Severe burns after a car accident
Severe burn injuries are among the most painful and life-altering consequences of a motor accident. They often require multi-disciplinary care involving plastic surgeons, rehabilitation specialists, and psychologists. Understanding how these injuries are classified in the NSW CTP scheme is vital for securing long-term support.
General information only — the right pathway depends on your circumstances.
1) Specialized treatment and care
- Acute Care: Specialized burn unit treatment, skin grafts, and surgery.
- Rehabilitation: Occupational therapy for scar management and physical therapy for mobility.
- Psychological Support: Essential for managing trauma, PTSD, and the impact of disfigurement.
- Lifetime Care: Very severe cases may be eligible for the Lifetime Care and Support Scheme.
2) Evidence that matters
For CTP claims, the evidence must document the full extent of the physiological and psychological impact. This includes specialist reports from burn surgeons, clinical photographs, and detailed functional capacity assessments.
Frequently asked questions
- Are severe burns eligible for the Lifetime Care scheme?
- Yes, severe burns are one of the specific injury types that can qualify for the Lifetime Care and Support Scheme (icare), depending on the severity and functional impact. Getting a specialist assessment early is critical.
- What compensation is available for scarring?
- Compensation for scarring and disfigurement is generally part of a "non-economic loss" claim. In the NSW CTP scheme, this usually requires a Whole Person Impairment (WPI) assessment of greater than 10%.
- Do insurers dispute burn injury claims?
- Disputes often focus on the "reasonableness" of long-term rehabilitation, the cost of specialized treatments/modifications, and the impact on work capacity. Specialized medical evidence is essential.