We're Here to Help - Recovery from the Shoalhaven Bushfire Disaster
There are no words to adequately describe the devastation that has occurred to our beautiful community.
Everyone we have spoken to over the last few weeks either knows someone who has lost their home, or has been the terrible victim of losing their home themselves.
The team at Ardent Lawyers have been fortunate enough for our homes to be saved by the wonderful emergency services personnel protecting our community, but we do have friends and clients who have fallen victim in this disaster and our thoughts are with those that have suffered loss during this time.
We also understand the concern of small business owners due to our local economy being affected, and we will continue to provide up to date information on the financial assistance available to small businesses in the Shoalhaven.
Legal Help Available
Ardent Lawyers are offering pro bono assistance to Shoalhaven residents who have lost their home in the bushfires. Please contact us via our social media, email or phone and we will help you as much as we can.
Further, Legal Aid NSW is offering free legal advice for anyone affect by the bushfires in New South Wales. This includes:
If you are home owner or tenant and your home has been damaged by fire.
If you are having insurance difficulties or problems with repairs.
If your employment/business has been affected by fires.
If you need help negotiating credit commitments due to loss of income.
If you have been affected by bushfires, you can contact the LawAccess NSW dedicated Disaster Response Hotline 1800 801 529, visit your closest Legal Aid office or access the Insurance Law Service.
Insurance Claims
The process of completing insurance claims can be stressful and slow. You have a right to lodge a claim or have a refused claim reviewed when your insurer doesn’t agree with the claim.
Ardent Lawyers recommends that you lodge a claim with your insurer, even if you are unsure whether you are covered, or unsure of what you are covered for.
We also recommend that you:
Take photos, videos and records of damage.
If you don’t understand the wording of your insurance policy, get legal advice before meeting or speaking with claims assessors.
Confirm your premiums are up-to-date. Short payments may affect your insurance payments.
Keep receipts/records of monies spent on accommodation expenses. Your insurance may cover the cost for temporary accommodation.
If you lodge your insurance claim and your insurer denies the claim, ask them to put their refusal in writing with the reasons for their refusal. Ardent Lawyers can help you with this process to understand whether the claim can be actioned further using the Financial Ombudsman Service and our legal system via Court.
More Information
There are numerous articles and guides being made available to assist those who have been affected:
Financial Assistance
A number of authorities are offering financial assistance for individuals and small businesses in the Shoalhaven:
Small Business Commissioner - Support for Small Business Owners
Business Connect: Free Mobile Advisory Service: Tel: 1300 134 359
The ATO have announced that they will be extending the due date for BAS monthly/quarterly payments for postcodes within the Shoalhaven. For more information on this, visit the ATO website.
We are passionate about our community and doing our part in the recovery process for those who have been affected by the bushfires. If you have any questions or concerns we may be able to assist you with, please contact us on (02) 4444 6808 or at contact@ardentlawyers.com.au