There is nothing worse than suffering a serious accident and watching your rights and entitlements disappear before your very eyes all because of what might be a simple mistake.
Just a simple mistake can set you back sending you up a creek without a paddle. This is the last thing you need after suffering injuries. Some injuries once settled become permanent and this can affect your life in many ways.
Compensation may be your legal right but unless you are in the know in terms of what to do you may as well be kissing goodbye to these rights. The purpose of compensation is to reimburse you for losses and expenses enabling you to invest time in rehabilitating instead of worrying about money.
Knowledge is key; what not to do!
Be aware of the worst mistakes you can make to avoid losing your legal rights to injury compensation.
Mistake number one: Not reporting the injury or accident
Whether you have had an accident at work, on the road or in a public place it has got to be reported to the appropriate people. If you suffered an injury at work you must notify your employer. If you have been involved in a car accident or have suffered an injury as a driver, pedestrian or as a passenger you need to report the incident to the police. There are different laws across Australia in each State or Territory but most road accident have to be reported within 28 days.
Mistake number two: Failing to seek medical attention
All injuries need to be documented and medical attention received immediately following an accident. Even if you think you are ok, a thorough examination is necessary for health reasons and if injury compensation is likely to be sought.
If you suffer an injury and continue on as if nothing has happened how do you know that injury will heal? You don't. Men in particular are slack when it comes to visiting the doctor. This complacency will not assist with an injury compensation claim.
You cannot make a claim three months after an accident and then exclaim an existing injury is as a result of an accident that occurred in the past. There may be a lack of evidence between the incident and the injury and this will affect your ability to claim.
Mistake number three: Failing to get independent information
Your employer or work compensation insurer i.e. Workcover (or other workers comp insurer) may offer statutory benefits but not give out further information on non-statutory rights to claim. If you have been involved in a car accident, the insurance company involved won't advise you of your rights to claim. Insurance companies have an objective to minimise payouts as it is in their best interest to do so.
Never accept an injury compensation payout until you have received a second opinion by an independent organisation. Once accepted that may be the end of your claim and the end to all your future rights to claim further injury compensation.
Independent information can be obtained from an accident injury compensation helpline.
Call 1300 188 784 for free information, free forms and free advice if you have suffered in a car accident or accident on the road. http://www.accidentinjurycompensation.com.au/
For Work Compensation information call 1800 006 766.
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