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The Herald
January 8, 2002
ACC questions law firm's tactics
The Accident Compensation Corporation says
it has been swamped with calls about a Christchurch
law firm's attempt to secure sexual abuse claims.
Wakefield Associates has circulated leaflets to homes around the country
asking people to authorise it to seek compensation on their behalf - in
return for 25 per cent of any lump sum awarded.
But ACC's claims manager Gail Kettle said it was unnecessary for sexual abuse
victims to hire a lawyer as they could action a claim with any ACC approved
counsellor.
The letter from Wakefield Associates said sexual abuse victims could receive
as much as $25,000 for a lump sum payment and ongoing payments in excess of
$150,000.
Ms Kettle described these sums as "extreme".
Wakefield Associates have been unavailable for comment.
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