The Healds rejected that offer, and put in a counter-offer of more than $748,000, which Suncorp rejected.

The matter returned to FOS as the parties could not agree.

FOS determined in January this year that Suncorp should pay $744,000.

Mr Costello suggests the failure to settle the matter promptly dragged the matter out for an extra year and added to the stress of the Heald family.

Mr Dransfield agrees.