Navigating the National Injury Insurance Scheme (Queensland)

Queensland’s National Injury Insurance Scheme (NIISQ) is a no-fault scheme that provides treatment, care, and support to individuals who have sustained serious injuries in motor vehicles, regardless of who was at fault.

If you suffer a serious injury at work and meet the definition of a ‘worker’ under the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003, treatment and rehabilitation support is also available through the NIISQ if it is ‘necessary and reasonable’.

Who can make a NIISQ claim?

To be eligible for NIISQ support, you must meet the eligibility criteria as outlined in the National Injury Insurance Scheme (Queensland) Act 2016 and Regulation 2016.

Anyone (including children) who sustains an eligible, serious personal injury because of an eligible motor vehicle accident in Queensland can access NIISQ. This includes anyone from another Australian state or territory.

The types of injuries covered under the NIISQ include permanent spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, severe burns, multiple or high-level limb amputations, permanent injury to the brachial plexus and permanent blindness.

But even if you believe you meet the criteria, NIISQ claims are not always straightforward. In some cases, there can be complexity – and sometimes disputes – about whether an injury fits into the NIISQ eligibility criteria.

If your NIISQ claim is rejected, you can dispute the decision – and having the support of expert insurance claim lawyers can help. But remember – understanding the key timeframes to lodge, dispute, and appeal rejected NIISQ claims matters.

NIISQ vs. NDIS

It’s important to distinguish between NIISQ and the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS). Both provide support for people with serious injuries or disabilities; however, they have different eligibility requirements and are managed by different agencies.

NIISQ specifically caters to injuries related to motor vehicle accidents or work accidents, while the NDIS is a Commonwealth scheme that covers a broader range of disabilities.

Lodging your NIISQ claim

The application process for a NIISQ claim involves providing detailed information about the motor accident and the injuries sustained. This may include reports from police, Queensland ambulance or hospitals. There are strict timeframes for making a claim through the NIISQ.

Make sure your NIISQ claim is lodged within 12 months of the date of the injury.

Support and services available through the NIISQ

If you are eligible to make a NIISQ claim, you can access a range of services that are designed to offer you the medical support you need to recover from your accident and manage the ongoing care needs related to your injury.

These services include medical treatment, rehabilitation, aides, support services tailored to individual needs, home and transport modifications, respite, and personal care. Supporting quality of life and independence is an overarching goal.

If you are accepted into the NIISQ as a lifetime participant and you have medical evidence to show what your ongoing support needs will be, these services will be provided for the rest of your life.

Explore your options for financial compensation support

It’s important to note that loss of income and superannuation are not covered by the NIISQ scheme. To be able to claim these financial losses, legal support from expert compensation lawyers can help you understand if you are eligible to get workers’ compensation or lodge a motor vehicle or public liability claim.

At Maurice Blackburn, we offer a free claim check that helps you understand your legal options and access the legal support you need to manage a successful claim.