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No win, no fee
Our expert NIISQ lawyers offer 'no win, no fee' for serious injury claims in Queensland.
What are catastrophic injuries?
Catastrophic injuries are those that cause significant, long-term, or permanent disability. Almost always, these injuries will prevent someone from working, necessitate ongoing treatment, require adjustments to be made to their home, or require care to be provided at home.
These injuries are severe, often resulting in permanent disability or long-term medical needs. They can occur from incidents like road accidents, workplace injuries, or accidents, and they need extensive medical care. Understanding these injuries is crucial for managing ongoing needs and planning for the future.
The long-term impact of catastrophic injuries
The long-term impact of catastrophic injuries extends far beyond the initial trauma. Injured people often face ongoing physical challenges, such as mobility issues or chronic pain, and may require lifelong medical care.
Psychological injuries
Emotional and mental health impacts, including depression and anxiety, are common with life-changing serious injuries. Psychological injuries can form part of your claim, and our experienced team can help you or your loved one navigate the process.
Types of catastrophic injuries
Amputation injuries, whether partial or complete loss of a limb, are life-changing events that require significant adjustments. Life after amputation often requires the use of prosthetics and a comprehensive rehabilitation plan.
Spinal cord injuries, resulting in paraplegia or quadriplegia, severely affect mobility and require long-term care. These injuries often stem from traumatic events, such as car accidents or falls. Long-term care is essential for managing these injuries, and significant modification is usually needed to make homes accessible.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage and can include skull fractures, a bleed on the brain, lacerations to the head and stroke. These injuries present cognitive and physical challenges that can affect all aspects of daily life.
Severe burn injuries vary in intensity, often requiring extensive medical treatment, including skin grafts. Burns can result from fires, chemical exposure or electrical accidents.
Amputation injuries, whether partial or complete loss of a limb, are life-changing events that require significant adjustments. Life after amputation often requires the use of prosthetics and a comprehensive rehabilitation plan.
Serious accidents or falls can often lead to organ damage and internal injuries. These injuries require immediate surgical treatment and long-term rehabilitation to manage their effects.
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"To this day Scott Keft still checks on me... He is determined, kind, and he will fight for what is right... he fought for me when nobody else would."
- Tori Staples, public liability client
Your legal rights and compensation in Queensland after a catastrophic injury
Understanding your legal rights is important to ensure you receive the compensation you need for ongoing support for your injuries. In Queensland, people who have been seriously injured may be able to access support through the National Injury Insurance Scheme, Queensland (NIISQ). This is a no-fault scheme that provides treatment, care and support to individuals who have sustained serious injuries in motor vehicle or work-related accidents.
Types of compensation available for serious injuries
Rehabilitation expenses
Rehabilitation expenses can be significant, covering physical therapy, occupational therapy and other necessary treatments. Compensation can help alleviate these costs, ensuring you have access to essential services for recovery.
Home modifications and support services
Home modifications may be necessary to accommodate new mobility needs following a catastrophic injury, as well as provide support services, such as in-home care.
Loss of income
Income and superannuation loss is not covered by the NIISQ scheme. To be able to claim these losses, you would need to explore the possibility of a workers’ compensation, motor vehicle or public liability claim. Our team can also help you navigate a Total and Permanent Disability claim as part of your superannuation insurance.
Pain and suffering
Beyond physical injuries, these types of serious injuries cause significant pain, suffering and psychological injuries. Compensation can help provide for ongoing treatment and well-being support.
Meet our team at your nearest office, over the phone or we can come to you.
Contact us to book an obligation-free appointment with our serious injuries lawyers.
Rehabilitation and recovery: What do you need to know?
In Queensland, various rehabilitation programs are available to help you regain independence and improve your quality of life. These include medical treatment, rehabilitation, aides, home and transport modifications, respite and personal care and support services tailored to your needs.
Accessing rehabilitation services in Queensland
Once deemed eligible by the NIISQ, you can gain access to a wide range of rehabilitation services, including physical therapy and occupational therapy. Navigating these options requires careful planning and coordination to ensure all your needs are met. Legal guidance can help secure the necessary referrals and coverage for these services.
Financial assistance for home modifications
Compensation is also considered for home modifications needed after a catastrophic injury. These funds can cover the costs of making your home accessible and safe, ensuring you can live comfortably.
Emotional and psychological support for survivors and families
The emotional and psychological impact of a catastrophic injury can be profound. Access to counselling, support groups and therapy can be helpful for both survivors and their families. Ensuring these services are included in your compensation claim can provide critical support during the recovery process.
Why choose Maurice Blackburn for your catastrophic injury claim?
Expert legal support in Queensland
Our Queensland lawyers have specialised trauma training and decades of experience handling catastrophic injury cases, including those involving the NIISQ.
The complex litigation team is made up of five of our most experienced lawyers in Queensland. They understand the difficult legal process and will ensure you are able to quickly access medical treatment and rehabilitation to support your recovery.
They are here to guide and support your whole family and will travel to you, wherever you need them to be, when you need them.
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Frequently asked questions about serious injury claims
Payouts differ from case to case. There are a number of factors which affect a person's entitlement to compensation, including their personal circumstances, the type of injury they have suffered and the impact that the injury is having on their day-to-day life.
When you meet with our team and tell us your story, we'll be able to advise what we think you may be entitled to.
Every injury and every claim are different. Some claims can be resolved within a matter of months and others can take up to 1-3 years depending on the complexities of the case.
You may be eligible to make an NIISQ compensation claim if you have been injured in an accident and those injuries have caused significant, long-term, or permanent disability.
Family members can submit NIISQ applications for reimbursement of approved treatment, care and support expenses or transport expenses on behalf of someone else who may be unable to manage the process themselves.
If you have consent from your loved one, we're happy to speak to you about their claim. Call us on 1800 991 692.
Our complex litigation team work on a 'no win, no fee'* basis, meaning you don't have to pay our legal fees if your claim is not successful.
Your first consultation is also obligation-free, so speak to one of our expert lawyers today.
In Queensland, strict time limits apply to filing a compensation claim for a catastrophic injury. A claim should be lodged within 12 months of the date of the injury.
The NIISQ application process requires documentation including:
- medical records
- accident reports from police and ambulance
- any other relevant documentation
An experienced legal team can help compile evidence and recommend supporting documentation that will help your claim.
If your compensation claim is rejected, this decision can be disputed. There can be complexity about whether an injury meets the criteria. Understanding the reasons for denial and addressing them with additional evidence can strengthen your case. Legal support is crucial in navigating the appeals process and improving your chances of success.
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