Many Australians now turn to AI as a first step when they have a legal question. This is understandable as educating yourself is an important part of the compensation claim process. However, AI has real limitations, and knowing where it helps versus where it can mislead you is key to avoiding legal setbacks. The best approach is to treat AI as a starting point, not a substitute for legal advice.
Key limitations of AI tools
Before using AI chatbots or tools, it’s worth understanding what they can and can’t do. Queensland courts and tribunals have already encountered people without legal backgrounds using Generative AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, Claude, Microsoft Copilot, and Google Gemini when preparing legal documents. Below are some of the key points you should understand about using Generative AI and its applications.
AI ‘hallucinations’
Generative AI is built on Large Language Models (LLMs). These models work by predicting the most likely next word or sentence based on vast amounts of training text. That means AI isn’t searching for verified facts, it’s generating what it thinks is correct based off what it knows. When responses are wrong, they are referred to as “hallucinations”. The problem is that AI is not aware when it’s producing incorrect information, so errors can read like confident facts.
Privacy and confidentiality issues
It’s easy to share more than you realise when typing prompts into AI chatbots. Some Generative AI chatbots will remember every question that you ask and all information you put into them. In some cases, this could be incorporated into responses for other users. Entering certain details can result in unintended disclosure of your own or someone else’s private information.
No legal professional privilege
Legal professional privilege (LPP) protects confidential information communicated between you and your lawyer from being disclosed in a compensation claim. This does not apply when using AI. Information you share has no privilege attached to it and may not remain private.
How to use AI and when to call a lawyer
AI can be genuinely useful when you know its limits. Think of AI as your research assistant, not a legal advisor. Use it before your consultation to get across the basics, then let your lawyer apply the law to your specific facts. You can even bring your AI research to your lawyer and ask them to confirm or correct it. If you have a legal question, especially if it has a deadline, speak to a lawyer sooner rather than later.
Use AI to understand legal concepts
AI tools are well-suited to providing plain-English definitions of legal terms and to get a general idea of how the claims process works. This may help you feel more confident going into your first consultation by having some background knowledge to work with. A good lawyer will also break down jargon for you and walk through all the important points, even if you haven’t thought to ask.
Use AI for initial research
AI can help you identify what area of law may apply to your situation; for example, whether your case falls into workers’ compensation or public liability. You may also find it helpful for understanding the rough steps involved in your type of claim. This will only be general information and should not be used to guide decisions about your claim.
Don’t rely on AI for advice specific to your situation
As the Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal has noted, Generative AI is not a substitute for a qualified lawyer and cannot give you tailored legal advice. Every compensation claim is built around the specific circumstances of your situation. AI provides generalised information and cannot apply the law to the specific facts of your case. The success of your case depends heavily on the precise circumstances such as timing, evidence, jurisdiction, and documentation.
AI may present information with confidence that is close enough to the truth to feel correct but is unreliable. Advice from a qualified lawyer is the best way to make sure your specific compensation claim is properly handled.
Don’t trust AI to get Queensland law right
Currently available Generative AI chatbots have been known to give people inaccurate information on Australian Law (The Queensland Civil and Administrative Tribunal ). Legislation varies depending on the state you are in, and many AI tools are trained using global data or other states. Queensland-specific laws have unique rules that AI frequently misrepresents. Being guided by incorrect information can cause serious problems for your compensation claim. Laws change and AI knowledge often has cutoff dates that may not reflect the recent legislative amendments or court decisions.
Never share sensitive personal details with AI tools
Privacy is another big consideration when it comes to AI tools. Entering personal details into a public AI tool, such as names, financial and health details, and incident specifics, may compromise your privacy. Always play it safe and leave the details out when using AI as a research assistant.
The right information makes a significant difference to the outcome of your compensation claim. AI can play a helpful role in helping you get informed, but that role ends where legal advice begins. Queensland law is specific, regularly updated, and strict. If you have questions about your situation, speak with a lawyer experienced in compensation claims. Get in touch with our team for a free initial consultation.