If you’ve been injured in a car or road accident in Queensland, you may be eligible to make a Compulsory Third Party (CTP) claim for compensation. The amount you can expect depends on the severity of your injuries, your financial losses, and several personal factors. Here’s a detailed overview of what influences your compensation and the average payouts in Queensland.
Average CTP Payouts in Queensland
Recent data from finalized CTP claims in Queensland (for accidents between July 2013 and June 2023) shows the following average payouts based on injury severity:
| Injury Severity | Average Payout |
|---|---|
| Minor | $82,100 |
| Moderate | $197,900 |
| Serious | $395,900 |
| Severe | $687,200 |
| Critical | $1,968,500 |
Note: Administrative claims (including unconfirmed injuries, nervous shock, or business claims) average $19,200.
What Can You Claim for Under CTP Insurance?
Every CTP claim is unique, but generally, you may be compensated for:
- Reasonable and appropriate rehabilitation expenses (medical treatment, physiotherapy, etc.)
- General damages (pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life)
- Special damages (out-of-pocket expenses such as medication, travel, equipment, and aids)
- Gratuitous care (unpaid care provided by friends or family)
- Paid care (professional nursing or assistance)
- Past and future loss of earnings (including superannuation benefits)
- Interest on certain losses
- Legal costs (in some cases, if your claim exceeds certain thresholds).
How Are CTP Payouts Calculated?
The final compensation amount is determined by a combination of factors:
- Severity and number of injuries: More severe or multiple injuries result in higher payouts.
- Impact on work: Your age, occupation, current salary, and how long you’ll be off work all influence the amount.
- Ongoing care needs: The duration of hospitalisation and who will care for you during recovery are considered.
- General damages: Calculated using the Injury Scale Value (ISV) under the Civil Liability Regulation 2014, which rates the seriousness of your injuries.
- Other losses: Out-of-pocket expenses, future medical needs, and psychological injuries are also factored in.
Examples of Average Payouts by Damage Type
For claims finalized between July 2019 and June 2020, the average amounts paid under various heads of damage were:
| Description | Average Amount Paid |
|---|---|
| General damages (pain, suffering, loss of amenities) | $15,693 |
| Treatment | $13,261 |
| Past and future loss of income | $70,489 |
| Care | $102,395 |
| Legal costs | $32,713 |
Key Points to Remember
- The more severe your injury, the higher your potential compensation.
- Each claim is unique—factors like your age, occupation, and recovery time matter.
- Legal advice is strongly recommended to ensure you claim all entitlements and maximize your payout.
- Some claims, especially those involving catastrophic injuries, can run into millions of dollars.
Conclusion
While the average CTP payout in Queensland ranges from $82,100 for minor injuries to nearly $2 million for critical injuries, your individual compensation will depend on the specific circumstances of your accident, the severity of your injuries, and your personal and financial losses. Consulting with an experienced personal injury lawyer can help you understand your entitlements and secure the compensation you deserve.