If your personal injury claim is successful, you may be entitled to receive money (compensation) to help cover the impact the injury has had on your life.
This isn’t just about medical bills—it’s about helping you get back on your feet, both now and in the future.
Here are the main things that can be included in a personal injury payout:
You can claim back the cost of:
Doctor and hospital visits
Surgery
Physiotherapy and rehab
Medication
Future medical treatment if ongoing care is needed
Even things like travel to medical appointments can sometimes be covered.
If your injury caused you to miss work—or will affect your ability to work in the future—you may be able to claim:
Lost wages from time off work
Loss of future earning capacity
Superannuation you missed out on
You’ll usually need proof, such as pay slips or letters from your employer.
This covers the personal impact of the injury. It includes things like:
Ongoing pain
Loss of enjoyment in life
Emotional distress
Impacts on relationships, social life or hobbies
This part of compensation is usually assessed using medical reports and injury scales.
If you now need help around the house—whether it’s cleaning, cooking, showering, or personal care—you may be able to claim for that too.
It doesn’t matter whether a friend, family member, or paid professional is helping you. The law recognises that this support has value.
Other expenses you’ve had to cover due to the injury might also be included, such as:
Medical equipment
Home modifications
Travel and parking for appointments
Counselling or mental health treatment
Keep your receipts and records—these can all add up.
Every claim is different. The amount you may receive depends on things like:
How serious your injury is
How long it’s expected to affect you
Your age and job
Whether you’ll need long-term treatment or support
If there’s any permanent disability or scarring
Now that you know what you may be able to claim, the next thing to look at is how to prove fault and build your case.
Go to the next page: Proving Fault in a Personal Injury Claim.