According to ASIC, approximately 9 million people in Australia have Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance within their superfund. As a TPD lawyer in Australia, I have worked with numerous clients who have suffered from harsh circumstances who have financially been saved when they least expected it. Here I will explain the top seven most common TPD claims I have experienced in our practice along with some insights.
1. Mental diseases & TPD claims
From depression to post-traumatic stress disorder and schizophrenia. Unfortunately, mental health can impact the most resilient working people from maintaining employment, whether you work in blue or white collar, mental illness, and its consequences affects all of us.
I have acted for various clients’ who make successful TPD claims due to their mental health condition and consider it to be one of the most common TPD claims. I understand the severity of mental health can impact our clients and take pride in working hard to convince the superfunds and insurers of our client’s inability to work as a result.
If you are unable to work due to a mental health condition you may find it helpful to know that you could be eligible to make a successful TPD claim through your superfund, which is separate from your account balance.
The TPD payout you could claim will be dependent on how much TPD Insurance you held at the relevant date but typically would range anywhere between $50,000 – $350,000. Contact me and we will check your TPD claim eligibility, all during our free claim check.
2. Neurological diseases & TPD claims
Neurological diseases such as MS (Multiple Sclerosis), Motor Neurone Disease, cancer, etc all have their own work and even life effects. And my professional experience shows that it is one of the most common TPD claims.
Neurological diseases are usually not caused by anyone’s fault. This means that if you have a neurological disease, you may not be eligible for a compensation payout like you would be if you were injured at work or in a car accident. One of my most rewarding moments is when a person makes an inquiry about an injury but after talking to them, we discover they are suffering from a disease that is also contributing to their inability to continue working, rendering them eligible to make a TPD claim.
If you are suffering from a disease that is preventing you from being able to continue working, you may be eligible to make a TPD claim if you had TPD insurance when you last worked and are unable to continue working!
If you have a neurological disease and are unsure if you are eligible to make a TPD claim or want more information, then get in touch and during our free claim check we will let you know your eligibility at no cost to you.
3. Physical injuries & TPD claims
Musculoskeletal disorders such as:
- Back injuries
- Joint pains
- And repetitive strain injuries are common causes of TPD claims.
Regardless of whether the injury occurred due to someone else’s fault or due to work, its ability to affect your capacity to work within your education, training, or experience is the common cause for this being amongst the common cause of TPD claims.
Context matters. For example, if your lower back injury has resulted in you being unable to work as a labourer and that’s all the experience you have had and are not qualified to work in a more sedentary role then you could be eligible. I work closely with clients in ensuring their TPD claim is approved.
4. Cancer & TPD claims
Cancer is a common illness. According to the Cancer Council, in 2021, more than 150 thousand Austaralians were diagnosed with cancer. Although, cancer’s relationship with age makes TPD related cancer cases less, it is one of the most common TPD claims.
Many types of terminal cancer can qualify for TPD benefits since it makes people struggle to work. You may need to undergo extensive treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, which can lead to significant medical expenses. The payout from your insurance policy can provide financial support during this difficult time and can be a remedy for you and your loved ones.
5. Loss of senses & TPD claims
One type of Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) claim that is common is for the loss of senses such as sight or hearing. This loss can be due to various reasons such as:
- A stroke
- Cancer
- Or an accident like a workplace incident or car accident.
When you lose your vision or hearing, it can make it challenging to work or live independently. As a result, you may be eligible to make a TPD claim. To learn more about loss of sense type of TPD claims you can contact us.
6. Stroke or heart attack & TPD claims
Cardiological diseases such as stroke or heart attack are other common illnesses. For instance, In Australia everyday around 155 people experience stroke or heart attack. In the event of a heart condition, your capacity to work may become significantly limited, resulting in a claim for TPD benefits, depending on the duration of your ailment. Thus, stroke and heart attacks are one the most common TPD claims.
7. Loss of limb & TPD Claims
The loss of a limb or part of it is a frequent basis for TPD claims, regardless of whether it is due to a workplace or road accident. This can have a significant impact on your ability to perform basic tasks, affecting not only your own well-being but also your family’s.
How can Withstand Lawyers help you?
In this article, I provide information regarding the seven most common TPD claims I encounter as a TPD lawyer in Australia. If you or a close person to you are suffering from any condition that is preventing them from working, get in touch and we will tell you the eligibility to make a successful TPD claim all during our free claim check.
Withstand Lawyers also works on a No Win No Fee basis. It means that if we cannot win your case (which is uncommon) you do not need to pay our costs.
Issa Rabaya
• Bachelor of Laws
• Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice
• Approved Legal Service Provider to the Independent Review Office
• Member of the Law Society
