Case Overview
- A 25-year-old Field Service Fleet Manager and Workshop Mechanic sustained an injury to his back whilst lifting heavy parts.
- The insurer was not willing to accept that at the age of 25 he would not be able to ever return to work in any capacity.
- Our professional team quickly identified the issues and gathered the evidence necessary to get the claim to the approval stage.
Our 25-year-old client sustained an injury to his lumbar spine which was initially diagnosed as a disc bulge with nerve root impingement. The injury progressed when he returned to work on light duties.
As the injury worsened, he required surgery in the nature of a microdiscectomy at two levels in his spine. Upon his return to work, he was also subject to workplace bullying and harassment, making it difficult for him to return to work in any environment.
When he filed a claim, the insurer requested various ongoing particulars about his prior work experiences. The insurer accepted that the nature of his back condition would prevent him from working in a laborious job role, however, they were not willing to accept that the psychological injuries he suffered due to the workplace bullying and harassment were a contributing factor to his return to the workforce.
Our client received various referrals to undergo psychological treatment and following our support was able to receive the treatment required to manage the anxiety and depression he was suffering. However, despite extensive medical intervention, he had very little to no relief from his symptoms, and remained unable to return to any form of employment.
“His indigenous background was a contributing factor to some of the workplace harassment directed towards the claimant“
Angelica Adhar
Our Approach
Our experienced team quickly identified the issues and gathered the evidence necessary to overcome the barriers preventing him from receiving his total permanent disability (TPD) entitlements.
While a TPD claim may appear to be a straightforward process, there are often complicated factors that we’re able to identify on your behalf and take action on. Engaging professional services can increase case resolution in the first instance without having to go to court.Â
To discuss any potential entitlements you may have, please contact our firm for a free consultation on 1800 959 280 or fill out an enquiry form online.
The Result
25-year-old workshop mechanic secures a TPD payout of $91,000 for a back injury.
Angelica Adhar
Lawyer
Frequently Asked Questions
More Information
In Australia, there are protections in place for people who suffer injuries or illnesses that render them permanently unable to work in their previous careers. This is called total and permanent disability insurance (or TPD insurance) and it will provide a lump-sum payment that will help you maintain your finances to a certain extent, even as you can no longer earn an income in the traditional way.
It is important to note that you do not have to have suffered this injury or illness as a result of your job to make a TPD claim.
TPD claims, which are payouts from a type of disability insurance purchased either privately or through your super, have the lowest rejection rate of insurance coverage and an approval rate of more than 80%.
If you have suffered an injury at work, or while making your commute to or from work, you’re entitled to workers compensation. This may seem like stating the obvious, but there are members of the public who are completely unaware of what accident compensation they are entitled to if anything were to ever happen. If you can’t perform the daily tasks that your job requires, you may be able to claim a Total & Permanent Disability (TPD) benefit.
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