Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic injuries leave a person extremely vulnerable, as they suffer from permanent loss and the need to access long-term or life-long medical treatment and other assistance. In addition to the physical and emotional trauma, the associated financial burden suffered by the injured person and his or her family and dependants can be immense.
Obtaining the maximum compensation possible is essential to help deal with the trauma and long-lasting effects of a catastrophic injury.
Future needs will vary, and your lawyer will need to work with a team of experts to quantify the ongoing cost of immediate and future requirements which may include, but are not limited to, medical and treatment needs, physiotherapy and rehabilitation services, aids and appliances, pharmaceuticals, home modifications and ongoing care and assistance.
The Lifetime Care and Support Scheme – motor vehicle accidents
The Lifetime Care and Support Authority (a part of icare) administers the Lifetime Care and Support Scheme which provides interim or lifelong treatment, rehabilitation and care needs for those who have been severely injured in a motor vehicle accident. The scheme is funded through levies on Compulsory Third Party (CTP) Insurance.
The scheme covers injured persons who have sustained severe spinal cord or brain injury, multiple amputations, serious burns and / or permanent blindness, as assessed under the Lifetime Care and Support Guidelines, as a result of a motor accident in New South Wales, regardless of fault. Eligibility to access the scheme requires that at least one motor vehicle involved in the accident is insured.
Treatment and care needs may include:
- medical treatment (including pharmaceuticals),
- dental treatment,
- rehabilitation,
- ambulance transportation,
- respite care,
- attendant care services,
- aids and appliances,
- prostheses,
- education and vocational training,
- home and transport modification,
- workplace and educational facility modifications.
Eligibility to participate in the scheme may also be affected by previous awards of compensation for certain categories of damages.
If you or a loved one has been severely injured in a workplace, motor vehicle or other accident, it is important to be guided by competent professionals to ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive maximum compensation to access the best treatment possible, and to provide for future medical and financial needs.
If you need any assistance contact one of our lawyers at [email protected] or call (02) 9708 2222 for a no-obligation discussion and for expert legal advice.