PERSONAL INJURY Frequently Asked Questions
What does Personal Injury mean?
Personal injury is any physical, emotional or psychological injury caused by the negligence or recklessness of another party. This cna include motor vehicle accidents, workplace accidents, public liability (slips or falls due to dangerous public or private property) and medical negligence.
What time limitations do I have for a Personal Injury Claim?
For adults in Queensland, personal injury claims must be conducted within 3 years. However, lodgments of initial forms have even more strict time frames.
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For motor vehicle accidents you have 9 months from the time of the accident or 1 month from consultation with a solicitor to submit a Notice of Claim.
For work place injuries you have 6 months to lodge a Workcover Claim.
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For public liability you generally have 3 to 9 months to notify the other party or defendant.
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This does not apply for children until they turn 18 (i.e., once a child turns 18 they have until they are 21 to claim personal injury).
What can I claim?
You can claim compensation for medical expenses, loss of wages, physical and/or emotional pain that may have incurred due to your injury.
What is PIPA Act?
In Queensland, the PIPA Act refers to the Personal Injuries Proceedings Act 2002. This Act regulates how personal injury claims are managed before they reach court.
What does IME mean?
For personal injury claims, all applicants must get an independent medical examination (IME). This will mean being seen by a doctor who is not your regular doctor to obtain an unbiased medical report.
What is PIPA Form 1?
In Queensland, PIPA Form 1 is the legal document needed to start a non-healthcare personal injury claim under the Personal Injuries Proceedings ACT 2002.