How Much is Permanent Impairment Payout in Queensland?
Permanent impairment payouts in Queensland are governed by the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 and are designed to compensate workers who suffer lasting injuries as a result of workplace incidents. The payout amount is determined by the Degree of Permanent Impairment (DPI), which is assessed as a percentage, and the current Queensland Ordinary Time Earnings (QOTE), updated annually.
How Permanent Impairment is Assessed
When a worker’s injuries are considered “stable and stationary”—meaning further medical improvement is unlikely—they are referred for a medical assessment to determine their DPI. This assessment is conducted by a doctor trained in the Queensland Guide to the Evaluation of Permanent Impairment. If the worker disagrees with the assessment, they can request a reassessment by a different qualified doctor.
Calculation of Lump Sum Compensation
The lump sum payout is calculated by multiplying the DPI percentage by a set amount tied to the QOTE. For the 2024–2025 financial year, the declared QOTE is $1,844.70 per week. The maximum statutory compensation for a single injury is set at 216.15 times the QOTE, which equals $398,731.91. For each 1% of DPI, the statutory lump sum is $3,987.
Example Lump Sum Payouts (2024–2025)
| DPI Score | Lump Sum Compensation |
|---|---|
| 1% | $3,987 |
| 5% | $19,937 |
| 10% | $39,873 |
| 15% | $59,810 |
| 20% | $79,746 |
| 30% | $119,610 |
For DPIs below 30%, the payout is strictly proportional to the assessed DPI. At 15% DPI or higher, workers may also be eligible for an additional sum for gratuitous care (unpaid care from family or friends), typically ranging from $3,000 to $10,000 for a 15% DPI, and higher for more severe injuries.
Additional Rights and Options
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DPI of 20% or More: If your DPI is 20% or greater, you may accept the lump sum and still pursue a common law claim for further damages, and you may recover some legal costs (usually around $7,000–$10,000).
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Maximum Cap: The statutory maximum payout for a single injury is $398,731.91 for 2024–2025. For multiple injuries from a single event, the same cap applies, though calculations may vary if injuries are assessed separately.
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Statutory vs. Common Law Claims: You can choose to accept the statutory lump sum, or reject it and pursue a common law claim if you believe your employer was negligent. Accepting the lump sum for DPIs below 20% generally prevents you from pursuing further damages.
Process Overview
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Injury occurs and is reported.
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Worker receives medical treatment and weekly benefits while recovering.
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Once injuries are stable, a DPI assessment is arranged.
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Worker receives a Notice of Assessment detailing the DPI and lump sum offer.
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Worker decides whether to accept the offer or pursue further legal action.
Key Points to Remember
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The payout is based solely on the DPI percentage and the QOTE for the relevant year.
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The maximum lump sum for a single injury in 2024–2025 is $398,731.91.
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Additional compensation may be available for gratuitous care at higher DPI levels.
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Workers with a DPI of 20% or more retain the right to pursue common law damages in addition to the lump sum.
Conclusion
Permanent impairment payouts in Queensland are calculated with transparency and fairness, ensuring injured workers receive compensation proportionate to the severity of their lasting injuries. The system is designed to balance the needs of injured workers with the sustainability of the compensation scheme, and annual updates to the QOTE ensure payouts remain in line with wage growth and inflation.