyer, Disaster Response Legal Service.
• Legal Aid NSW, Disaster Response Legal Service.
• Recovery Centre locations: Manning Uniting Church, Kempsey Showground, PCYC, and Macksville Recovery Centre.