Motor vehicle injury claims and payouts – QLD
As of the first half of 2024, there were 3,779 personal injury claims lodged under Queensland’s Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance scheme.
The average motor vehicle accident compensation claim payouts in Queensland are currently:
- $82,000 for minor injuries (e.g. whiplash, soft tissue injuries)
- $183,000 for moderate injuries
- $359,000 for serious injuries
- $637,000 for severe injuries
- $1.49 million for critical or catastrophic injuries
The figures from this list of compensation payouts near Brisbane, QLD, include all heads of damage – general damages, economic loss, future care needs, and more. While each case is unique, these averages provide a general guide for how much compensation may be awarded.
Work injury common law claim payouts – QLD
In the 2022–23 financial year, there were over 3,200 common law work injury claims finalised through WorkCover Queensland.
Recent figures show:
- The average common law settlement was approximately $188,794
- Legal fees averaged an additional ~$23,000 per claim
- Statutory lump sums for permanent impairment max out at $398,735 (indexed July 2024)
Compensation by impairment level:
- A worker with 5–6% impairment may receive between $180,000 to $540,000, depending on income loss and other factors
- Workers with 20%+ impairment often receive $500,000 to $900,000+
- Catastrophic injuries involving long-term disability can exceed $1 million
These are averages only – every personal injury claim is unique
Let’s use examples similar to our compensation case studies database:
- Mr Austin suffered a minor head injury when a milk crate fell on his head whilst unloading his work truck. He achieved $1.052 million in damages due to the impact on his employment (Austin v Parmalat Australia Ltd [2013] QSC 227)
- Mr Lamble sustained a moderate head injury when struck with a wooden stick during a nightclub brawl. He was awarded $1.45 million in compensation (Howl at the Moon Nightclub v Lamble [2014] QCA 74)
Compensation for serious injury and catastrophic injuries can reach millions
In cases of very serious or catastrophic injuries such as brain damage, paraplegia or amputation, the average compensation payout is substantially higher.
A landmark case involved Susan Delaney, a Gold Coast woman who sustained catastrophic brain injuries when the motorcycle she was a passenger on crashed. She was awarded $9.5 million in damages (Delaney v AAMI [2013] QSC).
Note: All data and case examples are drawn from Queensland Government sources including the Motor Accident Insurance Commission and WorkCover Queensland, as well as publicly reported court judgments. These figures are indicative only and may vary depending on the specifics of your case.
Understanding the compensation process in Queensland
Lodging a compensation claim in Queensland can involve multiple steps, from reporting the incident and obtaining medical evidence, to navigating the legal process and negotiating your settlement. Whether you’re dealing with a motor vehicle accident, workplace injury or medical negligence claim, it’s important to understand how compensation is assessed. Our firm operates within the framework of personal injury law, which governs how liability and entitlements are assessed following an accident.
A typical compensation claim will consider the direct costs you’ve faced, including medical expenses, lost wages, and ongoing rehabilitation costs. You may also be eligible to claim for economic loss, such as reduced future earning capacity, as well as pain and suffering compensation.
Legal support can be critical during this process. A qualified personal injury lawyer will guide you through the claims process, prepare your legal representation, and help ensure you aren’t left out of pocket when it comes to legal fees or dealing with the insurance company.
What affects your final payout?
No two injury claims are alike – and that means payout amounts will always vary. This is why compensation claims, such as personal injury compensation payouts, can vary significantly from case to case, even when injuries seem similar on the surface. The most common factors that influence your final compensation payout include:
- The injury severity (e.g. minor vs. permanent disability)
- Whether you experience ongoing psychological injury or psychiatric injury
- The extent of future medical or rehabilitation costs required
- Your ability to work or earn in the future (i.e. future economic loss)
- The emotional and physical toll of the injury
For example, someone with a permanent impairment or ongoing pain and suffering may be entitled to a higher compensation amount. The goal of any settlement is to reflect fair compensation for the full impact of your injury – not just today, but over your lifetime.
Who can make a compensation claim?
You don’t need to be the injured driver or worker to be impacted by an accident. In Queensland, compensation laws also support:
- Motor vehicle passengers injured in a car accident
- Family members who experience hardship due to a loved one’s injury
- Individuals injured in public liability incidents
- Workers injured during the course of their job or in workplace accidents
If you’ve suffered injury or experienced financial loss as a result of someone else’s negligence, you may be eligible to make a claim. Our lawyers can assess your case and help determine if you’re considered an injured person under Queensland law.
Do you need a lawyer for your claim?
While it’s possible to lodge a claim without legal help, working with The Personal Injury Lawyers gives you a major advantage. We offer free legal advice at the outset to help you understand your rights, timelines, and what to expect.
Our highly experienced compensation lawyers will handle your case from start to finish, from lodging the claim, to negotiating with insurers, to appearing in court, if required. Whether your matter involves a common law claim, workers compensation, or a large lump sum payout, legal guidance can make a huge difference in the final result.
Types of compensation claims we handle
Our team assists with a wide range of personal injury claims across Queensland, including:
- Motor vehicle accident claims, including CTP and accident compensation claim payouts
- Workplace injury compensation and workers compensation claims
- Public liability claims (e.g. slips, trips, falls and other accident compensation claims)
- Brain injuries and other severe injuries
- Permanent disability and whole person impairment claims
- Medical negligence claims
In many cases, the lump sum payout you receive is tax exempt, and calculated to reflect the full extent of injuries sustained, financial losses, and the impact on your quality of life. We’re here to help you seek compensation that truly aligns with what you’ve been through.
Personal Injury Claims Have Time Limits
There is only a small window in which you can make compensation claims in Queensland
Even if you think your actions may have contributed to your injury, you may still have a claim well-worth pursuing
Just press the button below, there is no cost, and no obligation for an experienced personal injury lawyer to review your case
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