When we receive your notice of appeal, we’ll check it to make sure it includes the required information then send a copy of it to ACC.
You will receive an acknowledgement letter along with an initial minute which sets out the next steps.
Directions conference
A conference may be held to ensure progress is being made on the appeal and everyone has the information they need.
Before the hearing
We’ll send you a notice of hearing at least 10 days before your hearing begins.
The hearing
If both parties agree, the hearing can be ‘on the papers’. This means the Registry may make a decision based on the written submissions of the parties and you and the other party don’t need to attend a formal hearing. Please note: even if both parties agree the Registry decides how an appeal will be heard.
If you do have to attend a formal hearing, we’ll tell you the date and time. The hearing will be open to the public unless a request is made for it to be held in private.
The following people may be at the hearing
you and your lawyer or advocate
a support person
ACC's representative(s)
any witnesses the Registry has allowed to appear.
You should bring the following to the hearing
a copy of your submissions
a copy of ACC's submissions
paper and pen.
Order of events
Hearings are formal and generally follow this order:
You or your lawyer will present your case.
If you have obtained permission from the Registry, you may call witnesses and ACC can ask questions of them.
ACC presents the reasons for their original decision.
The Registry will ask questions of both parties.
Failure to follow court orders
If you don't follow the court's orders, this will be reported to the Registry. Failure to comply with directions may result in your appeal being dismissed.
The decision
The Registry will send you a written copy of its decision.
Appealing the Registry’s decision
You can appeal the Registry’s decision to the High Court but only on a question of law – that is, if you think the Registry got the law wrong when it made its decision. You should seek legal advice before appealing to the High Court.