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An ACC lawyer and advocate is taking legal action against ACC, saying injured claimants are losing jobs and homes while they wait more than six months to have disputed decisions reviewed and resolved.
Figures released by ACC under the OIA show the average duration of a review process is around 200 days, and even longer in cases where a decision is reached.
Warren Forster is a lawyer specialising in ACC, and founder of the conciliation service ACC Advocacy. He has filed Judicial Review proceedings in the High Court asking that ACC be required to follow its own policies, and use alternative dispute resolution, which can solve disputes more quickly and at lower cost, than a full review.
Mr Forster says instead of following its policy, ACC is forcing claimants into the clogged-up review process. What's more, he says the dispute resolution service currently getting the best results, will no longer be available after July 1, as ACC has not renewed its contract.
Kathryn speaks with Mr Forster and two claimants. ACC declined to appear on Nine to Noon, citing the current legal proceedings.
