If you're injured in a motor accident in Albury and need help with household tasks, you may be eligible for domestic duties care costs under NSW's Compulsory Third Party (CTP) scheme. This article explains what evidence you need to support your claim, how to organize records, and how SIRA evaluates such claims in regional NSW.
What Evidence Supports Domestic Duties Care Costs?
To claim domestic duties care costs, you must prove your injuries limit your ability to perform household tasks and that care was necessary. Key evidence includes:
- Medical records showing your injury diagnosis and how it affects daily functioning
- Care provider details (e.g., family member, carer, or professional) with their qualifications and contact information
- Time logs documenting the frequency and duration of care provided
- Receipts or invoices for care services, including transportation to appointments
- Witness statements from family or friends confirming your need for assistance
- Correspondence with your insurer or SIRA about your claim
SIRA requires clear links between your injury and the care needs. For example, if you need help cooking due to hand injuries, your medical records must show this limitation.
How to Organize Records for Domestic Duties Claims
Keep all evidence in chronological order, grouping documents by task type (e.g., cleaning, meal preparation). Use dated notes to explain how your injury impacts each activity. For instance:
- Date: 10 May 2025
- Task: Unable to prepare meals due to fractured wrist
- Care provided: Daughter cooked meals and cleaned up
- Evidence: Doctor's note dated 5 May 2025
Maintain a log of all communication with your insurer, including dates and summaries of discussions. This helps demonstrate your efforts to resolve disputes.
SIRA's Requirements for Regional NSW Claims
- SIRA evaluates claims based on the
- Motor Accident Guidelines* and the
- Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017*. In Albury, claims are processed through SIRA's regional office, which may have different timelines than Sydney. Key considerations include:
- Threshold injury rules: Only injuries meeting the 'soft tissue' or 'threshold injury' criteria qualify for care costs (see Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017 s 4.4)
- 52-week limit: Weekly benefits for care costs typically stop after 52 weeks unless you have a 'whole person impairment' of 10% or more
- Dispute resolution: If SIRA rejects your claim, you may request a review or seek legal advice to challenge their decision
A hypothetical example: Maria, a 58-year-old Albury resident, fractured her leg in a car accident. She needed help with cooking and laundry for 12 weeks. Her claim was successful because she provided:
- A doctor's note linking her injury to the need for care
- A care log showing 10 hours of assistance per week
- Receipts for professional cleaning services
When to Seek Legal Advice
Contact a solicitor if:
- SIRA rejects your claim without explaining why
- You need help disputing a decision
- You're unsure if your injuries meet the threshold for care costs
- You need assistance with time-sensitive claims (e.g., claims within 52 weeks of the accident)
Time limits and procedural requirements may apply. To request contact about your circumstances, complete the quick, no obligation enquiry form.