General Queries FAQs

• What are uplift fees?

  We do not charge uplift fees. Uplift fees are charged by some lawyers in addition to their usual professional fees.  The amount of an uplift fee is usually an unspecified percentage of those professional fees.

• What is litigation lending?

  We do not recommend litigation lending or disbursement funding.  Litigation lending and disbursement funding is when a firm provides or organizes a financial facility which will meet your legal expenses during the course of your claim.  Entering into such an arrangement will rarely be in your best interests and it is often difficult to find out whether and how your lawyers are benefitting from the arrangement.

• Do I need to come in to see you to discuss a claim?

  We service all areas of Queensland and act for people throughout Australia and internationally. We understand it is not always possible for you to travel to meet with us. We can discuss your claim by phone or video-link to suit your needs, or our directors and solicitors will gladly make arrangements to travel to see you wherever you might be.

• How long will my claim take?

  It is impossible for us to say without knowing more about you and your claim. Relevant factors include how and when the incident happened, the severity of your injuries, your age, and whether the insurer disputes liability for your claim. All of these factors (and many others) will influence how long it takes for your claim to be finalised.

• Will you charge me for my first consultation?

  The first consultation with a director is an obligation-free chance to discuss your situation and identify your needs. You will not be charged for this meeting if you decide not to proceed with your claim.  The most important objective from that first consultation is for you to understand how we can help you and to decide whether you wish to entrust us with your claim.

• What does it mean to act on a “speculative basis”?

  Many firms advertise that they act on a “no win, no fee” basis. MurphySchmidt does not use that term as it can be inaccurate and misleading.  We act on a speculative basis. This means you will not be asked to pay our professional fees unless and until your claim is successfully finalised. Our fixed fee arrangements ensure complete transparency, and you will not be charged any uplift fees.

  We will require reimbursement of any costs or outlays we pay on your behalf if you claim is not successful.  We will provide you with an estimate of those costs and outlays in our Costs Agreement and will not incur significant costs and outlays without first discussing it with you.

• How much will my claim cost?

  Our costs will be reasonable – we will discuss them with you in detail before you instruct us to act on your behalf and provide you with a Costs Agreement .  We are happy to answer any questions you might have about our costs and strongly recommend you seek independent legal advice about the Costs Agreement before you sign it.