WIRO Lawyers

What is WIRO?

WIRO refers to the former Workers Compensation Independent Review Officer, a statutory role created to handle worker complaints and fund independent legal help. On 1 March 2021, the Personal Injury Commission Act 2020 (NSW) re-established this entity as the Independent Review Office (IRO). Today, the IRO operates as an independent NSW statutory office that resolves insurer complaints for both workplace and motor accident injuries. It also administers ILARS funding, allowing eligible injured workers to access independent legal representation at no out-of-pocket cost.

If you have been injured at work in NSW, an IRO Approved Lawyer can help you with eligible workers compensation disputes at no upfront cost to you.

How WIRO Approved Lawyers Help Injured Workers

WIRO does not provide legal advice directly. Instead, it funds qualified, approved lawyers to help you. These Approved Lawyers practise regularly in workers compensation matters and can provide independent advice and assistance at no cost to you when ILARS funding applies.

What ILARS covers:

ILARS is the Independent Legal Assistance and Review Service – the funding scheme behind WIRO. Your lawyer can apply to ILARS for a grant that covers:

• All legal fees for pursuing your claim 
• Medical reports and expert assessments 
• Clinical records and disbursements 
• Representation at dispute resolution through the Personal Injury Commission 
• Appeals or reconsideration of Personal Injury Commission decisions

ILARS funding can cover approved legal fees and necessary expenses for an eligible workers compensation dispute, even if the claim is unsuccessful, provided IRO is satisfied there is some prospect of success.

Do I have to pay for a WIRO lawyer?

No. If your lawyer is WIRO approved and has obtained an ILARS grant, you will not pay any legal costs upfront. The funding covers approved legal fees and necessary claim expenses, including medical report fees and relevant disbursements.. Unlike “No Win No Fee” arrangements with other law firms, ILARS funding exists independently of the outcome – your legal costs are covered even if the claim is unsuccessful, provided IRO is satisfied there was a reasonable prospect of success.

When should I contact a WIRO approved lawyer?

Time limits apply to workers compensation claims in NSW. Act as soon as possible if you have a dispute with your insurer about:

• Refusal to pay weekly compensation benefits 
• Denial of medical treatment expenses 
• Decisions about work capacity or return-to-work arrangements 
• Lump sum compensation for permanent impairment

IRO recommends contacting an approved lawyer immediately if your insurer has refused a legitimate entitlement.

Talk to our WIRO approved workers’ compensation lawyers. With over 45 years of experience helping injured workers in NSW, PK Simpson has successfully recovered compensation for thousands of clients. If you have been injured at work, it can help to speak with a workers compensation lawyer early so you understand your options.

Call us on 1300 757 467 for a free consultation today.