3.1.9.20 Requirements to Pursue & Obtain Compensation
Introduction
This topic provides information on the following provisions:
- requirement to pursue compensation,
- reasonable action to obtain compensation, and
- power to obtain information.
Requirement to pursue compensation
Payment of a CAP (1.1.C.250) can be withheld if a person or their partner fails to take action to either claim or obtain compensation, whether the event occurred inside Australia, or in another country.
Reasonable action to claim compensation
A person or their partner could be considered to have taken reasonable action to claim compensation if they have:
- lodged a claim and medical evidence with their employer or insurer,
- engaged a solicitor to commence legal proceedings, or
- sought legal advice as to whether a claim for compensation can be successfully pursued.
Acceptable reasons for not claiming compensation
The following are circumstances where it may be acceptable for a person, or their partner, not to claim compensation:
- there is no enforceable claim for compensation, or
- the accident occurred many years ago and it is now outside the time limits to lodge a compensation claim, or
- legal proceedings are required but the person or partner is unable to obtain the services of a solicitor, including being rejected for legal aid assistance, or
- the injuries sustained will not result in the person or partner suffering loss of wages, salary or loss of earnings capacity, or
- a person has elected, under section 43 of the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988, to forgo their right to a Military Compensation, Rehabilitation Scheme payment, in favour of a payment under Part II or Part IV of the Veterans' Entitlements Act 1986, or
- there is the possibility of significant contributory negligence. In this case, the delegate needs to consider that compensation payments are generally REDUCED to take account of the contributory negligence, and it will only be in rare cases that a person should be exempted from the requirement to pursue compensation.
- Example: If the person caused his or her own injury when intoxicated while on duty.
Note: In any of these situations, the person's claims must be verified before the delegate determines that they do not need to pursue compensation.
Act reference: SSAct section 1166 Secretary may require person to take action to obtain compensation, section 1167 Failure to comply with a requirement to take action to obtain compensation
Policy reference: SS Guide 3.1.9.10 Compensation & Payability, 4.13 Compensation, 6.4 Compensation Recovery
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Last reviewed: 1 July 2010
