If you’ve been injured at work in South Australia, there’s an important change you need to know about – and the clock is ticking.
From 1 October, major changes to the Return to Work SA (RTWSA) Impairment Assessment Guidelines will come into effect. These Guidelines are used to assess the level of your permanent impairment – which directly affects the amount of lump sum compensation you may be entitled to.
And here’s the catch: If your impairment assessment happens after 1 October, the new rules will apply.
For some workers, these changes could reduce the compensation you receive.
What’s Changing?
The RTWSA Impairment Assessment Guidelines set out how doctors measure your injury for the purposes of a lump sum claim. From 1 October, changes will:
- Tighten the way impairments are calculated, especially for hearing loss, psychological injuries, spinal injuries, and some limb injuries.
- Restrict the ability to combine injuries for a higher whole person impairment (WPI) rating.
- Alter examples and assessment methods in some chapters – which may lower the WPI for certain conditions.
Even a small change in the way your impairment is measured could mean thousands of dollars less in compensation.
Why Acting Now Matters
If your claim is lodged and you’re assessed before 1 October, the current (and often more generous) guidelines will apply.
If you wait until after the change, you may be stuck with the new rules – and possibly a smaller lump sum.
This deadline is critical for:
- Injured workers who have not yet been assessed for permanent impairment.
- Workers with long-term injuries who may now qualify for a lump sum but haven’t made a claim.
- Anyone with a hearing loss claim – as these are one of the main areas affected by the changes.
What You Should Do Now
1. Get legal advice immediately – so we can review your injury, claim status, and whether you should move quickly to be assessed under the current rules.
2. Gather your medical evidence – the sooner your claim is documented, the easier it is to fast-track.
3. Don’t wait for your insurer to contact you.
Turner Freeman Lawyers Can Help
At Turner Freeman Lawyers, we have decades of experience fighting for injured workers in South Australia.
We can:
- Where possible, arrange for your permanent impairment assessment before the rules change.
- Make sure your claim is lodged correctly and in time.
- Fight for the maximum lump sum you deserve.
The deadline is 1 October – after that, you may lose out.
Call us today on (08) 8213 1000 or email dante.gloria@turnerfreeman.com.au to arrange your free initial consultation.
Don’t let the rule change cost you your compensation. Act now.
