Work cover 30% impairment assessment

[meatloaf]

Hi

I am about to undergo an assessment for whole person impairment as part of my work cover compensation case. I ve been told I need to be classified as 30% impaired and that this is difficult. My injury is psychiatric and I'm in Victoria. Has anyone been through this?

[RoseJoy]

I am sorry that no one has replied. I wish you good luck!

[meatloaf]

Thank you

[MsPurple]

HI meatloaf

Sorry sometimes users come on different times of day. Community champions are volunteers and we try be prompt, but sometimes we can't be as quick as we would like.

Sounds like you are going through a bit of stress with workcover and your inability to work. I'm not too sure what exactly 30% impairment means (I mean in the sense of what that translates to in working/everyday functioning terms). I'm also not too sure where they got this number from. Either way it sounds like it is stressing you out even more putting your at more stress, which is probably exacerbating the issue. Can be a bad cycle. I'm hoping the assessment goes well for you in the sense you are eligible.

Have you heard of the NDIS? I am not too sure of the eligibility however it maybe something to look into. https://www.ndis.gov.au/about-us/our-sites/VIC.html I would look on the government website (see link) and maybe give them a call. Maybe ask your gp about the services as well if possible.

Hope this advice helps

MP

[meatloaf]

Hi

yes the whole work cover process is just horrendous...it's taken 2 years to get to this point of being able to submit claim for compo....at the same time I have a TPD CLaim started...so much stress...I am receiving workcover payments monthly thankfully ...I just can't believe how long everything takes....it's like they want us to die to avoid paying out

[MsPurple]

HI meatloaf.

I know it sounds really frustrating and stressful. My mum had a car accident and had to go through TAC. It took ages to get the claim right and to get the proper work pay that she needed (it wasn't work cover even though it was in her work car, because she took a detour which in itself sucked). She was very stressed financially and physically because she couldn't work and couldn't afford to pay bills without the compensation. I remember that time and was stressed for her. But she got through. She was just persistant. She didn't call them every day or anything, but she would call once a week to remind them about her claim. It took around 2 months but it went through. Although I don't know first hand what you are going through I do see how stressful and frustrating the process is. All I can suggest is to try keep well mentally and physically and to try be persistant and make sure all the proper paperwork has been done.

MP

[Guest_3712]

Hi Meatloaf,

I went through this process a few years ago. I had a total body impairment of 27% and was eligible for a payout and come off workers comp.

As you would know this system has been scraped i.e receiving existing compo payments and you now have to qualify over a certain percentage to receive ongoing funds. I have a dear friend who is about to be cut off in November after 5 years on w/ comp she will not meet the required % even with a debilitating physical impairment which prevents her from working .

Her options are , take it to a solicitor there are some firms already advertising on TV ive noticed alerting people that this system is changing - so check in your area.

The other option which her insurer has advised her to do is to register with Centrelink now . They will obviously try to find her a job but as she can barely stand I don't hold much hope.

Have you had a body impairment assessment done before? If not it is done by a specialist who will determine your fitness to work. Unfortunately psychiatric issues are hard to prove as grounds for inability to work. I guess you have reports from your own docs ? So ensure you keep everything you have regarding your health and ability to work in case you go the legal route- some firms have a no win no fee setup.

Good luck - I know what you are going through it is very daunting

Take Care

Stressless

[meatloaf]

Hi

thanks for this. I have 2 IME PYSCH, my Pych and my doctors reports all saying I'll never work again . I also have a no win no fee lawyer who us handling everything. It's just this impairment rating that's stressing me ...just another hurdle I guess...Workcover is such a horrendous experience. I'm hoping my TPD goes smoothly so at least I'll have some breathing space.

[Guest_3712]

Hey Meatloaf

It seems like you've got it all covered.

Not sure how they determine the impairment % as far as psychological issues go.

In my case my physical disabilities were enough. I understand the stress. At one point I had people following me trying to catch me doing something wrong.

I had insurance company people pressuring me to work -!luckily I had very good GP and psych who wouldn't take any crap.

The legal process of suing my employer took 3 years after I was let go.

At this point all I can tell you is stay strong - it is definitely a game . Only we the injured don't know the rules.

If you haven't already , keep every document from all parties and start a log of all communications .

Names, dates, who you spoke to , what was said all that sort of thing and get things in writing when u can.

Many times when things were in dispute or needed clarification I had to refer to my information.

Be prepared, be calm but also don't be intimidated. You are the victim and deserve compensation.

Feel free to chat anytime happy to answer questions if we can

Stressless

[meatloaf]

Thank you so much

yes I have everything in writing....I will try and stay calm good advice..there's really nothing I can do now except wait...my doctor describes it as running a marathon ...the last mile is the hardest

x