Workers Compensation Payout Guide NSW

A worker becomes eligible for lump sum compensation when a work injury results in permanent impairment assessed at 11% or greater for physical injuries. For primary psychological injuries and illnesses caused or aggravated by work, permanent impairment must be assessed at 15% or more. Secondary psychological injuries cannot support a lump sum claim.

The permanent impairment threshold is 11% or greater for physical injuries. For primary psychological injuries and illnesses caused or aggravated by work, the impairment must be assessed at 15% or more. A lump sum claim cannot be made for secondary psychological injuries under NSW workers compensation rules.

Yes. For exempt workers, meaning police, firefighters and paramedics, lump sum compensation for physical injuries can be claimed as long as the injury has given rise to some permanent impairment. They can pursue this alongside other benefits such as weekly payments and medical expenses while their claim is being assessed.

You complete and submit a Permanent Impairment Claim Form, which can be found on SIRA’s website. Upon receiving the claim form, the insurer should either accept or dispute liability within one month. That time frame can be extended if the insurer demands additional information from the worker to assess the claim.

After receiving your Permanent Impairment Claim Form, the insurer should accept or dispute liability within one month. This one-month period can be extended if the insurer requires additional information from you. Getting advice early helps ensure your claim is complete so the insurer has everything needed to decide promptly.

No. For claims made on or after 19 June 2012, lump sum compensation for pain and suffering is not payable in NSW. Lump sum compensation is instead assessed on the degree of permanent impairment, meeting the 11% threshold for physical injuries or 15% for primary psychological injuries.

If a worker sustains both physical and primary psychological injuries in the same accident, the compensation for permanent impairment is determined based on the greater amount payable. Multiple physical injuries from the same accident are assessed together, while physical and psychological injuries are considered separately when determining the degree of permanent impairment.

Yes. When a work accident results in the worker’s death, their dependants may be entitled to lump sum compensation, in addition to weekly payments and reasonable funeral expenses. Withstand Lawyers is approved by the WorkCover Independent Review Office (WIRO) and has assisted thousands of injured workers and their families with these claims.