Can I claim a lump sum for impairment under WorkCover? < Back

What lump sums are available for permanent impairment?
If you suffer a work injury that leaves you with a permanent impairment, you may be entitled to receive a lump sum. Claiming a lump sum for permanent impairment can be, in some cases, straightforward, and in others, quite complicated. There are different types of impairment and different ways to calculate compensation for:
  • Physical impairments

  • Psychological impairments

  • Hearing impairments

  • 'Total loss' of the effective use of some body parts
All impairments must be assessed using technical medical guides.

Making a claim for permanent impairment requires great care in order to ensure that you receive your maximum entitlement (For a fact sheet on completing or submitting a permanent impairment claim, click here). Your impairment score can affect your right to recover damages in a negligence claim. When claiming it is important to make sure that:
  • Your medical condition is relatively stable

  • The full effects of your injuries have become apparent

  • All affected body parts are claimed for in the application

  • The correct assessment method has been used by WorkCover

  • Any 'total loss' entitlement is claimed
The maximum amount payable for impairment is $396,690 which applies to a whole person impairment of 80% or greater. Where the impairment includes a total loss of the function of a specified body part, (click here for information about Total Loss) it can result in a higher payment which can be added to the residual impairment based rating for other aspects of the injury. (Click here for some examples of impairment payments).

WORKFORCE LEGAL can prepare and submit your claim for impairment and ensure that you receive your maximum entitlement. Our detailed knowledge assessment methods enable us to accurately calculate the value of your claim and provide expert advice about disputing your assessment.



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