Medical and related expenses
The TAC can pay for the reasonable cost of medical and related expenses you require as a result of the transport accident. These expenses can include:
- doctor, specialist, allied health providers, such as physiotherapists
- pharmaceutical expenses prescribed by your doctor
- hospital bills
- ambulance bills
- reasonable travel expenses to / from medical appointments
- home help, domestic assistance and gardening services
- child care
- rehabilitation services
- help returning to work or re-training
- home and vehicle modifications
- disability services
- attendant care, including attendant care while overseas
- family counselling
- travelling and accommodation expenses for a spouse / dependent children in certain circumstances
All accounts for medical and related expenses need to be submitted to the TAC within two years of the date the expense is incurred.
Weekly payments from TAC for being unable to work
If you are unable to work due to injuries from the accident, you may claim benefits from the TAC after the first five days you are off work. You can also make a TAC claim if, as a result of your injuries, you can only work part-time or reduced hours.
These benefits are payable for up to three years after the accident unless your impairment is assessed at 50% or more. In this case, TAC benefits are payable until the age of sixty-five if you can continue to prove that you are unable to return to work as a result of your injuries.
Impairment benefit
If you have suffered a permanent impairment due to a transport accident, you may be entitled to a lump sum compensation payment, known as an “impairment benefit”.
You are entitled to claim an impairment benefit even if the accident was your fault.
Assessment of your level of impairment can occur as soon as three months after the accident, provided your injuries have stabilised.
For accidents occurring before 16 December 2004, the total amount available for a lump sum impairment benefit is $83,410.00. For accidents occurring on or after 16 December 2004, the total amount available for a lump sum impairment benefit is $281,090.00.
You will have six years from the date of the accident to apply to the TAC for an impairment assessment. If you do not apply within this period, you will lose your right to claim a lump sum payment.
For more information in relation to the above benefits please contact Slater & Gordon by email or by calling direct on 1800 555 777.