For a first consultation, bring a brief account of events, any records you already hold, information about diagnosis and daily impact, and your own questions. You do not need to gather every record first, because lawyers can usually request them later.
Your account of events
A short written summary of pregnancy, labour, birth and early care helps the lawyer focus. Include the hospital, approximate dates and times, and the moments that concern you. Note who was present, since partners or relatives may remember details differently.
Records you already have
Bring what is easy to find: discharge summaries, your antenatal card, letters from specialists and any complaint correspondence. Missing records are not a barrier. Lawyers can request full records, and you also have rights to access your own health information.
- Discharge summaries for mother and baby
- Antenatal card or pregnancy record
- Specialist and diagnosis letters
- Any hospital complaint responses or open disclosure notes
Diagnosis and daily impact
Explain the current diagnosis, who made it, and how the injury affects daily life, therapy, sleep, work and family routines. Describe NDIS involvement if relevant. This helps the lawyer understand possible losses, although whether they can be claimed is a separate question.
Questions to ask
You are also assessing whether the lawyer is right for your family. Ask about their experience with similar matters, how fees work, who will handle your file day to day, and what happens if experts do not support a claim.
What happens next
After the meeting, the lawyer may advise on urgent time limits, request records, or recommend further investigation. Ask for any fee terms and next steps in writing, and take time to read them before signing anything.
For your next conversation
- A one-page summary of events with approximate dates
- Discharge summaries and specialist letters you already hold
- A list of treating doctors and therapists
- Your NDIS plan, if you have one
- Written questions about fees, time limits and staffing
Common questions
Should I wait until I have all the hospital records before calling?
No. Waiting could cost time that matters under limitation rules. Lawyers can usually request complete records themselves, and early advice helps identify urgent steps. Bring whatever you have and explain what is missing.
Can both parents and grandparents come to the consultation?
Usually yes, and other family members may remember useful details. The lawyer may ask to speak with some people separately, though, and should explain who the client is and how confidentiality applies when others are present.
Sources & further reading
These references support the topic’s starting points. They do not determine the facts, standard of care or law applicable to an individual matter.