Permanent Impairment Assessments in Perth
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If you’ve been injured at work and are part of the workers’ compensation process in Western Australia, you may be referred for a permanent impairment assessment. This step plays an important role in determining your entitlements and helping insurers or lawyers understand the long-term effects of your injury.
At Beam Medicolegal, we aim to make this process as clear and supportive as possible.
What is a Permanent Impairment Assessment?
A permanent impairment assessment measures function you’ve lost in a part of your body due to injury or illness. It is not the same as assessing pain or disability. Instead, it focuses on objective, measurable physical loss. This could include reduced range of motion, sensory loss, or the effects of surgery.
This assessment usually takes place once your condition has stabilised. That means your recovery has reached a point where it’s unlikely to improve or get worse. At that stage, your insurer or legal representative may request the assessment.
Why Does Impairment Matter?
Impairment is different from disability. Impairment describes the loss of function in a body part. Disability looks at how that impairment affects your daily life or ability to work. For example, losing part of your little finger is an impairment. If you’re a concert pianist, the disability may be significant. If you work in administration, the impact may be minor.
The system focuses on impairment because it can be measured and is consistent between people and occupations.
What Happens at the Assessment?
At Beam Medicolegal, a qualified medical specialist will conduct the assessment. The doctor may:
- Measure joint movement or strength
- Test sensation or function
- Review surgical procedures or diagnostic reports
- Use the relevant guidelines (such as AMA 5 and WorkCover WA-specific guidelines) to rate the impairment
The doctor writes a detailed report and sends it to the insurer, WorkCover WA, or your legal team. In many cases, this report will influence the level of compensation you can receive. It may also be used in determining your eligibility for a common law claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is impairment calculated?
Doctors use official medical guidelines, such as the American Medical Association Guides (AMA), to calculate the impairment rating. These methods are consistent and help ensure fairness in compensation decisions.
What conditions qualify for an impairment assessment?
Any condition that causes lasting loss of physical function may be assessed. This includes injuries to muscles, bones, nerves, or joints. It may also apply to chronic pain or the effects of surgery.
How long does it take to get a result?
Once the assessment is complete, the report is usually finalised within a few weeks. The exact timing depends on the complexity of the injury and the reporting requirements of the referring party ie insurer or lawyer.
Does the rating affect my compensation?
Yes. A higher impairment rating can increase your entitlement to compensation or lump sum payouts. In some cases, it may also determine whether you can access additional legal options such as common law.
What if I disagree with the result?
You may be able to request a review or seek a second opinion. Your lawyer or union can advise on how to proceed.
Support in Every Step of the Process
A permanent impairment assessment may seem clinical or complex, but it’s simply a structured way to understand how your injury has affected you. At Beam Medicolegal, our job is to assess with care, report with accuracy, and explain the process clearly.
If you’ve been referred for an assessment or need advice, we’re here to help.
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