Here are the ten biggest mistakes you can make when dealing with the Military Rehabilitation and Compensation Commission (MRCC):
- Relying on a delegate or coordinator to fill in your claim form.
- Failing to obtain independent specialist medical advice (that is, advice from somebody who was not recommended by a delegate).
- Using an advisor who is not legally qualified or insured to help you with your claim - or worse still, not seeking advice at all.
- Accepting a delegate’s view as to whether you have an injury or disease giving you a right to compensation.
- Accepting an offer of compensation without seeking independent legal advice - remember that Slater & Gordon’s initial consultation and assessment is free.
- Accepting any decision involving the offsetting of your entitlements without having the calculations independently checked.
- Accepting a delegate’s view as to which scheme is best for you if you have defence service before and after 1 July 2004.
- Thinking that a delegate has your best interests at heart when you are injured or unwell.
- Believing a delegate will quickly determine your claim - all correspondence should be acknowledged within 28 days and your claim determined or reconsidered in less than 3 months.
- Believing that a rejected claim or lapsed time-frame means the end of the road without obtaining independent legal advice.