The Act (Section 1.6) defines minor injury as:
- A soft tissue injury; and/or
- A minor psychological or psychiatric injury.
“A soft tissue injury is an injury to tissues that connects, supports or surrounds either structures or organs of the body, such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, menisci, cartilage, fascia, fibrous tissues, fat, blood muscles and synovial membranes, but not an injury to nerves or a complete or partial rupture of tendons, ligaments, menisci or cartilage. “
“A minor psychological or psychiatric injury” is a psychological or psychiatric injury that is not a recognised psychiatric illness.”
The Regulation further provides [Clause 4]:
- “An injury to a spinal nerve root that manifests in neurological signs (other than radiculopathy is included as a soft tissue injury for the purpose of the Act.”
- Each of the following injuries is included as a minor psychological or psychiatric injury for the purpose of the Act:-
a. Acute stress disorder; and
b. Adjustment disorder.
If you accept the insurer’s decision to dispute liability after 26 weeks, then your entitlement to statutory benefits will cease at the conclusion of the first 26 weeks.
If you disagree with the insurer’s decision, you may request the insurer to conduct an internal review, within 28 days from the date the liability notice was issued. It is important that you submit this request prior to the expiry of the 28 days, as this may have a detrimental effect on your claim.
The CTP scheme is a complex one and if you have sustained injuries (physical and/or psychological injuries) from a motor vehicle accident, we highly recommend you seek legal advice. The Head of our NSW team, Jessica Cheung is an Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law. Depending on your claim, we can review the liability notice on your behalf, request for an extension of time to lodge internal review, obtain medical evidence to support your injuries and position, and then challenge the insurer’s decision on your behalf.
If you believe you have sustained a personal injury and would like professional legal, reach out to Jessica and her team for a confidential discussion at no costs to you.
*The intention and purpose of this article is to be used as a guide only.