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ACC disputes & reviews

DRSL offers a specialist independent review service for people who do not agree with decisions made by ACC. DRSL also offers mediation and facilitation services.

Information about ACC disputes and reviews is all in this section of the website. The menu on the left hand areas shows how the information is organised.

More about ACC Reviews

If you want to have an ACC decision reviewed, you need to apply for a review with ACC, which will then be forwarded to DRSL.

An ACC review is a legal process where both sides meet with an independent and unbiased reviewer. The reviewer considers all of the information that has been provided and makes a decision. This includes upholding the original ACC decision, modifying the original decision, or overturning it, and can also include decisions about costs and payments. Any party may choose to have a lawyer or advocate represent them during a review, but representation is not compulsory.

Any decision made by the reviewer is binding. People who disagree with the review decision can make an appeal by applying to the District Court, where applicable, within 28 days of the review decision.
 
Applicants do not pay a fee to DRSL to handle their reviews. However, applicants need to cover their own expenses related to preparing for and attending the review. Some costs may be reimbursed, if the reviewer awards costs to the applicant.
 
The information on this site covers all areas of the ACC review process, and while it is thorough, you may also want to contact an appropriately qualified professional such as a lawyer or professional advocate for detailed advice about your specific case. Citizens Advice Bureau and Community Law Centres can be a good place to start. The ACC process is also outlined on the ACC Website.
 
If you have applied for, or are in the process of a review you can still make a complaint to ACC at any stage about the management of your claim.
 
You may also find these ACC links useful:
 
ACC Website - ACC Complaints
http://www.acc.co.nz/claims/what-if-i-have-a-problem-with-a-claim/index.htm
ACC Website - ACC Reviews
http://www.acc.co.nz/claims/what-if-i-have-a-problem-with-a-claim/ECI0044