Uncovering Costs: How Much Do Lawyers Charge for TPD Claims?

an image of a car accident in Melbourne
Written by Gennaro Fittipaldi 
on 30 May, 2025

Legal fees are one of the main concerns when instructing a law firm for your TPD claim. So many people ask, “How much do lawyers charge for tpd claims?”

Clients using a No Win No Fee lawyer should be aware of potential costs they may incur if they lose, such as for disbursements and opposing legal fees.

Typically, lawyer fees could be between $5,000 to $15,000.

Many legal firms will work on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis. Some law firms may charge a percentage of the settlement amount as their fee, which is not the case for all firms with No Win No Fee policies.

In this article, we will discuss fee structures and what affects pricing to help you understand the costs associated with your claim.

Key Takeaways

  • Legal fees for TPD claims generally range from $5,000 to $15,000, varying based on case complexity and required medical evidence.
  • TPD lawyers may offer different fee structures, including No Win No Fee policies, fixed fee arrangements, or hourly rates, to accommodate the financial circumstances of their clients. Transparency around legal costs and the legal practices adopted by each firm—such as how fees are managed and billed—can help clients make informed decisions.
  • Choosing the right TPD lawyer entails considering their expertise, track record, and transparency in fee arrangements to ensure the best outcome for the claim. A lawyer with substantial litigation experience typically charges higher fees but often has a higher success rate and can help secure maximum compensation.
Illustration of a person signing legal documents

TPD claims can be overwhelming, especially with legal fees and the complex process. An experienced TPD lawyer can guide you through the process and help you secure your TPD insurance benefits.

It is important to understand how much lawyers charge for TPD claims. Typically, lawyer fees range between $5,000 and $15,000, depending on factors such as the complexity of your matter, the level of medical evidence required, and other elements that influence the overall TPD claim cost.

At Fittipaldi Injury Lawyers proudly and strictly adhere to our policy of acting on behalf of our clients on a No Win No Fee basis.

Under this arrangement, legal costs are only payable if your claim is successful, ensuring transparency and minimising your financial risk.

This is the foundation of our relationship with our clients, reassuring them that we have everything invested in their claim.

We know that pursuing a TPD claim can be a long and uncertain journey, so we ensure that our clients are exposed to limited financial liability.

Our legal services are designed to support you at every stage of the TPD claims process, providing expert guidance while keeping costs manageable.

What are TPD Claims?

At the heart of a TPD insurance claim lies the commitment to your financial support when you need it most.

TPD claims exist to assist you when you suffer a permanent medical condition and can no longer earn an income.

TPD claims are made when someone suffers a total and permanent disability and meets the TPD definition outlined in their policy.

However, just because you suffer a permanent medical condition does not necessarily mean that you will be entitled to a TPD claim.

There are exceptions, and making a successful TPD claim involves assembling compelling medical evidence aligned with your insurance policy terms.

Understanding your permanent disability insurance coverage and its relation to your superannuation insurance policy is essential, as these determine your eligibility and claim process.

The meaning of disability (and in particular permanent disability) can vary between policies and may include definitions such as ‘own occupation’, which means you must be unable to perform work in your occupation as defined to be entitled to a payout.

Keep in mind that TPD cover is generally included within your superannuation fund, and the amount of coverage you receive depends on factors such as your age and the terms of the superannuation fund itself.

Your TPD insurance entitlements and the TPD benefit available through superannuation are key aspects to consider when making a claim.

Why Do I Need a TPD Lawyer?

Pursuing a TPD claim without experienced TPD lawyers reduces your chances of success and prolongs the process.

Specialist TPD lawyers understand complex policy clauses and handle insurance companies, increasing your chances of getting your claim approved.

They clarify eligibility criteria and assess your claim’s validity before starting the process.

Involving experienced TPD lawyers early simplifies the process and saves time. They provide ongoing support, guidance, and transparency throughout your claim.

You pay for effective legal representation aimed at securing maximum compensation.

TPD Lawyers Fee Structures

Illustration of different fee structures

It is important to understand TPD lawyers’ fee structures. Different legal practices offer various billing methods, such as fixed fees, hourly rates, or no-win, no-fee arrangements.

Although, typical legal fees could be between $5,000 and $15,000. The certainty of knowing this legal cost upfront can remove a lot of the stress involved in a TPD claim and help you understand the impact of legal costs on the overall claim process.

Some lawyers may charge their fees as a percentage of any TPD payout or by the number of hours they spend working on your claim.

These are additional factors to consider when selecting your TPD lawyer.

Fixed Fee Structures

Fixed fee structures in TPD claims provide certainty and peace of mind, ensuring legal fees won’t increase as the case progresses.

They help clients manage costs effectively with transparency and predictability. Typically, if a claim can be resolved within a year through negotiation, a fixed fee may apply.

Hourly Rates

However, not all matters fit into a fixed fee structure. Sometimes, the uncertainty of your case requires hourly rates, which depend on the lawyer’s experience and expertise.

A specialist TPD lawyer with high-level expertise usually charges higher hourly rates but provides the necessary knowledge and experience critical to your claim.

Contingency Fees (No Win, No Fee)

The ever-popular “No Win, No Fee” policy ensures you don’t pay upfront to pursue your claim.

Many law firms use this contingency fee arrangement to reduce financial risk, making pursuing a claim accessible and cost-effective.

What Affects TPD Lawyer Costs

Illustration of factors affecting tpd lawyer costs

The cost of engaging a TPD lawyer depends on several specific factors. The lawyer’s experience is crucial; those with a proven track record of managing claims efficiently and securing maximum compensation typically charge higher fees.

The complexity of your claim also affects costs, especially if you have multiple TPD insurance covers or claims with different superannuation funds, which require additional coordination and legal work.

Handling multiple claims increases administrative tasks and legal fees due to differing eligibility criteria and insurer requirements.

Medical evidence, including medical tests and reports, adds to the overall cost, as more extensive documentation demands more legal time and resources.

Each TPD claim cost varies based on the quality and quantity of supporting medical evidence, case complexity, and the specific legal services required.

It is essential to discuss and clarify fee structures, including fixed fee amounts or hourly rates, with your prospective TPD lawyers before engagement to avoid unexpected expenses.

Importance Of Expert TPD Representation

Illustration of TPD lawyer negotiating with an insurance company

The advantages of having an expert TPD lawyer represent you include:

  • Legal representation
  • Maximising your compensation
  • Expertly navigating the claims process
  • Protecting you from insurance companies underpaying your claim
  • And potentially saving you thousands of dollars
  • When experienced TPD lawyers are involved, clients benefit from their in-depth knowledge, which increases the chances of a successful claim and ensures maximum compensation is achieved.

They can assist you in all aspects of the claim, from investigating your policy to explaining your legal rights. You can simply concentrate on your recovery and let your lawyer manage the rest.

Matters usually achieve a better outcome and are completed quicker when handled by expert legal hands, especially when experienced TPD lawyers are guiding your claim.

If you have multiple TPD policies through different superannuation funds, you may be entitled to lodge more than one claim.

This is known as making multiple claims, and having multiple TPD insurance cover can allow you to claim from each policy separately, potentially increasing your overall payout.

Each matter will be dealt with independently, and you may be entitled to receive more than one payout if you qualify for each claim.

The legal fees, however, may increase because of the additional work and complexity involved in managing each claim.

The TPD claim cost can also rise when handling multiple claims, as each claim may require separate evidence, legal processes, and potentially higher legal costs.

Tips For Selecting The Right TPD Lawyer For Your TPD Claim

Illustration of selecting the right TPD lawyer

Choose the right TPD lawyer carefully. Experienced TPD lawyers who provide transparent legal services and understand the complex TPD claims process, including locating old superannuation funds and interpreting insurance policies, can significantly improve your chances of success.

At Fittipaldi Injury Lawyers, we specialise in handling complex TPD claims, including those arising from pedestrian accidents. Our experienced team is committed to securing the best possible outcomes for our clients by effectively managing every aspect of their claim.

Another critical factor in selecting your legal representatives is the transparency of fee arrangements.

Fixed fee structures provide certainty of costs and avoid the unknown as you navigate the TPD claims process.

Preparing for a Successful TPD Claim

Once you are ready to commence your claim, you will need to complete various forms, prepare detailed submissions, and regularly correspond with the insurer to ensure they have all the information they need to consider your claim.

To achieve an approved TPD claim, it is essential to carefully follow each step, provide comprehensive evidence, and meet all eligibility requirements.

Having your TPD claim approved often depends on the quality of your documentation and the strength of your supporting medical evidence.

Following up with the insurance company is vital to ensure your insurance claims are on their radar and progressing through the necessary channels.

A well-presented application is the best way to avoid delay, propelling your claim towards a swift and successful claim and ensuring you receive your insurance payout after your claim is approved.

How TPD Payouts are Determined

The amount you may be entitled to under a TPD insurance policy is a combined effect of many factors.

It is not simply the insurance cover or policy limit.

The average TPD payout in Australia can vary significantly, and how much compensation you receive will depend on your policy terms, personal circumstances, and the specifics of your claim.

Your entitlement will depend on your disability, the extent of your loss of income, and the terms of your policy.

Your disability and capacity for work (including what you previously did for work and the duration of absence from work) are then assessed to calculate the TPD payout amount you deserve.

Once your permanent disability claim is accepted, you will receive a lump sum payment—commonly referred to as a TPD lump sum or TPD lump sum payment—in your superannuation account for the coverage amount agreed.

The TPD payment and insurance payout are credited to your superannuation account.

How Long Do TPD Claims Take

Time is of the essence when it comes to TPD claims.

While most claims are resolved within six and 12 months, the more complex cases can take up to two years.

An expert TPD lawyer will ensure that all submissions are thorough and timely to prevent the sand in the hourglass from slowly falling.

The superannuation claim process can take months and involves various assessments. Here is what to expect:

  1. Initial assessment by the superannuation fund – this may take some time and is the first step of the process.
  2. A detailed assessment by the insurer may take up to 6 months for standard claims.
  3. Final evaluation by the superannuation fund trustee – add another two months to the process. Late lodgement of your claim could risk your chances of succeeding, so it is always recommended (and we cannot stress this enough) that you lodge your matter as soon as possible.

Summary

As we have discussed above the complexity of TPD claims and the costs of lawyers can be confusing. However, knowing how much do lawyers charge for TPD claims and having the right legal advice is critical in navigating these matters to achieve the best possible outcome.

Fittipaldi Injury Lawyers are dedicated to assisting Melbourians in securing the TPD benefits they rightfully deserve.

To discuss your claim with our experienced team or to review our history of successful outcomes and TPD payout case studies, contact us at for a free consultation call.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a TPD claim?

A TPD claim is an insurance claim that provides financial protection if you suffer permanent medical impairment due to injury and are unable to work. Typically, a TPD claim is made under a permanent disability insurance cover, which is often provided through a superannuation insurance policy. It requires substantial evidence of disability and compliance with the policy terms.

How much do lawyers typically charge for TPD claims?

Lawyers typically charge between $5,000 and $15,000 for TPD claims. Variations are based on the complexity of the matter and the level of medical evidence required. Legal fees are usually deducted from the TPD insurance payout or TPD benefit that you receive as a claimant.

What is a No Win, No Fee policy?

A No Win, No Fee policy means that a lawyer will only charge you if they win your case, reducing your financial risk in pursuing a legal claim. This setup can be beneficial for clients seeking legal representation.

Can I make multiple TPD claims if I have several superannuation funds?

Yes, you can make multiple TPD claims if you have TPD covered by more than one superannuation fund. Each claim is assessed separately, and you may be eligible for multiple payouts.

In addition to your TPD insurance entitlements, you could also be eligible for income protection benefits, which provide financial support if you are temporarily unable to work.

How long does it usually take to settle a TPD claim?

It usually takes 6 to 12 months to settle a TPD claim, but complex cases can take up to two years. Providing accurate and timely information can help expedite the process.

Gennaro Fittipaldi

Gennaro Fittipaldi specialises in WorkCover and personal injury litigation, with over a decade of experience defending claims across Melbourne and regional Victoria. Formerly an in-house lawyer at WorkSafe Victoria and a Senior Associate at Minter Ellison, he possesses unique insights into insurer operations, enhancing client outcomes. Gennaro is renowned for his technical expertise and a supportive approach, offering strategic, informed advice to guide clients through complex litigation processes.