Almost a decade after Slater and Gordon launched its pioneering social-work service, the personal injury lawyer firm reported that it has served more than 2,300 Australians on a diverse range of issues.
Ogla Gountras, national manager of social-work services at Slater and Gordon, said that since May 2009, the team – which also includes Alexis Stonebridge, Maggie Poole, and Lorraine Troy – has received referrals from 18 different areas of the law firm, with 67% coming from its motor vehicle accident and workers’ compensation practices.
Other key areas include public liability, medical negligence, asbestos and superannuation total, and permanent disability claims.
The free national service seeks to reduce the negative emotional and social factors that arise from an injury, illness, or pre-existing psychosocial factors that can interfere with the legal process.
Gountras said financial distress accounted for 34% of referrals, 20% were due to emotional distress, grief, and mental health issues, 17% had expressed suicidal ideation or intent, and 14% had issues accessing treatment or support services.
“We help more people and in more parts of the country every year, and regardless of location, the types of issues experienced are common to all,” Gountras said. “We see the impact of pre-existing and continuing health and mental health issues, the expectations of recovery, social factors, including complex social situations, and the experience of the claims process as a whole. After nearly 10 years, the social work service is embedded in the law firm because the organisation has seen the benefit of our support on both clients and the lawyers. It leads to a more timely resolution of claims and enables improved legal and wellbeing outcomes for clients and their families.”
