Cyclone Seroja victims urged to take advantage of free Legal Aid advice

Insurance claims triggered by cyclone Seroja continue to skyrocket, with more than 3300 lodged by people whose homes and businesses have been damaged.

An Insurance Council of Australia spokeswoman said as of Tuesday, 3384 claims had been lodged, although it was still too early to put a dollar estimate on the claims.

People whose homes and businesses were flattened or damaged by Seroja are being urged to seek free legal advice before making decisions on matters such as insurance claims. Legal Aid WA director of civil law Gemma Mitchell said with the latest reports indicating victims could be facing a two-year wait to rebuild, they should seek all the help they could at such a distressing time.

“When someone has been impacted by a natural disaster, understandably legal matters are not usually their first priority,” she said.

“However, in the days and weeks that follow, legal issues do arise, and Legal Aid WA is here to assist.”

Ms Mitchell said Legal Aid could offer free legal advice in regards to making insurance claims, dealing with disputes, mortgage stress, financial hardship, debt, employment law problems, housing and tenancy complications, and the replacement of documents.

For free legal advice, contact the Legal Aid WA infoline on 1300 650 579 or email naturaldisasters@ legalaid.wa.gov.au.