If you’ve sustained a work-related injury or illness in Queensland, you may at some point be referred for an assessment of permanent impairment. This formal medical evaluation determines the extent to which your condition has resulted in permanent impairment—sometimes referred to as person impairment—and whether it may be classified as a permanent disability.
These assessments play a vital role in the workers compensation process. They help insurers, employers, and legal representatives understand the long-term functional impact of a workplace injury, and can inform whether a worker may be eligible for a lump sum payment or to pursue a common law claim, depending on the outcome and broader circumstances.
What is a permanent impairment and how is it assessed?
A permanent impairment refers to a lasting reduction in function caused by a work-related injury or illness. Once your condition has reached maximum medical improvement—that is, it is considered stable and stationary—you may be referred for a degree of permanent impairment (DPI) assessment.
This assessment is carried out by an independent medical examiner who is trained and accredited to evaluate the effects of the injury using clinical judgement and standardised guidelines.
The outcome is expressed as a percentage that represents your degree of permanent impairment. This percentage helps inform decisions by insurers and regulatory bodies involved in the workers compensation system.
What is the purpose of a permanent impairment assessment?
In the context of workers compensation claims in Queensland, a permanent impairment assessment provides a structured and objective medical opinion about the long-term effects of a work-related injury or illness.
The assessment plays a role in determining whether the injury has resulted in permanent impairment and the extent of that impairment. The findings are used by WorkSafe QLD and other insurers to process claims, and may inform whether an individual is eligible to receive associated payment amounts, such as lump sum compensation.
How is a permanent impairment rating calculated?
In Queensland, impairment assessments are conducted in accordance with the Guides to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (GEPI).
The GEPI provides the criteria used by medical practitioners to assess various injuries and conditions in a consistent and transparent way. In some cases, multiple assessments may be arranged by the insurer, including evaluations for psychological injury, which may be referred to the Medical Assessment Tribunal or General Medical Assessment Tribunal depending on the case.
What if a worker disagrees with the assessment?
If a worker or other party disagrees with the result of an initial assessment of permanent impairment, they may request a review through the Workers’ Compensation Regulator, part of Workers’ Compensation Regulatory Services. In some cases, the matter may be referred to a Medical Assessment Tribunal (MAT), whose decision is generally considered final and binding.
Our role as independent medical assessors
At Lex Medicus, we do not determine compensation or advise on legal entitlements. Our role is to conduct impartial, high-quality medical evaluations in accordance with relevant clinical and legislative guidelines.
Each assessment is based on the individual circumstances of the case, and all findings are documented thoroughly to support the decision-making processes of insurers, employers, and legal representatives.
For questions regarding claim outcomes, lump sum offers, or legal rights, we recommend that individuals seek independent legal advice or contact their insurer directly.