Lump sum payments
A work-related injury or disease may result in a temporary or permanent impairment resulting in:
- loss of efficient use of part of the body, or
- loss of part of the body.
A permanent impairment is one that remains stable and stationary after a period of time and is not likely to improve with further treatment. If a worker has a permanent impairment as a result of their work-related injury, they may be entitled to lump-sum compensation.
A worker may ask to be assessed for permanent impairment or we may decide to have the worker assessed. The percentage of permanent impairment is used to calculate offers of lump-sum compensation.
- Do I need a solicitor?
- No, you are not required to have a solicitor to apply for permanent impairment assessment, as the decision of percentage is a medical decision made by an independent doctor.
- Who determines how much money I am entitled to?
- The Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation Regulation 2003 list the maximum amount of compensation payable per injury and percentage impairment.
- Can I get the decision reviewed?
- If you do not agree with the assessment percentage, you can elect to be assessed by the Medical Assessment Tribunal at Q-COMP.
Permanent impairment and your common law options FS213 (pdf, 182.9 KB)