Lost ACC case

[Toaster]

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. .

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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. .

....
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]

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.

[Brian d marge]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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!!