If you're claiming compensation for domestic duties care costs after a motor accident in NSW, you need to provide clear evidence of your injury and the care required. This guide explains what records to keep, how SIRA evaluates claims, and practical steps to support your case.
What Evidence Supports Domestic Duties Care Costs?
Under the NSW CTP scheme, you can claim compensation for household tasks you can't perform due to injury. SIRA requires evidence showing:
- A medical professional has confirmed your injury limits daily functioning
- You've been unable to perform specific domestic duties (e.g., cooking, cleaning, shopping)
- The care was necessary due to your injury, not other factors
Key records include:
- Medical reports detailing your injury and functional limitations
- Statements from healthcare providers about your care needs
- Records of any assistance received (e.g., receipts, invoices, or witness statements)
- A timeline showing when you required care and how it impacted your ability to manage household tasks
How to Organize Your Documentation
SIRA expects clear, chronological records linking your injury to the care costs. Create a file with:
- Accident details (date, location, insurer contact)
- Medical records showing your injury and care needs
- Evidence of domestic duties care (e.g., receipts, photos of tasks completed)
- Income records if you're claiming lost wages
- Correspondence with insurers or SIRA
Label each document with dates and explain how it connects to your claim. For example, if you needed help cooking due to hand injuries, include medical notes about your hand's condition.
What SIRA Looks For in Western Sydney Claims
SIRA assesses claims based on the Motor Accident Guidelines. In Western Sydney, claims for domestic duties care are evaluated by:
- Confirming the injury meets the 'threshold injury' definition (soft tissue injuries with neurological signs)
- Verifying the care was necessary due to your injury
- Ensuring records show a direct link between your injury and the care costs
A hypothetical example: If you broke your leg in a car accident and needed help with cooking and laundry, your claim would require:
- A doctor's note stating your leg injury limited your mobility
- Receipts for meals prepared by a carer
- A timeline showing when you needed assistance
Time Limits and When to Seek Advice
You have 52 weeks from the accident date to claim certain benefits under the CTP scheme. After this period, weekly payments typically stop unless you have a whole person impairment rating of 10% or more. If your claim involves disputes over care costs or injury severity, seek legal advice before submitting your application.
Next Steps
Every claim depends on its own facts. To request contact about your circumstances, complete the quick, no obligation enquiry form.