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Child Injury Claims, Time Limits under NSW CTP Laws (Greater Sydney)

If your child was injured in a motor accident in Greater Sydney, understanding the time limits under NSW CTP laws is crucial. The time limits for child injury claims differ from general claims and depend on the injury type. Seek advice promptly to ensure your claim is processed correctly.

Current as at 19 June 2026

Time Limits for Child Injury Claims under NSW CTP Laws

If your child was injured in a motor accident in Greater Sydney, it is important to understand the time limits for making a claim under New South Wales' Compulsory Third Party (CTP) scheme. The Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017 (MAIA) governs these claims, and the rules for children are distinct from those for adults.

Under the CTP scheme, claims for injuries to children must be made within a specific timeframe. This timeframe is not the same as the general 6-month limit for adult claims. Instead, the time limit for child injury claims is determined by the date of the injury and the type of claim being made. This means that the clock starts ticking on the day your child was injured, not the day the accident occurred.

How Time Limits Differ for Child Claims

The time limits for child injury claims under the CTP scheme are not fixed. They depend on the nature of the injury and the type of claim being made. For example, if your child has a soft tissue injury, the time limit for making a claim is typically 6 months from the date of the injury. However, if your child has a more serious injury, such as a fracture or a head injury, the time limit may be extended.

It is also important to note that the time limit for making a claim under the CTP scheme is not the same as the time limit for making a claim under the Workers' Compensation scheme. If your child was injured at work, you may need to make a claim under the Workers' Compensation scheme, which has its own set of rules and time limits.

What SIRA Says About Child Injury Time Limits

The State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) provides guidance on the time limits for making claims under the CTP scheme. According to SIRA, the time limit for making a claim under the CTP scheme is typically 6 months from the date of the injury. However, this time limit may be extended if the injury is more serious or if the claimant is a child.

SIRA also provides guidance on the types of claims that can be made under the CTP scheme. This includes claims for medical treatment, income loss, and other related expenses. If your child has been injured in a motor accident, you may be entitled to claim for these expenses under the CTP scheme.

When to Seek Advice

If your child was injured in a motor accident, it is important to seek advice as soon as possible. The time limits for making a claim under the CTP scheme are strict, and you may lose your right to claim if you do not act within the required timeframe.

If you are unsure about the time limits for making a claim under the CTP scheme, or if you need help with your claim, you should seek advice from a qualified solicitor. A solicitor can help you understand your rights under the CTP scheme and ensure that you make your claim within the required timeframe.

Practical Steps and Evidence That Usually Matter

If your child was injured in a motor accident, you should take the following steps to ensure that your claim is processed correctly:

  • Seek medical attention immediately after the accident.
  • Keep a record of all medical treatments and expenses.
  • Gather evidence of the accident, such as witness statements, photographs, and police reports.
  • Contact the insurance company to report the accident and make a claim.

You should also keep a record of your child's income and any other expenses related to the injury. This will help you to claim for income loss and other related expenses under the CTP scheme.

Time Limits, Disputes and When to Seek Advice

If your claim is disputed, you may need to seek advice from a qualified solicitor. A solicitor can help you to understand your rights under the CTP scheme and ensure that your claim is processed correctly.

Conclusion

If your child was injured in a motor accident in Greater Sydney, it is important to understand the time limits for making a claim under the CTP scheme. The time limits for child injury claims under the CTP scheme are not the same as the general 6-month limit for adult claims. Instead, the time limit for child injury claims is determined by the date of the injury and the type of claim being made.

If you are unsure about the time limits for making a claim under the CTP scheme, or if you need help with your claim, you should seek advice from a qualified solicitor. A solic or legal advice. Every claim depends on its own facts. To request contact about your circumstances, complete the quick, no obligation enquiry form.

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