Fuck ACC

[Shaun]

I smashed my self to bits on the 5th of June 2007, All my medical repair work was done in the Isle of Man and the UK ( Thanks all) Which means, that all costs were covered by my own private medical insurance


So 9 Months later, and this is the help they are going to give me


Sent: Tuesday, 4 March 2008 5:25:31 p.m.
To: shaun harris (ttproduction1@msn.com)

Hi Shaun

The first weeks payment should appear in your bank acct. by Friday this week at the latest is for nett $131.45
The rest should hopefully follow
I'm putting a form in the post - please sign to confirm bank acct. and IRD number are correct and get back to me asap.

At this stage I presume the wkly amount if $131.45 nett
I am unable to tell you how much arrears are - this information should be confirmed to you via ACC payments team.

Your work place report was received last week along with attendant care - I am going to be away on sick leave for the next 3-4 wks. However I have left instructions for your assessments to be sorted within the next few days - I am sorry I can't now attend to these myself.

Shaun I hope that by the time I return to work that things are sorted to your satisfaction and that all is moving forward and you are making the sort of progress you wish for.
Regards Jos

--------------------------------------------------------------------------

So they will not let me go back to work!

They will not supply me any equipment so I can Re Train again to work

They cannot and will not and do not awnser any direct questions


FACT, I have a documented Brain Injury! The right hand lobe! and man is there a lot of change going on in my life, due to this injury, anger management etc

SO WHY THE FUCK DO THEY NOT HELP

My Wife and myself, have kept ourslf and Daughter going a OK for the last 9 months ( ALONG WITH THE CREW ON HERE) I have now spent every cent that I had in Savings $ 54 K since my crash

I think I will just have to go and get arrested today outside the ACC office in New Plymouth to try and get some real help

Sorry if this event embarrases some bikers

[James Deuce]

Sorry if this event embarrases some bikers
Next time give us some decent lead time when you're going to go postal! I haven't been arrested in ages, and you sound like you need company.

[Shaun]

Next time give us some decent lead time when you're going to go postal! I haven't been arrested in ages, and you sound like you need company.


I do need some thing Jim

[Nasty]

Shaun ... my sister had a major bike accident and a huge amount of dealings with ACC for herself and my mum (a different accident) ... if you want someone to talk to about how to get shit outta those guys ... drop me a pm and I will speak to her about talking to ya.

[James Deuce]

Here's a Site that has plenty of tips and tricks for dealing with the fuckers.

http://www.geocities.com/Yosemite/Geyser/1475/tbi/acc.html

Get in touch with these people.

http://www.accforum.org/forums/

[Usarka]

Nice one Nasty - could be a good idea. I think ACC is one of those things where you need to know how it works in order to get what you want out of it.

not the easiest when you've got a brain injury. but for some reason they can't or don't want to understand that....

[idb]

Shaun, I have no idea about this but would the Head Injury Society of NZ or the Brain Injury Association be the ones to help you (if you haven't already been in touch)?
Maybe they would know their way about the ACC system.

Good luck though, their attitude seems to go against the whole ACC reason for existence.

[slimjim]

Shaun , a really good lawyer John Miller handles acc and he's is really good, wellington lawyer, Acc are a right of their own, and it takes someone big to really get the right need's sorry but that's Acc

[Pex Adams]

We haven't had a protest ride for a while - and personally haven't been to the Naki for about 6 months?!?!?

[YellowDog]

Shaun, well done on hanging in there and pulling through. The next part should be a lot easier. Follow the good advice you have on here and let us interested parties know how you get on.

The 4 weeks sick leave guy seems to know the system well. I bet he isn't having a problem with ACC payments.

See if you can buy him a beer to get the inside track out of him.

Good luck.

[spudchucka]

ACC are a disgrace. Recently I heard on a talk radio show that they had made a bigger profit in the last financial year than Telecom, which in my opinion is simply obscene for an organisation of this sort.

[Goblin]

At this stage I presume the wkly amount if $131.45 nett
I am unable to tell you how much arrears are - this information should be confirmed to you via ACC payments team....

...Shaun I hope that by the time I return to work that things are sorted to your satisfaction and that all is moving forward and you are making the sort of progress you wish for.
Regards Jos

--------------------------------------------------------------------------



Sorry if this event embarrases some bikers:gob: How convenient! She can presume how much your weekly payments may be and can take 3-4 WEEKS sick leave before sorting your case out?!?!? What sort of monkeys do they employ at ACC???
This is diabolical! Here's a genuine need for ACC help yet they pay a fat useless bitch here hundreds each week as well as pay for someone to come and do all her housework cos she's too fat and lazy to get off her arse and do her own bloody housework.

The only embarrassment here is how pathetic our ACC system is. There's people ripping them off blind yet someone in genuine need gets the run around and has to try and survive on $131 a week....if they can be bothered processing it before going on holiday. Easy for Jos to presume and hope as she goes off on paid sick leave for 3-4 weeks. Arrrggghhhh! :angry2:Now I need anger management.

Sorry I cant give you any practical advice here but I feel for you and yours.

[Mikkel]

Damn, what a bunch of bureaucrats! Incredible that something which is quite simple needs to be complicated in that manner.

Thanks for the email address - I am seriously considering doing something nasty :shifty:

[ManDownUnder]

Shaun - you know someone that writes for an Aussie magazine... and I know someone with links into local ('naki) press... A suitable worded article should attract the ire of the Govt in Election year, and I'll happily take a copy of it in person to John Key (local MP)

He's looking for ammo to launch at the PM right now, and hitting the national news might be just the thing for you.

John Campbell would be another fun place to start.
NK

[ManDownUnder]

edit - let me know what I can do to help. Happy to supply board and a bike in Auckland if you need to get up here and make some noise around the TV stations.

[MIXONE]

Good luck Shaun.You are going to need it.Plenty of room at my place should you need somewhere in Wellington to stay while stirring.
Nominate a day to ride to the Beehive as a protest and I'll be right there with you.

[MSTRS]

This could be made into an election issue...(your god) knows there are enough of them.
Basically that letter says "You're not a bludger. Fuck off. Neeexxxttt!"

[FROSTY]

WOA THERE MATE.
I had the exact same situation.
The reason for the $135 is to pay ya something.
That $135.00 payment is the MINIMUM weekly payment untill proof of the months income leading up to the accident is sorted .Right then you'll receive that amount backdated to the date of the accident. Only question there is. In YOUR case Is it date of accident or date of repatriation. I dunno what applies.
After (I think) 3 months they review your income again based not on the last month but on the 12 months before the accident.
If its say 600000 nett then they pay 80% of that.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I can't recommend this guy highly enough

http://www.acc-law.co.nz/

[Shaun]

Thanks to all input so far, it helps me in a big way!

I made a good decision this morning after my rant on here, I went in to see my local MP Harry Dynahoven

I now have him on there case

[kiwifruit]

Hope its sorted soon man

[Ixion]

What Mr Frosty said. They haven't got the figure for what your income was before the accident, so they don't know what to make the 80% of. So they make it 80% of the minimum wage (the actual figure is in ACC legislation, but its logical basis is 80% of minimum wage).

They need to know your pre accident income. from your tax returns, on the assumption that you are either self employed or a shareholder employee. Once they have that you get 80% of that backdated .(They don't pay interest on it though. Bastards)

The legislation is Injury Prevention, Rehabilitation, and Compensation Act 2001 S45



Interim estimation of weekly earnings that cannot be ascertained

*

(1) This clause applies to a claimant who, immediately before his or her incapacity commenced,—
(a) had earnings as a self-employed person; or
(b) had earnings as a shareholder-employee.

(2) This clause applies while the Corporation cannot readily ascertain the claimant's actual weekly earnings.

(3) For the purposes of clause 38 or clause 39, in order to calculate the claimant's weekly earnings under this Part, the Corporation may estimate an amount that represents reasonable remuneration for the claimant until the earlier of—
(a) the income tax return for the relevant year is available; or
(b) 3 months have passed after the incapacity commenced.

(4) If the claimant's income tax return for the relevant year remains unavailable at the end of the 3-month period in subclause (3)(b), the Corporation can pay weekly compensation only as an advance under section 131.

(5) In doing an estimate under subclause (3), the Corporation must have regard to—
(a) the evidence available of the claimant's earnings; and
(b) the nature of the claimant's employment immediately before his or her incapacity commenced; and
(c) any employment, whatever its nature, that the claimant has while suffering the incapacity.

(6) If the Corporation—
(a) applies subclause (3); and
(b) pays weekly compensation; and
(c) subsequently finds that the weekly compensation it paid is greater than that it would have paid if the claimant's income tax return for the relevant year had been available,—

the Corporation may recover the difference, either as a debt due to it or by deducting it from any entitlement otherwise payable to the claimant (whether or not in respect of the same personal injury).


The bastards never tell you this sort of thing, though. I assume this 'Jos' is your case manager. If so she's way out of line going off for 4 weeks without advising you of the name of whoever is keeping her seat hot in the meantime.

Call ACC, ask to speak to the Case Management Team Leader. Tell them you have no idea what they're doing, nobody's explained anything to you and you want them to explain what's happening and what's going to happen. If you get fobbed off , escalate, to the Regional Manager if necessary. The higher you go the easier it gets.

Long story short, you are entitled to 80% of your pre injury earnings, for as long as youa re incapacitated. You will get it eventually. But it can be a long dreary road getting there.

I assume you have an accountant ? Get him on to them. He should have provided your tax retrun details (but who knows, maybe they haven't even asked for them. They are as lazy as all hell)

Best of luck mate, the system works but its like a cranky two stroke. Can be a bastard to get started ,and once you do it tries to throw you off at the first corner.

[Shaun]

LONG STORY SHORT CREW


ACC have had all my Buisness records and Personell records since the 14th of August 2007!

I have Paid my own accountant to sit down with my case manager and go through all details wth her

[MSTRS]

LONG STORY SHORT CREW


ACC have had all my Buisness records and Personell records since the 14th of August 2007!

I have Paid my own accountant to sit down with my case manager and go through all details wth her

Then they have no excuse and are just fucking you about (it's the only thing they do well). Not sure that Harry D will be much good (he's in an area of the Transport portfolio and has been utterly useless in the CC campaign). But I suppose you gotta give him a chance...

[Goblin]

What Mr Frosty said. They haven't got the figure for what your income was before the accident, so they don't know what to make the 80% of. So they make it 80% of the minimum wage (the actual figure is in ACC legislation, but its logical basis is 80% of minimum wage).

They need to know your pre accident income. from your tax returns, on the assumption that you are either self employed or a shareholder employee. Once they have that you get 80% of that backdated .(They don't pay interest on it though. Bastards)


Long story short, you are entitled to 80% of your pre injury earnings, for as long as youa re incapacitated. You will get it eventually. But it can be a long dreary road getting there.

What if one was self employed but not paying oneself a wage before the accident? Would that equate to 80% of nothing?

[MSTRS]

What if one was self employed but not paying oneself a wage before the accident? Would that equate to 80% of nothing?

That's were ACC is a crock. Us self-employed peoples get shafted worse than most. And why we tend to rely on income protection insurance. Which is unfortunately no guarantee of all being well either...

[Ixion]

What if one was self employed but not paying oneself a wage before the accident? Would that equate to 80% of nothing?

Not necessarily. That's why they need your tax returns (and maybe your books). It's based on income, not wages. So you were a shareholder employer (which is what I think you mean), and paying yourself no or small wage, and putting income back into the business, that can be taken into account.

But figuring out relevant earnings for self employed folk can be hard (likewise, thoe on commission schemes, and those with multiple jobs). An accountant may be a good idea.

[ManDownUnder]

LONG STORY SHORT CREW


ACC have had all my Buisness records and Personell records since the 14th of August 2007!

I have Paid my own accountant to sit down with my case manager and go through all details wth her

I'm not clear - is this a good or bad thing? I.e. do you have more owning or did Harry sort it for you in short order?

You do know Harry is a Petrolhead too - he'll appreciate who you are more than anyone in parliament!

[Ixion]

Then they have no excuse and are just fucking you about (it's the only thing they do well). Not sure that Harry D will be much good (he's in an area of the Transport portfolio and has been utterly useless in the CC campaign). But I suppose you gotta give him a chance...

If they've had the records since August (which, inportantly, is less than 3 months after the injury), they are way out of line (which is not in the least surprising. They are almost all completely incompetent).

Ruth Dyson is the MP you need, she's not actually that bad.

They are legally required to start paying you not more than ONE MONTH from when they recieve the required information (and they have to ask for anything they think they need and don't have).

And - they must pay interest on any late payements

S114



Payment of interest when Corporation makes late payment of weekly compensation

*

(1) The Corporation is liable to pay interest on any payment of weekly compensation to which the claimant is entitled, if the Corporation has not made the payment within 1 month after the Corporation has received all information necessary to enable the Corporation to calculate and make the payment.

(2) The Corporation is liable to pay the interest—
(a) at the rate for the time being prescribed by, or for the purposes of, section 87 of the Judicature Act 1908; and
(b) from the date on which payment should have been made to the date on which it is made.


So, if your accountant have given them what they need (and he should have), lodge a claim for interest under S114. That always puts the shits up them, because it is one of their KPIs that they have to report to the Minister.

[Goblin]

Thanks Ixion.

Good luck Shaun. I hope it gets sorted asap!

[Shaun]

WOW, I shit you not, an email from the office of Harry Dynhoven to the boss of the new plymouth ACC office, and then the ACC call me, I go in there, and they have put an emergency payment of $1K in today, and the total back pay etc, WILL BE THERE BY TOMORROW


And who says all MP;s are useless


SO, IF any one else has any issues, TRY YOUR MP FIRST_ NOt a lawyer, as the ACC hates being contacted by other goverment depts over failures

[James Deuce]

Excellent result. I told you MPs with facial hair were more evil than their comrades, errr, colleagues.

[Usarka]

:niceone:

..........

[Goblin]

Good shit Shaun! :niceone:

[MIXONE]

At last a fat cat that earns his salary.Excellent result.:2thumbsup

[Grahameeboy]

I do need some thing Jim

I share your frustration from my Daughter's point of view, if you think ACC is bad mate, the Waitemata DHB will put them in the shade...I have renamed them The Waidoesitmata DHB.

Sadly you have to make a fuss, bang the right doors, use all contacts possible and only then will you get somewhere...

[jrandom]

Awesome one Shaun!

Very, very pleased to hear you're getting some results. Keep us posted, eh?

[SPman]

WOW, I shit you not, an email from the office of Harry Dynhoven to the boss of the new plymouth ACC office, and then the ACC call me, I go in there, and they have put an emergency payment of $1K in today, and the total back pay etc, WILL BE THERE BY TOMORROW


And who says all MP;s are useless


SO, IF any one else has any issues, TRY YOUR MP FIRST_ NOt a lawyer, as the ACC hates being contacted by other goverment depts over failures
Harry may be many things, but he looks after his constituents first - which is why everyone keeps voting him back in!
Good result!

[jrandom]

Harry may be many things, but he looks after his constituents first...

Obviously!

My opinion of the man just went up an order of magnitude.

[Ixion]

Waitemata DHB
I share your frustration from my Daughter's point of view, if you think ACC is bad mate, the Waitemata DHB will put them in the shade...I have renamed them The Waidoesitmata DHB.

Sadly you have to make a fuss, bang the right doors, use all contacts possible and only then will you get somewhere...

The Waitemata DHB are some of the vilest people in the country . They are, collectively, total cunts.

[Grahameeboy]

Waitemata DHB

The Waitemata DHB are some of the vilest people in the country . They are, collectively, total cunts.

I would not be rude like that...they are an Authority with too many multi-divisonal areas so no one takes responsibility...my complaint is currently with the Ministry...that's how are deal with things...calling them vile and cunts is not the way to do things

[MGST]

Waitemata DHB

The Waitemata DHB are some of the vilest people in the country . They are, collectively, total cunts.

The Waitemata DHB *AREN'T* cunts, because cunts are useful. :bleh:

Glad to hear things are looking up Shaun. Keep your chin up.

[Mrs Busa Pete]

Shaun , a really good lawyer John Miller handles acc and he's is really good, wellington lawyer, Acc are a right of their own, and it takes someone big to really get the right need's sorry but that's Acc

Shaun this is the best advice anyone could give. I know it will cost $$$$$ but there is so much more you are entitled to and a lawyer is the one to get it for you.



I am speaking from experience Good luck with it all.

[Usarka]

WOW, I shit you not, an email from the office of Harry Dynhoven to the boss of the new plymouth ACC office, and then the ACC call me, I go in there, and they have put an emergency payment of $1K in today, and the total back pay etc, WILL BE THERE BY TOMORROW


And who says all MP;s are useless


SO, IF any one else has any issues, TRY YOUR MP FIRST_ NOt a lawyer, as the ACC hates being contacted by other goverment depts over failures

Shaun, this is why you have done, and will probably always will do well in life. You don't just sit there and dream, moan, or complain - you get off your arse and do something. The rest of us could learn a thing or three......

[Shaun]

Shaun, this is why you have done, and will probably always will do well in life. You don't just sit there and dream, moan, or complain - you get off your arse and do something. The rest of us could learn a thing or three......



Haha , I do dream and complain, but then realise it was a waste of time, and then get of my arse and do something

Cheers for that

[onearmedbandit]

Awesome new Shaun, great to see it got sorted. Pain in the arse to see things haven't changed in the last 10 years.

[Shaun]

More Facts for ya all


I awoke this morning with the BIGGEST PREASENT I have seen atached to my body in about 10 months:rockon:

Also, I fealt the best I have physically for 10 months!

Also, I AM FUCKIN HAPPY- YEA HA

This whole thing has been working on a part of my life, that has never had an issue before?ie, How the hell do I look after my family and my own wants and needs in $ $# $ $$$$$$$$$$$$$

SHIT BUT TRUE! Mentall stress can turn even a nutter hard little bastard like me into a retard:done:

[MSTRS]

More Facts for ya all


I awoke this morning with the BIGGEST PREASENT I have seen atached to my body in about 10 months:rockon:



TMI - this is supposed to be a family show....
Great news Shaun. Now you can move on in other areas.

[Dafe]

ACC have fark all money to pay out anymore.

Unfortunately, Medical Insurance and Life Insurance are real requirements in NZ nowdays.

With the current emigration rate of 40 New Zealanders a day leaving for Australia, the blue collar income tax is steadily decreasing.
Aunty Helen did bring in another boat load of Burmese woman in the last month, one woman with 8 kids. These are the woman that wear all those stupid rings around their necks!
All these immigrants will spend their entire lives on NZ benefits. Helen brought them in to keep the United Nations happy.

So with Helens immigrants arriving onto our benefits and the blue collar workers leaving in huge numbers, the economy is worsening rapidly.

I suggest anybody racing or riding hard out - get yourself some good insurance policies because this government has screwed any chance of you getting reasonable assistance.

Sorry to hear Shaun that you are a victim of this governments pathetic policies and priorities.
I hope you can fight a good case with ACC and prevail successfully. Glad top hear your're at least getting bits and pieces slowly.
Sounds rediculous how much money you've had to fork out of your own pocket.
I wish this government would learn to take care of its own first before taking care of the Burmese, Somalians, Nigerians etc etc.

[Grahameeboy]

ACC have fark all money to pay out anymore.

Unfortunately, Medical Insurance and Life Insurance are real requirements in NZ nowdays.

With the current emigration rate of 40 New Zealanders a day leaving for Australia, the blue collar income tax is steadily decreasing.
Aunty Helen did bring in another boat load of Burmese woman in the last month, one woman with 8 kids. These are the woman that wear all those stupid rings around their necks!
All these immigrants will spend their entire lives on NZ benefits. Helen brought them in to keep the United Nations happy.

So with Helens immigrants arriving onto our benefits and the blue collar workers leaving in huge numbers, the economy is worsening rapidly.

I suggest anybody racing or riding hard out - get yourself some good insurance policies because this government has screwed any chance of you getting reasonable assistance.

Sorry to hear Shaun that you are a victim of this governments pathetic policies and priorities.
I hope you can fight a good case with ACC and prevail successfully. Glad top hear your're at least getting bits and pieces slowly.
Sounds rediculous how much money you've had to fork out of your own pocket.
I wish this government would learn to take care of its own first before taking care of the Burmese, Somalians, Nigerians etc etc.

ACC has loads of money...

Shaun deserves the best however, how many Govts provide cover when their citizens are overseas...and doing a dangerous pursuit?

Whilst I have my own issues with the presence of ACC, it is better than nothing...again how many Govt's provide cover for 80% of earnings...

Personal Accident Cover? May cost a bit but worth it...I am sure Shaun had cover.

Not having a knock at Shaun...just putting things in perspective...sometimes lacking in this Country...

[gtr boy]

ACC have fark all money to pay out anymore.

Unfortunately, Medical Insurance and Life Insurance are real requirements in NZ nowdays.

With the current emigration rate of 40 New Zealanders a day leaving for Australia, the blue collar income tax is steadily decreasing.
Aunty Helen did bring in another boat load of Burmese woman in the last month, one woman with 8 kids. These are the woman that wear all those stupid rings around their necks!
All these immigrants will spend their entire lives on NZ benefits. Helen brought them in to keep the United Nations happy.

So with Helens immigrants arriving onto our benefits and the blue collar workers leaving in huge numbers, the economy is worsening rapidly.

I suggest anybody racing or riding hard out - get yourself some good insurance policies because this government has screwed any chance of you getting reasonable assistance.

Sorry to hear Shaun that you are a victim of this governments pathetic policies and priorities.
I hope you can fight a good case with ACC and prevail successfully. Glad top hear your're at least getting bits and pieces slowly.
Sounds rediculous how much money you've had to fork out of your own pocket.
I wish this government would learn to take care of its own first before taking care of the Burmese, Somalians, Nigerians etc etc.
totally agree,new zealand is going 3rd world real quick,in more ways than one

[SixPackBack]

My experience with ACC was stellar. Not only did I receive all monies due to me on time but I can honestly say they bent over backwards to fix my medical issues.

Admittance to one of the countries finest private hospitals for surgery progressed at a pace no different to that of a paying customer, post-op care and payments similarly went without a hitch.

I gave 'em top marks.

[James Deuce]

ACC makes more money than Telecom.

[Grahameeboy]

ACC makes more money than Telecom.

Like I said...they have a surplus and have for years...

[Grahameeboy]

totally agree,new zealand is going 3rd world real quick,in more ways than one

Right...spend time in an African country and let me know how NZ compares you silly boy...

Geeze you guys don't know when you are lucky...open the box...

[avgas]

Mums the word for handouts from them.
You basically have to keep pestering them to get anything.
I didn't know this and got squat (i could have skipped acc and sued the bastard who hit me for $$$'s)
Best of luck mate - lords knows you'll need it finding reason with ACC

[Grahameeboy]

Mums the word for handouts from them.
You basically have to keep pestering them to get anything.
I didn't know this and got squat (i could have skipped acc and sued the bastard who hit me for $$$'s)
Best of luck mate - lords knows you'll need it finding reason with ACC

Nop you cannot sue in NZ...

[Troll]

I smashed my self to bits on the 5th of June 2007, All my medical repair work was done in the Isle of Man and the UK ( Thanks all) Which means, that all costs were covered by my own private medical insurance





I am confused

You had an accident outside of NZ

No details about this accident are given or what exactly happened but it was during the IOM race week

And you expect the NZ taxpayer to cough up for an accident you had on the other side of the world

have I missed something here????

[Badjelly]

And you expect the NZ taxpayer to cough up for an accident you had on the other side of the world

You seem to have missed ACC's info on who's covered:


If a New Zealander is injured overseas, ACC is here to help on their return.

You can be covered for trips of up to six months if you were:

* On business
* On holiday or OE
* Visiting friends or family.

If you're away longer, or living overseas permanently, you may still be covered. However you may have to travel to New Zealand at your own cost for assessment.

from

http://covered.acc.co.nz/default.php?page=who

[Usarka]

I am confused

You had an accident outside of NZ

No details about this accident are given or what exactly happened but it was during the IOM race week

And you expect the NZ taxpayer to cough up for an accident you had on the other side of the world

have I missed something here????

Yep, it's part of the ACC policy. We as citizens and taxpayers get in return an insurance policy that will help with rehabilitation and financial support in the event of these incidents.

If you are covered for something with insurance you don't usually get insurance for the same thing from another provider.

[Badjelly]

No details about this accident are given or what exactly happened but it was during the IOM race week

And by the way, you might tread carefully there. Shaun Harris and his very serious accident at the IOM are well known amongst bikers and you're likely to get people expressing surprise you didn't know about it. Not me, mind you.

[MSTRS]

...again how many Govt's provide cover for 80% of earnings...



Excuse me? Govt providing cover? Back to Blighty with you, then.

[onearmedbandit]

I've had a lot of experience dealing with ACC due to my accident 10yrs ago. Here's my thoughts.

1/ The initial kick-in of ACC was smooth and effortless, just like it should be. 80% of my wages automatically into my account, I did nothing, I couldn't as I was in hospital.

2/ However this was just the basics, they were not at all forthcoming with the other entitlements I had. It took a threat of legal action against ACC by a local lawyer for them to pay me my independence allowance. Cue large back payment and life-long payments after said threat. Thanks for helping. I know, if you don't ask you don't get, but when they go out of their way to not inform you of your entitlements how do you know what to ask for.

3/ Case managers. After being on ACC for 12mths I had a meeting with my case manager. She accused me of being lazy and not willing to work, that my condition was minor, very common and reversible. I asked if she had even read my file. She told me she didn't need to, that she used to be a nurse and she knew what it was that I had, and that I was just using it as an excuse. I asked her to read my file immediately. She refused. I insisted. So she did. The look on her face as she realised just how serious my injury was was priceless, her apologies however went on deaf ears. I spoke to my doctor about this, and at a general medical meeting he brought up the issue. Turned out that she had been using this approach with a number of clients. He and other doctors took action. Next time I visited ACC she was on reception, looking very sheepish.

Through ACC I did a course that was run by 3 guys, all business mentors but from different backgrounds. One of them was an ex-case manager for ACC. I had a private meeting with these guys and was informed by them that the case managers are in a round about way paid bonuses to move clients quickly back to work. Of course this is understandable, at the end of the day it is in everyones best interest to get people on ACC back onto their own feet. However when it is at the expense of the clients well-being then this is not acceptable. They gave me the scenario of the typical case manager, starts full of enthusiasm to help their clients, approaches their managers looking to help their clients, get refused over and over again, and end up just doing the refusing themselves. They (ACC) are not interested in 'helping' you, they are only interested in returning you to work, at any cost to the client.

[Grahameeboy]

Excuse me? Govt providing cover? Back to Blighty with you, then.

What you on about old fella...

[huck farley]

I got smacked up on independence day in 1995. Spent 4 Months in Hospital. In the Waikato..

ACC is run, I think, on Parr with Auschwitz death camp. Many of the case managers I have come across over the years could have qualified easily for the SS. and the final solution.

Shaun you will mend up best your body is able to. But you have an uphill battle with ACC I can promise you that.

The best advise I can give you is to get an advocate to work on your behalf. There are a lot of retired lawyers out there that will go in and bat for you. O One did for me, and made a hell of a difference to my quality of life, and finances.

Ring the citizens advice bureau in NP they most likely will put you straight onto one.
Cheers and thanks for the memories.
the very best of luck to you.
Huck

[avgas]

Nop you cannot sue in NZ...
Sorry - i personally could have "charged him for reparations due to dangerous driving causing harm" - but alas soon as you sign that ACC form that all goes down the toilet.
Of course i found out about this after the crash.
The cops still charged him with Dangerous driving causing harm - but i was not represented as this was the cops vs him.
Hense no reparations.

[Grahameeboy]

Sorry - i personally could have "charged him for reparations due to dangerous driving causing harm" - but alas soon as you sign that ACC form that all goes down the toilet.
Of course i found out about this after the crash.
The cops still charged him with Dangerous driving causing harm - but i was not represented as this was the cops vs him.
Hense no reparations.

Yep but reparation is different to claiming loss of earnings due to injury and associated medical costs...

[crazybigal]

Sounds like a call to fair go or campbell live! should be made

"hero bike racer recovers but ACC treats him like dirt"

nothing like good media coverage to get these dickheads to pull finger!

[jrandom]

My experience with ACC was stellar. Not only did I receive all monies due to me on time but I can honestly say they bent over backwards to fix my medical issues.

Admittance to one of the countries finest private hospitals for surgery progressed at a pace no different to that of a paying customer...

Yup, what SPB said.

The care I got for my smashed-up hand last year was second to none. I didn't pay a penny and didn't wait a day longer than necessary for anything.

When ACC kicks in to cover medical treatment, it's absolutely top-notch.

There do seem to be some administrative issues with covering income replacement for people who are permanently injured, etc, though.

[huck farley]

they are only interested in returning you to work, at any cost to the client.

Sounds like you are in the same boat as I. I do recall a ACC officer coming to see me prior to leaving hospital minus one leg. I said to the ACC officer how an I to get into my home as I have about a dozen steps to climb. (besides loosing one leg the other was fractured in three places) so it was in plaster as a result. Anyway back to the story. The ACC employee said to me, in front of two good friends visiting at the time. (Quote) Well if you can find an old door and perhaps nail some chicken wire on it. Surely that will do the Job (unquote)

I have been putting up with case managers like that for years. Until I found an ACC advocate. Boy o boy did he give them a piece of his legal mind. I have had it real good these last 4 years since he came on board to help me. I suggest to any long term to permanent clients of ACC. You must find an advocate to help you. As mentioned to Shaun the citizens advice bureau is a good place to start looking for one.