Home Modifications Checklist for CTP Claims in Bathurst (NSW)
Where a person's only injuries resulting from the accident are threshold injuries, weekly benefits and treatment and care generally cease after 52 weeks (ss 3.11 and 3.28).
A threshold injury under the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017 (NSW) includes a soft tissue injury and a psychological or psychiatric injury that is not a recognised psychiatric illness (adjustment disorder and acute stress disorder are the usual examples; s 1.6 and Motor Accident Guidelines Part 5).
If you’ve suffered a serious injury in a motor accident in Bathurst, NSW, and need home modifications to recover, understanding what evidence to gather is critical. Under NSW’s Compulsory Third Party (CTP) scheme, you may be entitled to benefits for home changes like ramps, handrails or mobility aids. This guide explains what documentation matters, how SIRA guidelines apply and steps to take.
What Evidence is Needed for Home Modifications?
To support a claim for home modifications, you must prove the injury’s connection to the accident and the necessity of the changes. Key evidence includes:
- Medical records showing the injury’s severity and how it limits mobility (e.g., spinal injury, amputation)
- Accident report from police or witnesses detailing the incident
- Photos or diagrams of the home modification (e.g., ramp slope, handrail placement)
- Expert opinion from a physiotherapist or occupational therapist explaining how the modification aids recovery
- Cost records for the modification, including invoices and receipts
- Before-and-after photos of the home to demonstrate the change
For example, if a spinal injury requires a ramp, medical evidence must show the injury caused mobility restrictions that a ramp addresses. SIRA guidelines state that modifications must be 'reasonably necessary' for recovery.
How SIRA Guidelines Apply to Home Modifications
SIRA’s What you can claim page confirms that home modifications are available for injuries meeting the 'threshold injury' definition under the Motor Accident Injuries Act 2017. This includes injuries like:
- Severe whiplash with neurological signs
- Fractures requiring surgery
- Burns or lacerations causing long-term mobility issues
However, the 52-week statutory benefit period applies. If your injury is your 'only injury' from the accident, benefits for home modifications may be limited after 52 weeks. This doesn’t apply if the modification is for a 'whole person impairment' (e.g., a permanent mobility loss).
Practical Steps for Documenting Home Modifications
- Seek immediate medical attention to document the injury’s impact on mobility
- Photograph the modification from multiple angles, noting dates and conditions
- Keep all invoices and correspondence with contractors or suppliers
- Record your daily challenges (e.g., difficulty climbing stairs) to show the modification’s necessity
- Notify your insurer within 52 weeks of the accident to avoid missing deadlines
If you’re unsure whether your modification qualifies, contact SIRA directly. Their Making a motor accident claim page provides a checklist for home modifications.
Time Limits and When to Seek Advice
You have 52 weeks from the accident date to claim benefits for home modifications under the CTP scheme. If your injury is your 'only injury', benefits may stop after this period. However, if the modification is for a 'whole person impairment' (e.g., a permanent mobility loss), benefits can continue beyond 52 weeks.
If you face disputes over the modification’s necessity or cost, seek legal advice promptly. A solicitor can help challenge decisions or negotiate a fair outcome.
Next Steps
CTP entitlements depend on the accident date, injury type and claim history. To request contact about your circumstances, complete the quick, no obligation enquiry form.