Permanent impairment / WPI (Guidelines Part 6 — overview)
Part 6 of the SIRA Motor Accident Guidelines deals with permanent impairment issues. This page provides a general overview of WPI/permanent impairment assessment themes, why timing matters, and how disputes are determined through the PIC medical pathways. General information only.
Key references on this page
1) What WPI is (high level)
WPI (whole person impairment) is a medical-legal impairment percentage assessed under prescribed guidelines. It is distinct from threshold injury/non-threshold injury classification.
Read: WPI and the 10% threshold and threshold vs non-threshold injury.
2) Evidence themes that often matter
- clear diagnosis and objective findings
- specialist evidence tailored to the impairment methodology
- stability/permanence and timing issues
- consistent records of function and restrictions
3) Dispute pathway (medical)
WPI disputes are commonly determined through PIC medical pathways after internal review.
Read: WPI dispute and merit vs medical assessment.
Frequently asked questions
- Is WPI the same as non-threshold injury?
- No. Non-threshold injury ≠ WPI > 10%. They are separate legal concepts used for different entitlement questions.
- Does WPI > 10% guarantee damages?
- No. Thresholds are one part of eligibility. Liability, causation and other requirements may apply.
- How is WPI disputed?
- Commonly through internal review and then PIC medical pathways, depending on the decision type.
- Where can I read more about the 10% threshold?
- See our WPI and the 10% threshold page for a plain-English explanation.
- Does timing matter for WPI?
- Often yes. Permanent impairment assessments can be sensitive to stability and the evidence available at the time.