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Top Tips - Compensable Injury The Victims Services website has moved.
Please select this link to access the new site, or wait to be re-directed in 5 seconds. Always give details of compensable injuries which are claimed when completing the application form. A compensable injury is one which is listed in the Schedule of Injuries . If you have not received a compensable injury then you will not be eligible for compensation. multiple injuries Are you aware that if the application for compensation is successful, you will receive 100% of the amount detailed in the table of injuries in the Act for the most serious injury suffered, 10% for the second injury and 5% for the third injury? You can only receive compensation in relation to a total of three compensable injuries from one act of violence. You should make sure that the medical or other evidence submitted clearly supports the injury you have claimed. burns and scarring If the compensable injury claimed involves burns or scarring, please provide recent, dated and clear photographs of the injury suffered. The photographs should show the extent of the burns or scarring suffered and not simply show the fresh burn or the wound itself - in the case of a scarring claim, compensation is awarded for the permanent and disfiguring scarring, not for the wound or the appearance of the wound e.g. photographs taken by the police at the time of the act of violence will not show scarring. disability Does the compensable injury claimed mention the word `disability' or `disabling' in its description? If so, you should ensure that the medical or other evidence clearly supports how you were disabled as a result of the incident. It is helpful if this evidence gives specific examples of how the disability has affected you. chronic psychological or psychiatric disorder injuries that are moderately or severely disabling application form Are you claiming a chronic psychological or psychiatric disorder that is either moderately or severely disabling? If so, make sure you name this injury in the application form. disability The medical or other evidence should show how you were disabled as a result of the incident. It is helpful if this evidence gives specific examples of how the disability has affected your day to day life. application received on or after 31/5/00 If your application was received on or after 31/5/00, you can only claim compensation for the injury of 'moderately disabling chronic psychological/psychiatric injury' if you were the victim of an armed robbery, kidnapping or abduction. To claim compensation for psychological or psychiatric injury for other acts of violence, you will have to show that you have suffered a 'severely disabling chronic psychological/psychiatric injury' authorised report writers If you are claiming compensation for a chronic psychological or psychiatric disorder injury that is moderately or severely disabling then you will need to nominate an `Authorised Report Writer (ARW)' who will prepare an assessment of the injury. After you nominate the ARW, wait for approval from the Victims Compensation Tribunal. When you receive approval you may make an appointment to see the ARW. When you see the ARW, you should take any documentation supporting your claim for the disability element of the injury e.g. school reports; a letter from the employer; any other medico-legal reports or medical reports (note that the Tribunal will only pay up to a maximum of $1,000 for disbursements, including $500 for the ARW report). You could also provide the ARW with the names and contact details of persons who could confirm the disability. The Tribunal will pay for one report if the ARW has been approved. Relevant Legislation Schedule of Injuries, Victims Support and Rehabilitation Act 1996 |
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