The tragic story of Darren Culleton's death in custody highlights a complex and often distressing process that families must navigate in seeking justice and compensation. After the tragic loss of a loved one, families face numerous legal and medical evaluations, including the need to appear before independent medical panels that assess psychological and physical injuries stemming from the death. This process can feel labyrinthine and overwhelming, rather than straightforward, impacting the already grieving families further.

Currently, families are reporting significant delays in these processes, with waits extending to an average of ten months just for referrals for certain injuries. Critics argue that the system is burdened and reflects a broader issue where the government seems to be prolonging the compensation process, potentially as a means to mitigate financial liability. This situation is leading to accusations that the process is retraumatizing for families who must recount their experiences while waiting for resolution, which can include presenting their case to a medical panel.

Additionally, the increasing number of referrals to these medical panels, including children, suggests a growing concern within the community about how deaths in custody are managed post-incident. The pressures on families are significant, as they must grapple not only with their emotional loss but also with a legal system that many perceive as obstructive and intentionally complicated. The Culleton family’s continued wait for justice underscores the need for reform in how such cases are handled in Australia’s legal framework to ensure timely and fair compensation for victims' families.