Insurance
Whether you are a solicitor acting for an insurer or whether you have sustained an injury, our psychiatrists will provide a clear evidence-based assessment to assist. Most psychiatric injuries involve a workers compensation insurer, CTP/third party insurer, medical indemnity or public liability insurance company. Our experts understand the process and will prepare a report that aligns with the requirements set out by the referring solicitor.
Workers Compensation
Employers are obliged to carry Workers’ Compensation insurance to assist employees who get sick or injured because of their work. It covers medical expenses, rehabilitation, and lost wages. In the event of a worker’s death due to work, it provides financial benefits to dependents.
Whole Person Impairment
An assessment of Whole Person Impairment (WPI) forms a component of the psychiatric assessment for a work injury. The percentage impairment determines lump sum payments for work injuries. This assessment is performed by a suitably qualified independent medical examiner once the injury has reached maximum medical improvement and has stabilized.
Motor Accident
Psychiatric injuries and psychological injuries from motor accidents including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A psychiatric assessment is required to access CTP or motor accident insurance schemes and to make applications through the relevant state motor accident compensation scheme, eg State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) in NSW and the Transport Accident Commission in Victoria. To undertake these assessments, the specialist must have completed the relevant training.
Income Protection
A psychiatric assessment may be necessary to document a psychiatric diagnosis and its severity as part of an application to access income protection payments. It is also necessary to demonstrate to the insurer that the mental health condition is being managed and there is a treatment plan in place.
Total and Permanent Disability
Total and permanent disability insurance (TPD) claims for mental health issues are complex. Providing an expert psychiatric report early in the application process is often helpful. To claim TPD insurance successfully, the applicant will require a formal diagnosis and confirmation that the condition is permanent. Often a psychiatric report is required to confirm that the condition has been fully treated and stabilised.
Quantum Assessments
Often a psychiatrist will rely of years of clinical and medicolegal experience to assess the impairment caused by a psychiatric injury. Treatment costs are based on an evidence-based treatment plan. Consideration of other costs requires assessment of the extent to which the injured person’s ability to study, work and achieve advancement in their career. The effects on relationships, recreational participation, the need for domestic care and assistance, currently and in the future, all form part of an assessment to support legal consideration of the quantum of damages.