Originally Posted By: Shannow
You are lucky to have been involved in pre tort reform America.
The tort reform that so many on this board want has been implemented in Oz, and it's a disaster for the victims of accidents.
They will take legal action to close a case after 18 months (workmate was forced to close the case on his 5yo son nearly crushed to death by a reversing pensioner at a fair...he argued that since the kid was so far from puberty that any problems wouldn't show up until he developed...they argues that he could do normal 6yo stuff, and won).
They will query damage to goods. Another bloke T-Boned on his motorbike at a roundabout was denied coverage for his kevlar jeans, as he "authorised" the Ambulance drivers to cut them off his crushed leg.
There is no "compensation" unless there is at least 15% (soon to be 25% due to pressure from the insureres) total and permanent disability. Lose an eye, tough.
Loss of earnings means that you claim sick leave from your employer while being treated, and they reimburse the employer. If you are a casual worker, they will argue that you have no regular income.
Good info.