If you're an injured road user in regional NSW seeking attendant care services under the NSW Compulsory Third Party (CTP) scheme, understanding the early steps to claim is critical. Attendant care services cover paid care and supervision for injuries requiring assistance with daily activities. This article explains how to begin your claim, what evidence SIRA requires, and how regional considerations may affect your case.
What You Can Claim for Attendant Care Services
Under the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017, SIRA administers CTP claims and covers treatment, care, and income support for eligible injuries. Attendant care services are available if your injury requires assistance with personal care, mobility, or safety. This includes help with dressing, eating, toileting, or managing household tasks. SIRA assesses eligibility based on medical evidence showing a need for care that cannot be met by family or friends.
Early Steps to Start Your Claim
After a motor accident, the first priority is securing medical attention. Document your injuries and treatment, as medical records are essential to prove the need for attendant care. Next, notify the at-fault driver’s insurer or SIRA directly. For regional claims, SIRA offers a dedicated claims team to assist with paperwork and evidence collection. You must submit a completed claim form within 52 weeks of the accident, as benefits for threshold injuries (including attendant care) generally stop after this period unless further treatment is required.
Evidence SIRA Requires for Attendant Care Claims
SIRA evaluates claims based on medical reports from registered medical practitioners. You’ll need evidence showing: (1) the nature and severity of your injury, (2) how it impacts your ability to perform daily activities, and (3) that care is necessary beyond what family can provide. Keep records of all medical appointments, treatment plans, and any correspondence with healthcare providers. In regional areas, limited access to specialists may affect evidence collection, so prompt action is essential.
How SIRA Assesses Eligibility in Regional NSW
SIRA uses the Motor Accident Guidelines to determine if your injury meets the threshold for attendant care. For example, a spinal nerve-root injury with neurological signs may qualify, while radiculopathy requires specific clinical signs. In rural NSW, claims may face delays due to longer travel times for medical assessments. SIRA’s regional teams aim to streamline these processes, but you should request a review if you believe your claim is being undervalued.
Time Limits and Dispute Options
You have 52 weeks from the accident date to claim attendant care benefits for threshold injuries. If your injury exceeds the threshold, you may be eligible for ongoing care payments. If SIRA denies your claim, you can request a review or seek independent medical opinions. In regional areas, limited access to legal advice may require proactive steps to ensure your rights are protected.
Example: A Regional Claim for Attendant Care
Consider a cyclist injured in a collision in a remote NSW town. Their medical records show a fractured wrist and bruised ribs, requiring assistance with dressing and mobility. SIRA assesses that the injury meets the threshold for attendant care, and the cyclist receives weekly payments for six months. However, delays in securing a physiotherapist in the region caused a 10-day gap in evidence, leading to a partial payment adjustment. This highlights the need to act quickly and document all care received.
Every claim depends on its own facts. To request contact about your circumstances, complete the quick, no obligation enquiry form.