Media release
Tuesday 26 June 2007
Legal help for storm victims
Public legal information forums will be held over the next three days providing free legal advice to people who have suffered property damage as a result of recent storms. The forums will take place in Newcastle, Maitland and Gosford. They will be chaired by local VIPs including the Lord Mayor of Newcastle and Mayors of Gosford, Lake Macquarie and Maitland. A panel of representatives from Legal Aid NSW, the National Insurance Hotline, LawAccess NSW, the Insurance Ombudsman Service, local community legal centres, and the Law Society of NSW will present a range of arguments to help people pursue their claim on cars, homes and contents. The forums are an initiative of Legal Aid NSW. “It is important that people on the Central Coast, Newcastle and the Hunter who have suffered storm damage, many of whom are on low incomes, are fully aware of their rights under their insurance policies,” says Mr Bill Grant, CEO of Legal Aid NSW. “These forums will ensure people get expert advice and are in an informed position to properly pursue their insurance claims.”
Forums will be held in: Gosford Wednesday 27 June 2007 10.30am – 12.30pm & 5.30pm – 7.30pm Gosford Leagues Club Dane Drive Newcastle Thursday 28 June 2007 10.30am – 12.30pm & 5.30pm – 7.30 pm Newcastle Panthers Cnr Union & King Streets Maitland Friday 29 June 2007 1.30am – 12.30 pm Monte Pio Cnr New England Highway & Dwyer Street For more information about the forums contact 4921 8801 if you live in Maitland or Newcastle and 4324 5611 if you live in Gosford.
New information published by Legal Aid NSW will also help people claim on their insurance policies following property damage caused by recent storms.
An emergency fact sheet is now available online whilst a more comprehensive guide will be posted online after 1 July 2007. Turning the Tide, Storms, Floods, Insurance and You will assist people when dealing with their insurance company, and present a range of arguments to help them pursue their claim on cars, homes and contents. To view the online guide, visit www.legalaid.nsw.gov.au, Info Centre, Legal help for storm victims Printed copies of the guide will not be available until 16 July 2007, when they can be obtained by visiting Legal Aid NSW offices; phoning Publications, Legal Aid NSW 9219 5035 or by email: publications@legalaid.nsw.gov.au
For more information: John Moratelli Date: Tuesday 26 June 2007
Tel: 9219 5897