View Full Version : Lost ACC case
Toaster
16th December 2009, 13:23
I was involved in a nasty motorcycle crash 1 June 08 where sheep ran out onto the road and I ended up with significant injuries including a moderate head injury.
In trying to do the right thing, I returned to work (new and high stress role) as soon as I could and said I was fine to do so - but head injury issues that were more far reaching than expected ended that in May.
Been fighting ACC for support on the basis that the medical reports were both inconclusive and inaccurate but recently heard the appeal hearing decision was to dismiss the case.
Reason being that its not a matter of helping those in need of further medical and financial support, but whether ACC was correct to make its decision regardless of the fact the reports were not based on correct evidence.
Sadly the latter is all that the law cares about eventhough from a medical point of view its ridiculous. .:argh:
ACC wins and we are left struggling.
Lesson learned... stay on ACC rather than rush back to work, because if it all goes pear-shaped they duck and weave as fast as possible.
James Deuce
16th December 2009, 13:52
Been there. They lost my records a total of 6 times and my case was dismissed twice without communicating with me while I was still on ACC.
I went back to work as a consequence, collapsed at a team building exercise and went back on ACC for the same old problems (head injury, broken neck and back) for playing Golf instead of a Motorcycle Accident.
Quite good really. I've stayed away from Golf ever since because it's far too dangerous.
Pussy
16th December 2009, 13:59
Quite good really. I've stayed away from Golf ever since because it's far too dangerous.
Tiger Woods probably agrees with you too, James!
StoneY
16th December 2009, 14:00
head injury
Oh THAT explains it then!
Seriously, sorry to hear both of you had to battle for your rights, its really not acceptable
Theyve gotten harder and harder to deal with over the last few years has ACC and funnily enough, it seems to dovetail with incoming policies of making us wish for private cover..... or seems that way to me (im paranoid tho)
Bald Eagle
16th December 2009, 14:01
Oh THAT explains it then!
Seriously, sorry to hear both of you had to battle for your rights, its really not acceptable
Theyve gotten harder and harder to deal with over the last few years has ACC and funnily enough, it seems to dovetail with incoming policies of making us wish for private cover..... or seems that way to me (im paranoid tho)
Believing they are out to get you when they are is not paranoia it's just healthy survival instinct.
YellowDog
16th December 2009, 14:11
I had some ACC treatment on Tuesday at the Millenium Centre. Told the guy I rode a motorcycle and had given support to some of the protest activities. He asked why? I told him about the outrageous levies etc etc and he did largely agree that the proposal was totally unfair and paying for the same many times over when you can claim only once was ridiculous. He did however say that he was not in favour of the present ACC setup. So I asked why:
He said that his specialist area is with nerve damage related injuries. He quite often has to give complex treatment which is largely based upon how the patient responds. Many respond at different rates. He said that ACC had many huge grey areas and was really designed as a "here's your fix, now sod off" type of scheme. He said that the entire country dumps on ACC including private health insurers whom should pay out for what they cover rather than avoiding payment as much as possible.
The upshot is that there are many whom need treatment and cannot get authority from ACC.
That was just one take on it. I am sure there are many others.
Genie
16th December 2009, 14:20
My son has had similar issues with ACC, lost files and different case managers teling him different things. We just gave up...it was just to much of a hassle. Like I told him......the people that work there are only HUMAN and we all fuck up at some stage, but..... when they are dealing with people lives they need to be more accountable.
PrincessBandit
16th December 2009, 14:38
I was involved in a nasty motorcycle crash.....
In trying to do the right thing, I returned to work (new and high stress role) as soon as I could and said I was fine to do so - but head injury issues that were more far reaching than expected ended that in May.
.....
Reason being that its not a matter of helping those in need of further medical and financial support, but whether ACC was correct to make its decision regardless of the fact the reports were not based on correct evidence.
Sadly the latter is all that the law cares about eventhough from a medical point of view its ridiculous. .:argh:
....
Lesson learned... stay on ACC rather than rush back to work, because if it all goes pear-shaped they duck and weave as fast as possible.
That completely sucks Cam. I'm sorry to hear of this outcome. Why does it seem to be those who endeavour to "do the right thing" end up getting screwed over yet people happy to cream to system can do so so easily?
I had some ACC treatment on Tuesday at the Millenium Centre. Told the guy I rode a motorcycle and had given support to some of the protest activities. He asked why? .......
He said that ACC had many huge grey areas and was really designed as a "here's your fix, now sod off" type of scheme. He said that the entire country dumps on ACC including private health insurers whom should pay out for what they cover rather than avoiding payment as much as possible.
I think it's just been seen as an easy target because it's been the "first port of call" for everything from a sliced finger to broken leg to car smash ever since it's inception. What started out with such idealism has been completely morphed into an overburdened leech magnet. Those who really need the assistance are being denied by the bludgers who have milked it for years.
We have private medical insurance but were automatically steered into the ACC course. I can only be so very thankful that our dealings were relatively straightforward; other family members who have dealt with them on matters, literally of life or death, have found ACC to be extremely frustrating. Seems to be no rhyme or reason with them.
peasea
16th December 2009, 15:02
My son has had similar issues with ACC, lost files and different case managers teling him different things. We just gave up...it was just to much of a hassle. Like I told him......the people that work there are only HUMAN and we all fuck up at some stage, but..... when they are dealing with people lives they need to be more accountable.
You should never give up, squeaky wheels get the oil.
If you've got a silly flag you want to fly from some government building or a rusty bridge somewhere all you have to do is keep moaning, it'll happen eventually.:woohoo:
Brian d marge
16th December 2009, 15:07
That completely sucks Cam. I'm sorry to hear of this outcome. Why does it seem to be those who endeavour to "do the right thing" end up getting screwed over yet people happy to cream to system can do so so easily?
Because gone are the days when puritanical? ethics , ( you know the ones , must grumble and cause a fuss ) count .....
these are LOOONNNG gone , but are being exploited further up the chain
if you have an accident , and you dont seek the appropriate treatment They dont pay ,,,saving money
We the patient need to be educated and informed , and on top of things
Sad but true
I am luckier , when I had mine ( accident ) back in the day ,,ACC just paid out ( also a friend of the family is a doctor and can help with questions )
Must be hard for the average person who doesnt have these skills....
Sad, you would expect with all the computers around the place ,,,they could get it all in one place at one time ?
Stephen
YellowDog
16th December 2009, 15:14
I was playing squash and a bit of bone broke off and gave me lot of problems. I phoned Southern Cross and they just said "That sounds like a nasty accident and I should contact ACC." I told them that as I paid for Southern Cross I would prefer to go through their services and hospitals. They said "Only call us if ACC won't help you".
So as I had my ACC funded operation in a Southern Cross hospital (who should have paid out), Southern Cross firstly saved paying out for my claim, and then got to charge ACC for the use of their hospital facilities. I think that's called a Win Win (for Southern Cross) situation and a Lose lose situation for ACC.
If you are insured agaist something happening and it happens, then the insurer should pay out.
All this crap we are going through with ACC levies on regos is complete nonsense. Following a road accident the motorcycle insurance company should pay the entire claim, including medical bills. ACC should be back claiming from the insurance companies. This is why people with a high no claims onus should pay a lot less than those without AND IMO it should be illegal not to have motor insurance for any road vehicle.
Look guys, I've just solved the entire ACC levie issue :)
ckai
16th December 2009, 16:58
Why does it seem to be those who endeavour to "do the right thing" end up getting screwed over yet people happy to cream to system can do so so easily?
We were discussing this same thing. I'm currently on ACC. Finding it bloody tough for money at the mo' since I don't get all my wages. I'm working 16 hours a week instead of 40 for the past 2 weeks due to go back to work next week full time again. Probably ahead of when I should but feel like I'm getting the hurry up from ACC.
Now it's not a big issue for me since I work from home and I can revolve my hours around when I feel up to it. I can also see why ACC push to get people working to move them on from the system. But for me, and others that feel guilty being on it, it's a kick in the teeth to know others are screwing it entirely.
I suppose you get that with all "benefit" type systems but shit, god knows who the dodgy buggers case managers and doctors are! My case manager would string them up. I almost get the 3rd degree every time I tell her I broke my pelvis so can't sit for long.
And you can successfully sue ACC. My uncle managed to get a very tidy sum out of them (7 figures) when it was partly his own fault. Surprisingly, ACC appealed. It's still getting argued. For some years now (he has gotten a large portion of the money so far).
Edbear
16th December 2009, 18:29
Had similar happen to me, mate. You're right, they only review whether they made the right decision in the first instance.
See if your GP can make some noise for you. Esp if he can get you an appointment with a specialist who can confirm the injury was from the accident.
Toaster
16th December 2009, 19:41
Yeah well golf can be dangerous.... got hit square in the chest after duffing a tee shot... hit a 1 inch high plank sticking up from the edge of the tee and the ball slammed straight back into me. We couldn't stop laughing!
Toaster
16th December 2009, 19:53
Had similar happen to me, mate. You're right, they only review whether they made the right decision in the first instance.
See if your GP can make some noise for you. Esp if he can get you an appointment with a specialist who can confirm the injury was from the accident.
I may just do that. I shot myself in the foot in a way, but it's sad ACC make such a legal decision and miss the fact that they are there to benefit NZers with Accident Compensation!!
Toaster
16th December 2009, 20:35
Had similar happen to me, mate. You're right, they only review whether they made the right decision in the first instance.
See if your GP can make some noise for you. Esp if he can get you an appointment with a specialist who can confirm the injury was from the accident.
Next step is to take it to the District Court.
I will take a sheep along as an anti-ACC witness....
...but I am sure he will just bleat on and do grass in front of the judge.
Brian d marge
17th December 2009, 02:12
We were discussing this same thing. I'm currently on ACC. Finding it bloody tough for money at the mo' since I don't get all my wages. I'm working 16 hours a week instead of 40 for the past 2 weeks due to go back to work next week full time again. Probably ahead of when I should but feel like I'm getting the hurry up from ACC.
Now it's not a big issue for me since I work from home and I can revolve my hours around when I feel up to it. I can also see why ACC push to get people working to move them on from the system. But for me, and others that feel guilty being on it, it's a kick in the teeth to know others are screwing it entirely.
.
.
They are trying to screw you out of you entitlement
Dont feel guilty , ACC is there for you to recover , because WE as a caring society have decided that is the case
Now
a non new zealand , non English /Scottish ( who , the Scottish and English , lived in shit conditions and wanted a better egalitarian society ) people, have decided that OUR ideals born from OUR history aint worth a hill of goatshite
So they introduce a business orientated profit driven model . one which never has benefited the people ..not sustainable,,,
unfortunately they are bigger than us so we are trying to appear to be playing ball
You Stick to your acc , get the best treatment nz can provide . get back to work when you feel you can .
don't feel guilty
The drop kicks I get pissed off with are people who CAN work but don't want to ,,,and then play the system ( which is a result of poverty ,,,,another subject ,,,lest to say if everyone was rich ,,then there wouldn't be any one on the dole ,,,,)
you know who they are ,,,,,
Stephen
SS90
17th December 2009, 04:21
They are trying to screw you out of you entitlement
Dont feel guilty , ACC is there for you to recover , because WE as a caring society have decided that is the case
Now
a non new zealand , non English /Scottish ( who , the Scottish and English , lived in shit conditions and wanted a better egalitarian society ) people, have decided that OUR ideals born from OUR history aint worth a hill of goatshite
So they introduce a business orientated profit driven model . one which never has benefited the people ..not sustainable,,,
unfortunately they are bigger than us so we are trying to appear to be playing ball
You Stick to your acc , get the best treatment nz can provide . get back to work when you feel you can .
don't feel guilty
The drop kicks I get pissed off with are people who CAN work but don't want to ,,,and then play the system ( which is a result of poverty ,,,,another subject ,,,lest to say if everyone was rich ,,then there wouldn't be any one on the dole ,,,,)
you know who they are ,,,,,
Stephen
Hang on Brian....don't you live in Japan?
wearing a Gaijin smile?
Toaster
17th December 2009, 07:55
They are trying to screw you out of you entitlement
Dont feel guilty , ACC is there for you to recover , because WE as a caring society have decided that is the case
Now
a non new zealand , non English /Scottish ( who , the Scottish and English , lived in shit conditions and wanted a better egalitarian society ) people, have decided that OUR ideals born from OUR history aint worth a hill of goatshite
So they introduce a business orientated profit driven model . one which never has benefited the people ..not sustainable,,,
unfortunately they are bigger than us so we are trying to appear to be playing ball
You Stick to your acc , get the best treatment nz can provide . get back to work when you feel you can .
don't feel guilty
The drop kicks I get pissed off with are people who CAN work but don't want to ,,,and then play the system ( which is a result of poverty ,,,,another subject ,,,lest to say if everyone was rich ,,then there wouldn't be any one on the dole ,,,,)
you know who they are ,,,,,
Stephen
I wished I had done that instead of rushing back into work.:argh:
Brian d marge
18th December 2009, 01:34
Hang on Brian....don't you live in Japan?
wearing a Gaijin smile?
yes
love NZ , worked hard to try and stop the rot , got fed up and voted with my feet
When student loans and the shit that happened back in the eighties , I paid with my own money to see the pollies and try and stop the stupidity ,,,,
failed
I do want to return , and I send a lot of my work to NZ , but you fellas are making it mighty hard to Justify the return
Stephen
SS90
18th December 2009, 01:43
I'm confused though,
Are you championing private accident insurance or state accident insurance?
Brian d marge
18th December 2009, 03:08
I'm confused though,
Are you championing private accident insurance or state accident insurance?
Neither
ACC , which while technically you could call it an insurance , i prefer the word assurance
Acc world famous in NZ
Stephen
SS90
18th December 2009, 04:24
Neither
ACC , which while technically you could call it an insurance , i prefer the word assurance
Acc world famous in NZ
Stephen
Hmm, yea, maybe
I'm not so sure though, as it is now (other than rego levies), I understand that the largest contribution to the road accident fund comes from taxes on petrol.
If we go the private route, what happens to that tax.....do fuel prices go down by 80%?
That would be logical wouldn't it?
Private health and accident insurance meaning no ACC would surely mean that the tax on fuel that is allocated to ACC would have to be abolished.
:lol:
oldrider
18th December 2009, 07:54
While you have a monopoly welfare system, you have no choice, because there is no competition, the government just keeps screwing you! :mad:
Brian d marge
18th December 2009, 13:16
While you have a monopoly welfare system, you have no choice, because there is no competition, the government just keeps screwing you! :mad:
But you cant vote out Walmart
As to petrol levies , thats true the gas should go down,,,(tui)
but ACC is a community wide scheme So I pay for dotty aunt betty who falls , and she pays for me in my folly
Stephen ( pre coffee sorry )
oldrider
18th December 2009, 23:18
But you cant vote out Walmart
As to petrol levies , thats true the gas should go down,,,(tui)
but ACC is a community wide scheme So I pay for dotty aunt betty who falls , and she pays for me in my folly
Stephen ( pre coffee sorry )
It would appear that way at first but if you really think about it.
What would Walmart look like without any customers? It's not compulsory to shop at Walmart!
Apparently we are still paying emergency levies posted on petrol during WW2!
ACC is also paying out to murders for top of the line prosthetics and you pay for it, you have no choice!
Subsequently, the cost of ACC welfare is getting to be way higher than any alternative private individual ACCident insurance premium!
You are forced to stay with ACC, whether you want to or not! (by your friendly government)
Now the government is overcharging you for owning and registering your motorcycle even though you don't want them to, it is extortion!
Extortion is a crime in NZ, isn't it?
Just discussing the subject and swapping a few thoughts here, it's just the way things appear to me!
Beemer
19th December 2009, 15:41
I'm off on ACC right now, following a fall down a flight of stairs at the end of November. Work didn't tell me I had to let ACC know I was still off work and ACC didn't bother telling me either, so it's doubtful I'll get any payments from them until the new year. Our office is closed from yesterday until January 5 so they can't give them any info, and as ACC only assigned me a case manager yesterday, there's not a lot he can do.
What annoys me is that they have the form the ambulance guys filled out when they picked me up, yet they keep asking me how my sprained thumb is. When I fell I hit my head on the hand rail, slammed my left hand into the wall (I think - can't remember) and smashed both knees and my left shin and foot on the stairs and/or wall. I didn't hurt my thumb at all - in fact it's one of the few things I didn't hurt!
I've now developed a haematoma on my leg and it hurts like a bastard. I can't walk far or stand for long and as for kneeling - shit, tried it once last week and felt like I'd landed on broken glass! He said if it was just the hand injury they'd say I'd be off work for three weeks, but he's thinking about five (the doctor says about five to six) once you factor in the leg. What's the bet they come back next year and say "a thumb injury only entitles you to a week off work so you're not covered"?
Toaster
20th December 2009, 12:46
Yep, you will be waiting for a while!!!
Usarka
20th December 2009, 12:50
I wished I had done that instead of rushing back into work.:argh:
I made that mistake also. They don't seem to realise that after head injuries people aren't exactly thinking 100%
ACC are cunts.
Toaster
20th December 2009, 13:20
I made that mistake also. They don't seem to realise that after head injuries people aren't exactly thinking 100%
ACC are cunts.
They didn't and neither did I!! :eek5:
Usarka
20th December 2009, 16:22
Lesson - if you hit your head take time off work immediately - you've a reasonable chance of getting it paid for by ACC .
If you go back to work "to see how things go" - well, you managed to go back to work in the first place so ACC won't want a bar of it.
Toaster
22nd December 2009, 15:13
Yeah so much for understanding from ACC.
ACC care factor = ZERO.
Toaster
8th January 2010, 23:11
Anyone else taken this lot to the District Court? Keen to hear how it went.
I was involved in a nasty motorcycle crash 1 June 08 where sheep ran out onto the road and I ended up with significant injuries including a moderate head injury.
In trying to do the right thing, I returned to work (new and high stress role) as soon as I could and said I was fine to do so - but head injury issues that were more far reaching than expected ended that in May.
Been fighting ACC for support on the basis that the medical reports were both inconclusive and inaccurate but recently heard the appeal hearing decision was to dismiss the case.
Reason being that its not a matter of helping those in need of further medical and financial support, but whether ACC was correct to make its decision regardless of the fact the reports were not based on correct evidence.
Sadly the latter is all that the law cares about eventhough from a medical point of view its ridiculous. .:argh:
ACC wins and we are left struggling.
Lesson learned... stay on ACC rather than rush back to work, because if it all goes pear-shaped they duck and weave as fast as possible.
Skyryder
8th January 2010, 23:20
Yeah so much for understanding from ACC.
ACC care factor = ZERO.
i'm working on another ACC T shirt.. Nearly finished. Wouldn't mind knowing if anyones used some of the other stuff i did. Anyone know.
I'd do a couple myself but I'm ab it short of lolly. House needs a paint job.
Skyyrder
Brian d marge
9th January 2010, 00:13
They get taken to court quite a lot trust me !
Stephen
http://www.accadvocacyservice.co.nz/
Toaster
14th January 2010, 22:14
Bunch of jerks that forgot they are there for people not profit.
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