Robinson Gill recruits TPD expert claims clerk, Kelly Costello

Robinson Gill is pleased to announce the recruitment of Kelly Costello to the firm’s personal injury group. Kelly commenced with Robinson Gill in August and joins lawyer, Jacinta Richards, in the firms growing total and permanent disability (TPD) and income protection superannuation and insurance practice.

Having worked in two of Australia’s largest personal injury firms in Australia, Kelly brings with her over 30 years’ experience within the legal industry and the specialised area of TPD.

“TPD is an insurance that covers a person if they are unable to work in their own or any occupation for which they are suited by training, education, or experience due to sickness or injury. Many people are unaware that they can claim on this, and for non-work related matters such as mental illness, diabetes, trauma to your life, etc” states Kelly.

“In this role, I’ve seen a lot of unusual claims - and I’ve always fought hard to get compensation when insurers try to get out of paying.”

Given her tenure in the field, Kelly has seen it all.  

She vividly remembers one claim where, tragically, “a couple were on their honeymoon, doing a safari in Africa. The husband was killed by a rhinoceros. The insurers tried to wriggle out of it by claiming it was a ‘high risk’ activity, however, we fought and won for the families involved," recalls Kelly.

Kelly notes that she is often asked why the client should retain a lawyer. 

“Jacinta and I provide an all-inclusive service. We look after absolutely everything. We deal with the insurers, doctors and employers so the client doesn’t have to. We won’t let an insurance company apply the policy generically. We take the time to interpret all documents and apply it to a client’s individual circumstances,” explains Kelly. 

“I’m looking forward to working with the Robinson Gill team. I really love being client-facing - from the minute they walk in the door to the moment they receive the payment. We can’t bring their health back or change their circumstances, but we can hopefully make their lives that little bit easier,” concludes Kelly.