ACC Reviews and Review Hearings
If you disagree with an ACC decision, you have the right to challenge it. In most cases, the first formal step is an independent review. I represent ACC claimants throughout New Zealand at review and, where necessary, on appeal to the District Court.
The initial case assessment is free.
Get advice early
You usually have three months from the date of ACC's decision to apply for a review. Getting advice early also gives you time to identify the real issue in dispute, obtain any necessary evidence, and prepare the case properly.
Late applications may be accepted in qualifying circumstances.
Decisions that can be reviewed
- Declined injury or condition cover
- Suspension or cessation of weekly compensation
- Entitlement to weekly compensation or backdating
- Treatment or surgery funding
- Treatment injury
- Vocational independence
- Lump-sum / permanent impairment issues
- Medical assessments, IOA/IMA and related decisions
- Other ACC entitlement or decision disputes
What I do
Representation may include: reviewing the ACC file and decision; identifying the legal and evidential issues; assessing medical evidence; obtaining or coordinating specialist evidence where required; preparing written submissions; dealing with ACC and the review provider; representing the claimant at the hearing; advising after the review decision; filing/acting on a District Court appeal where appropriate.
How the review process works
- ACC issues a decision
- A review application is lodged
- ACC may reconsider or try to resolve the dispute
- The case is prepared and evidence gathered
- An independent reviewer hears the case
- A written decision follows
- If necessary, the decision can be appealed to the District Court
What does an ACC review cost?
For many clients, an ACC review involves little or no direct legal cost. ACC will almost always contribute towards reasonable representation costs, and that contribution will generally cover the cost of my representation at review. I will explain the position before any costs are incurred.
Current prescribed review-cost contributions
For ACC claim decisions made on or after 27 November 2025, the current maximum lawyer representation awards are:
- Category A review — $2,100
- Category B review — $4,200
These are maximum prescribed awards for actual and reasonably necessary representation costs, not automatic payments.
If the review is unsuccessful
A review decision can usually be appealed to the District Court. An appeal is a more formal legal process and should be assessed on its merits before it is filed. I regularly act in ACC appeals and am an approved Legal Aid lead provider. Legal Aid may be available for qualifying appeals.
Nationwide representation
While I am based in Auckland, my clients live throughout New Zealand. ACC review conferences, hearings and legal meetings can generally be dealt with remotely, so geographic distance is rarely an obstacle to representation.
Free case assessment
The initial case assessment is genuinely free. I will discuss your situation with you, review the key documents, assess the merits of the case, and work through a practical strategy and way forward.