Many people injured at work who have been receiving ongoing
medical payments through WorkCover have recently been shocked to
receive notices saying it will end on 31 December.
The changes are part of harsh changes to the WorkCover
legislation brought in by the NSW government that are starting to
bite.
Only those who have catastrophic or extremely severe injuries
will continue to get their ongoing medical bills paid under
Workcover. This could include people who have lost a limb or have
severe spinal injuries.
Entitlements are based on impairment percentages which
themselves are somewhat confusing. Those under the 30 per
cent threshold will have to undergo work capacity
assessments. These are determined by the insurer. The
right of appeal to the Compensation Commission is now gone and the
workers legal costs in respect to work capacity matters are no
longer covered.
