Being injured — physically, emotionally, or financially — is hard enough. But navigating the process of seeking compensation? That’s where most people trip up.
We’ve supported clients across Canberra through everything from minor whiplash to life-altering injuries. And while no two claims are the same, there are some golden rules that can save you time, stress, and sleepless nights.
Here are five crucial do’s — and five don’ts — for anyone in Canberra thinking of making a personal injury claim.
DO #1: Get medical treatment straight away
Sounds obvious, but we’ve had plenty of clients try to “walk it off” after an accident — only to realise weeks later that they’re in serious pain. By then, the paper trail is patchy, and insurers may claim your injury wasn’t that bad.
Pro tip: Even if it seems minor, see a GP or visit the Canberra Hospital Emergency Department. Ask for a written report or referral, and keep every receipt and script.
DON’T #1: Post about it on social media
That innocent selfie at Questacon or post about your gym workout could come back to haunt you. Insurers and defence lawyers do check social media, and will use anything that contradicts your injury claim.
Pro tip: Lock down your profiles. Even better, stay offline about your injury altogether until your claim is resolved.
DO #2: Report the incident properly
If you’ve been injured at work, in a shopping centre, or in a public area, the incident needs to be formally reported — ideally the same day.
Pro tip: Ask for a copy of the incident report, or email your own written summary to the business or organisation. That record could be vital later.
DON’T #2: Assume all lawyers cost the same
Personal injury law is one of the few areas where lawyers often work on a “no win, no fee” basis. But be careful — not all fee agreements are created equal.
Pro tip: Ask for a detailed breakdown of what “no win, no fee” actually means, what costs are recoverable, and what happens if you pull out early. Look for fixed-fee caps where possible.
DO #3: Keep a pain diary and expense log
You might think you’ll remember everything — the headaches, the physio visits, the missed school pickup. But when your claim is assessed months (or years) later, details fade.
Pro tip: Start a notebook or app where you log pain levels, medication, appointments, time off work, and the impact on your day-to-day life.
DON’T #3: Miss time limits
Canberra follows ACT personal injury law, which has strict time limits. Depending on your situation, you may have just 3 to 9 months to lodge an initial claim — or risk losing your right to compensation entirely.
Pro tip: Seek legal advice early, even if you’re not sure you’ll go ahead. It costs nothing to ask, and could save you thousands later.
DO #4: Understand what you can actually claim
Compensation isn’t just about medical bills. You may be entitled to claim for lost income, future earning capacity, care and assistance, pain and suffering, and even travel costs for appointments.
Pro tip: A good personal injury lawyer will walk you through each of these categories and help calculate what’s reasonable — not just what’s easy.
DON’T #4: Accept the first offer from the insurer
It’s tempting. You’re in pain, the bills are piling up, and the insurer makes a quick offer that seems… okay. But initial offers are almost always lower than what you’re actually entitled to.
Pro tip: Don’t sign or accept anything without legal advice. Once you settle, you usually can’t go back and ask for more.
DO #5: Choose a local lawyer who understands the ACT system
Every state has different rules, timeframes, and processes when it comes to injury compensation. You want someone who knows Canberra — not just law, but the local courts, medical professionals, and insurance players.
Pro tip: Ask how many Canberra-based claims the lawyer has run recently. Local experience matters, especially if your case ends up in the ACT Magistrates or Supreme Court.
DON’T #5: Try to do it all yourself
Yes, it’s possible to lodge an injury claim without a lawyer. But unless your injury is very minor, or you’re happy to take the risk of being underpaid, it’s rarely a good idea.
Pro tip: Legal advice doesn’t mean starting a lawsuit. It just means knowing where you stand — and giving yourself the best chance of a fair outcome.
In Summary: It’s your recovery — protect it
Injury claims aren’t about “cashing in.” They’re about helping you recover — physically, emotionally, and financially — without being left worse off by someone else’s mistake.
Here’s a quick recap of the 5 do’s and don’ts when seeking compensation in Canberra:
The 5 Do’s:
- Get medical treatment immediately
- Report the incident officially
- Keep a detailed diary and expense log
- Understand the full scope of what you can claim
- Work with a Canberra-based lawyer who knows the system
The 5 Don’ts:
- Don’t post about your injury online
- Don’t assume all “no win, no fee” agreements are the same
- Don’t miss the legal time limits
- Don’t accept a lowball offer from the insurer
Don’t try to go it alone.
