List of Compensation Payouts in Australia & Tips to Maximise Yours
If you’ve been injured — whether at work, on the road, or because of someone else’s negligence — you could be entitled to a personal injury compensation payout.
Below, you’ll find our total compensation payout guide, including what compensation includes, a list of compensation payouts by claim type, and expert tips to help you maximise your payout. These examples are based on real cases and are designed to give you an idea of what similar claims have achieved. The exact amount you may receive will depend on your unique situation.
If you’d prefer to speak directly with a specialist lawyer, get in touch with our team. We offer free, no-obligation advice, so it’s easy to find out whether you have a claim and how much compensation you could receive.
What is a compensation payout?
A compensation payout is money awarded to someone who’s been injured because of another person’s mistake, carelessness or negligence. It’s designed to help you recover from the financial and personal impact of your injury.
Depending on your situation, your compensation payout may cover:
- Lost income: For the time you’ve had to take off work, as well as lost future income and earning capacity.
- Medical expenses: Treatment costs, rehabilitation and ongoing care.
- Pain and suffering: For the physical and emotional toll the injury has taken on you.
- Care and assistance: If you need help with daily activities or personal care.
It’s worth noting that in some cases, you can even claim basic compensation without proving negligence. For example, you may be able to make a workers compensation or car accident claim even if you caused the accident.
Can I get a compensation payout?
In many cases, yes — if you’ve been injured because of an accident or someone else’s mistake, you may be entitled to compensation. Every situation is different, but here are some of the most common scenarios where people successfully make a claim:
- You’re injured at (or because of) work: If your injury happened at work or while doing something work-related, you could be eligible for weekly workers comp payments. It doesn’t matter how the injury happened or who’s to blame. Keep in mind, each state has their own workers comp scheme, and if you work for the Commonwealth, you’ll get a Comcare compensation payout instead.
- You’re permanently unable to do your job: If you can’t return to work because of an injury or illness, you may be eligible for a Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) payout through your super policy.
- You’re involved in a road accident: Drivers, passengers, cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians can all make a claim after a road accident. In some states, you can receive compensation even if no one was at fault, while in others, you’ll need to show that another person caused the accident.
- You were injured by a medical professional’s poor treatment: If a doctor, hospital or other medical professional provided substandard care and you were harmed as a result, you may be entitled to a significant lump sum payment through a medical negligence claim.
- You injured yourself on public, private or rental property: If you injure yourself because of someone’s negligence, such as leaving floors wet or failing to maintain a property, you could be eligible for public liability compensation. These claims aren’t limited to public places; they also apply to private homes and rental properties.
To make a successful claim, you’ll usually need to show that your injury has had a real impact on your life: financially, physically or emotionally. This might include things like taking time off work, paying for surgery or treatment, or needing ongoing therapy or support.
You can use our free claim checker to see if you might be entitled to a compensation payout, or get in touch with our team for a free, no-obligation assessment. We’ll take the time to understand your situation and give you clear, practical advice on whether you’re eligible for compensation.
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Workers compensation payout guide
Your workers compensation payout depends on a few key factors, like how your accident happened, who was at fault, and whether your injury has lasting effects.
Generally, there are three main types of compensation you may be entitled to. Here’s a quick breakdown of each and how they work:
- Basic weekly benefits: These payments replace a portion of your lost wages (usually up to 95% of your normal income) and cover medical, hospital, and rehabilitation expenses. They’re available to all eligible workers, even if you were at fault for the accident. To learn more about how your workers compensation payout calculation works, check out our full guide.
- Permanent impairment payments: If your injury leaves you with a permanent disability or ongoing health issue, you could receive an additional lump sum payment. In most states, you need to meet a minimum level of impairment to qualify. You can read more about this in our guide to permanent impairment lump sums.
- Common law compensation payouts: These apply when your employer’s negligence directly caused your injury. Common law claims can result in much larger lump sum settlements than standard workers compensation claims, covering things like future lost income and medical treatment. In most states, you can claim for pain and suffering — except in NSW, where only first responders like police or paramedics are eligible.
Examples of workers compensation payouts
| Client name | What happened | Main challenge(s) & how we revolved them | Final compensation amount |
| Emma | Slipped in a workplace bathroom and injured her neck, back, shoulder, knee, and ankle. Needed surgery and rehab. | There were a lot of parties involved, like the employer, building manager, and cleaners, which made it hard to figure out who was responsible. We used experts and witness statements to prove all five parties were liable. | $1.55 million |
| Patrick | Hurt his back while on a Working Holiday Visa when assigned an unsafe task at work. | His visa ended, so weekly payments stopped. Despite Patrick leaving the country, we still pursued a Common Law claim against his employer and the site operator. | $900,000 |
| Brett | Pinned between a forklift and a steel skip at work, causing a serious knee injury. Needed multiple surgeries and ongoing rehab. | Previous lawyers had mishandled the claim. Our lawyers gathered medical reports and proved the employer’s safety breaches, resolving the case through Supreme Court mediation. | $605,000 |
| John | Firefighter injured lifting a heavy metal bar instead of using the available hydraulic equipment. Major surgery and ongoing disability. | We needed to make a combined Workers Comp and Common Law claim. Our lawyers used expert evidence to show employer negligence and breach of safety rules. Future care needs, like mobility support, were also factored in. | $575,000 |
Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) compensation payouts
If an injury or illness leaves you permanently unable to return to work, you may be eligible for a Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) payout through your superannuation.
TPD payouts are lump sum benefits designed to relieve financial pressure and provide long-term support. Most payouts range from $60,000 to $450,000, but some super policies offer over $1 million, depending on your level of cover and the severity of your condition.
Examples of TPD compensation payouts
| Client name | What happened | Main challenge(s) & how we revolved them | Final compensation amount |
| Pieta | Diagnosed with breast cancer, her insurer rejected her TPD claim. | We filed a dispute notice, challenging the insurer's decision. The claim was overturned. | $1.2 million |
| Aaron | Developed a psychological condition, but insurer denied his TPD claim. | Presented compelling expert evidence to prove entitlement to TPD. | $1 million |
| Mario | Suffered from psychosis and major depressive disorder, insurer denied TPD claim. | Used expert evidence to demonstrate permanent disability. | $1 million |
| Juliette | Unable to work due to psychiatric and physical illnesses, insurer claimed skills were transferable. | Provided evidence of her inability to work in any capacity. Secured compensation in just 4 weeks. | $700,000 |
Motor vehicle accident compensation payouts
If you’ve been injured in a road traffic accident, you may be eligible for a motor vehicle compensation payout. You may also hear them called compensation payouts for car accidents or Compulsory Third Party (CTP) compensation payouts.
The size of your compensation payout depends on a few key factors, like which state or territory you live in and who was at fault.
- If the accident wasn’t your fault: You could claim lost income, medical bills, home or vehicle modifications, care and support, and pain and suffering (the impact of the injury on your life).
- If the accident was your fault: In NSW, Victoria, Tasmania, the ACT, and the Northern Territory, you can still claim basic compensation for lost income, medical treatment, and help around the house. In all other states, no compensation is available unless someone else caused the accident.
To find out exactly what you’re entitled to, check out our full motor accident compensation guide or speak to our personal injury lawyers for free, no-obligation advice.
Examples of motor vehicle compensation payouts
| Client name | What happened | Main challenge(s) & how we revolved them | Final compensation amount |
| Robert | Hit from behind while cycling to work, suffering head, pelvis, and leg injuries. | He was a high income earner, so we needed to secure the maximum possible compensation allowed for lost income. This was achieved using expert medical evidence and out-of-court negotiation. | $1.72 million |
| Ryan | Motorcycle accident at 26, resulting in severe foot injuries requiring multiple surgeries. | Issue was managing two separate claims at the same time (motor vehicle and workers compensation). We successfully proved both and secured a combined settlement. | $1 million |
| Emily | Car accident impacting her influencer career, leading to neck and back injuries. | We needed to demonstrate loss of future earnings. Resolved with expert assessments of her potential career trajectory. | $1 million |
| Anastasia | Severe neck and lower back injuries from a car crash, leading to surgery and permanent scarring. | Previous lawyer mishandled the case. We resolved this by re-evaluating medical reports and proving employer negligence. | $900,000 |
Medical negligence compensation payouts
If a doctor, surgeon, dentist, or other healthcare professional didn’t provide the care you’d reasonably expect and you were injured as a result, you may be able to make a medical negligence claim.
A successful claim can cover the full impact of your injury on your life, including:
- Lost income and superannuation: Compensation for past and future earnings.
- Care and support: For you or anyone who relies on you.
- Pain and suffering: Also called ‘non-economic loss’, this recognises the emotional and physical effects of your injury.
- Out-of-pocket costs: Expenses like treatment, rehab, travel to appointments, or home modifications.
Wondering whether you’re entitled to compensation? Check out our full guide to medical negligence claims, or get in touch with one of our experienced personal injury lawyers for personalised advice.
Examples of medical negligence compensation payouts
| Client name | What happened | Main challenge(s) & how we revolved them | Final compensation amount |
| Sam | A surgical error left him unable to walk or talk. | The hospital heavily disputed the allegations. We used expert medical evidence to prove negligence, leading to a successful mediation. | $10 million |
| Rebecca | An infection during hospitalisation resulted in paraplegia. | A major firm rejected her claim. We took on her case and secured a substantial settlement. | $4.5 million |
| Amy | Suffered a perforated bowel after a laparoscopic procedure. | The hospital argued that the risk was disclosed. We demonstrated inadequate monitoring during surgery, leading to a significant payout. | $2.5 million |
| Ebony | Tragically jumped from a balcony after being discharged into her 17-year-old daughter's care. | The hospital's discharge decision was challenged. We proved negligence, securing compensation for Ebony's family. | $2.5 million |
Public liability compensation payout amounts
If you’ve been injured in a public space, private property, or rental home due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to make a public liability compensation claim.
The amount you could receive depends on how serious your injury is and how it has impacted your life, but payouts often cover:
- Lost income and superannuation: For both past and future earnings.
- Care and support: For you or anyone who relies on you, like a child or elderly parent.
- Pain and suffering: Also called non-economic loss, recognising the physical and emotional impact of your injury.
- Out-of-pocket costs: Such as medical bills, rehabilitation, or home modifications.
Curious what your claim might be worth? Check out our full guide to public liability compensation, or speak with one of our personal injury lawyers for free advice.
Examples of public liability compensation payouts
| Client name | What happened | Main challenge(s) & how we revolved them | Final compensation amount |
| Oscar | His arm was crushed by a faulty truck tray while unloading. | To prove the truck owner’s negligence, we used expert mechanical and medical evidence. | $1.2 million |
| Paul | Slipped and fell at a client's property, resulting in severe injuries. | To establish the property owner's liability, we showed what would be expected of a normal property owner. | $1 million |
| Mateo | Injured by a pothole on a public footpath, leading to significant harm. | Council's usually aren't liable, but we showed they should be held responsible for footpath maintenance. This was an historic claim win against the local council. | $950,000 |
| Paul | Fell in a Coles car park, becoming wheelchair-bound due to spinal injuries. | Coles heavily contested the claim but we used expert evidence to prove they failed to maintain a safe premises. | $800,000 |
Can I get a mental health compensation payout?
Almost all personal injury claims now recognise the impact of mental health conditions, meaning you could be eligible for a mental health compensation payout. It’s also known as a ‘psychological injury payout’.
To make a successful claim, you’ll need to have a recognised or diagnosed psychological condition. Common conditions include:
It’s important to understand that rules can differ between physical and psychological injury claims.
For example, when claiming workers compensation for a psychological injury, you usually get the same basic benefits as for physical injuries. However, lump sum permanent impairment payments have different minimum thresholds:
- NSW: At least 15% Whole Person Impairment (WPI) for psychological injuries, versus 11% for physical injuries.
- Victoria: 30% WPI for psychological injuries, versus 5 – 10% for physical injuries.
- South Australia: 5% WPI for physical injuries, but no lump sum available for psychological injuries.
- Tasmania: 10% WPI for psychological injuries, as opposed to 5% for physical ones.
Understanding these differences is key to knowing what you’re entitled to and how to maximise a mental health compensation payout.
If you’re dealing with a psychological condition following an accident or injury, we can help. Our lawyers specialise in recognising the unique impacts of mental health on your life and ensuring your compensation reflects the full physical, emotional, and financial effects of your injury.
Can I claim a stress compensation payout in Australia?
If you’re experiencing stress at work or after an accident, you may be wondering what your compensation options are. Unfortunately, you cannot claim a compensation payout for stress alone.
Instead, you’ll need to show that the stress has led to a recognised psychological condition, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
If you’re unsure whether your condition qualifies, our lawyers can assess your situation and help you understand your eligibility for a mental health compensation payout.
What factors can affect my compensation payout amount?
Compensation payouts for injuries can vary a lot from person to person. The exact amount you receive will depend on several key factors, including:
- The type of claim you’re making: Different claim types follow different rules and compensation schemes.
- The severity of your injuries: More serious injuries usually attract higher payouts, especially if they require surgery, rehabilitation or long-term care.
- The long-term impact: If your injury affects your ability to work, live independently or enjoy daily activities, this will increase the value of your claim.
- Time off work: The amount of income you’ve lost (and whether you can return to your job) plays a major role in determining your payout.
- Your age: Younger people may receive more compensation if their injury affects their long-term earning potential.
- Where you live: Compensation laws differ between states and territories, so payouts can vary depending on local legislation.
- Negligence: If someone else was clearly at fault or their negligence was serious, your payout may be higher.
Tips to maximise your compensation payout
We’ve spent over 25 years helping people get the compensation payouts they deserve. Here’s what we’ve learned about maximising your payout:
- Seek medical treatment promptly: Getting treatment early not only supports your recovery but also creates a clear record of your injuries.
- Keep thorough records: Save everything, including medical reports, prescriptions, pay slips, receipts, and notes about the accident or injury. Detailed records strengthen your case and show the real impact of the injury on your life.
- Track your recovery: Keep a diary of symptoms, pain levels, and how your injury affects daily activities, work, and relationships. This helps show both physical and emotional effects of the injury.
- Follow medical advice: Attend appointments, follow rehab plans, and take prescribed treatments. This shows you’re actively working on recovery and counters any suggestion you aren’t taking care of yourself or that your own actions have worsened the injury.
- Communicate carefully: Don’t give recorded statements or sign any documents without getting legal advice first. Even small missteps can seriously affect your compensation payout.
- Work with an expert personal injury lawyer: A specialist lawyer can guide you through the process, explain your entitlements, gather evidence, and negotiate to ensure you receive the maximum payout possible. In short, we’ll handle every aspect of your claim, so you can focus on your recovery.
Frequently asked questions
Whether you pay tax on a compensation payout depends on the type of payment you receive:
- Lost income: This is income replacement, so it’s generally taxable like your regular salary.
- Medical bills, ongoing care, and pain and suffering: These payments compensate for your physical, emotional, or financial loss, so they are usually tax-free.
For Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) claims, payouts are generally tax-free if paid from your superannuation. However, the tax treatment can vary depending on your age and how your super contributions are structured.
It’s important to note that if you invest your lump sum payout and earn interest, that money will be taxable. To fully understand the tax implications for your specific compensation payout, make sure you speak with a financial advisor.
Brain injuries can be extremely serious, and because of their long-term impact on your life, they often result in higher compensation payouts than other types of injuries.
To secure the full amount you’re entitled to, you’ll need detailed evidence showing how the injury affects your daily life, work, relationships, and independence. Depending on your situation, your compensation payout may include:
- Lost income and superannuation: Past and future earnings
- Medical and rehabilitation costs: Ongoing therapy, hospital care, and specialist treatment.
- Care and support: For yourself or anyone dependent on you.
- Pain and suffering: For the emotional and physical toll of the injury on your life.
- Out-of-pocket expenses: Like home modifications or travel for treatment.
Brain injury claims are complex, so it’s crucial to work with a lawyer experienced in this area. We’ll ensure all aspects of your injury are properly documented and you receive the maximum compensation possible. To learn more about compensation payouts for brain injuries, head to our complete guide.
Yes, it’s possible to claim compensation if you’ve suffered from workplace bullying, but the type of payout depends on your situation:
- Workers compensation claims: If the bullying caused a recognised psychological injury (like anxiety, depression, or PTSD), you may be entitled to weekly benefits and treatment costs.
- Common law damages claims: If your employer was negligent or failed to prevent bullying, you could claim a lump sum for pain and suffering, lost income, and care needs.
- Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) claims: If bullying has caused a psychological condition that leaves you permanently unable to return to work, you may be eligible for a TPD payout through your superannuation.
If you’re experiencing bullying at work, don’t suffer in silence — we’re here to help. In a free consultation, our lawyers can explain what types of claims you’re eligible for and the best strategy for securing your maximum compensation payout.
Yes, you can usually claim compensation for whiplash after a car accident, but the payout depends on how serious your injury is.
- Minor whiplash: In most states, minor neck strains won’t meet the minimum impairment threshold for pain and suffering. You’d generally only be entitled to cover medical expenses and lost income.
- Severe or long-term whiplash: If your injury causes chronic pain, restricted movement, or requires ongoing treatment, you may also be eligible for pain and suffering. An independent medical specialist will usually assess whether your injury meets the threshold.
For example, a neck strain that heals in a few weeks typically won’t qualify. But chronic neck pain that affects your work or daily life could result in a substantial compensation payout.
To find out whether you could receive a whiplash compensation payout, contact us for a free consultation. Our lawyers will review your situation and explain the best way to maximise your claim.
