Permanent blindness or vision loss after a car accident
Vision loss or permanent blindness resulting from a motor accident is a profound injury that fundamentally changes how a person interacts with the world. These claims require highly specialized medical evidence and often involve long-term participation in support schemes.
General information only — the right pathway depends on your circumstances.
1) Compensation and support pathways
- Lifetime Care (icare): Claimants with permanent blindness are often eligible for the Lifetime Care and Support Scheme, which pays for all reasonable and necessary care and rehab.
- Statutory Benefits: Immediate funding for medical treatment and weekly income support through the CTP insurer.
- Common Law Damages: For significant, permanent vision loss, you may be eligible to claim lump sum damages for economic loss and pain and suffering.
2) Essential medical evidence
Claims for vision loss rely heavily on ophthalmological assessments. This includes measurements of visual acuity, visual fields, and the clinical link between the accident trauma and the resulting impairment.
Frequently asked questions
- Is permanent blindness eligible for the Lifetime Care scheme?
- Yes, permanent blindness (as defined in the guidelines) is one of the severe injury categories that can qualify for the Lifetime Care and Support Scheme (icare).
- What support is available for vision loss?
- Support can include specialized medical treatment, mobility training, assistive technology, home modifications, and care services. Eligibility depends on the severity and functional impact.
- How is vision loss assessed for WPI?
- Vision impairment is assessed by specialized ophthalmologists using specific clinical criteria within the NSW Motor Accident Guidelines to determine a Whole Person Impairment (WPI) percentage.