If a worker has a permanent impairment as a result of a workplace injury or illness, the worker may be entitled to receive statutory permanent impairment compensation. This compensation can be made in the form of one or two lump sum payments, depending on the injured worker’s level of permanent impairment. These payments are for:
Lump sum permanent impairment and pain and suffering payments are made in addition to other benefits available under workers compensation (for example, weekly payments, medical and rehabilitation costs etc).
Permanent impairment lump sum payment (section 66)
For injuries that occur on and from 1 January 2002
- payments are based on an assessment of the injured worker’s whole person impairment
- the degree of whole person impairment is assessed using the WorkCover guides for the evaluation of permanent impairment
- an assessment of permanent impairment can only be conducted by a suitably qualified medical specialist who is trained in the use of the Guides
- a minimum level of whole person impairment must be present before payment can be made. The minimum levels are one per cent or greater whole person impairment, except:
- for primary psychiatric and psychological impairments a minimum level of 15 per cent whole person impairment must be present
- for hearing loss claims, a minimum level of six per cent binaural hearing loss must be present.
The maximum lump sum payment for permanent impairment injuries incurred:
- between 1 January 2002 and 31 December 2006 is $200,000, with an additional five per cent for permanent impairment of the spine for injuries on and after 1 January 2006
- on or after 1 January 2007 the maximum amount is $220,000 (plus an additional five per cent for permanent impairment of the spine).
Pain and suffering lump sum payment
For injuries that occur on and from 1 January 2002:
- an injured worker may also receive an additional lump sum payment for pain and suffering arising from a permanent impairment if the worker has 10 per cent or more whole person impairment
- however, for a primary psychiatric and psychological impairment there is a 15 per cent threshold
- the maximum amount payable is $50,000.
For information on the lump sums that may be payable for injuries that occured before 1 January 2002, please refer to the Benefits guide or contact the WorkCover Assistance Service on 13 10 50