ACC is not invincible

[bucket boy]

its past your bedtime.

Just about.

[Edbear]

The problem with those test are if you are a week person before crash you even a bigger sook afterwards.And 1 percent able, you do realize Acc counts a tet or para as 80 percent impaired.

It will be interesting to see how ACC take the report. It's not the opinion of a medical person, but a computer program which simply measures strength and endurance against a set of parameters. One of the tests, I couldn't do at all. Another simple test was how many times I could raise my arms straight up above my head. I managed three.

The rest of his report will cover other issues relating to my physical state.

I have now had my occupational assessment and it basically mirrored the physical assessment. I am not capable of returning to my pre - accident work so will be receiving the full two years back pay. ACC sent me a letter outlining the amount and how it is assessed. Naturally I asked for a review as the calculations don't match up with the legislation. However, even if I only get this amount it will be enough.

The case manager for my lump sum payout has agreed to a review in order for me to present my case to the legal team, challenging the criteria for permanent impairment. This is particularly important as it affects everyone claiming lump sum compensation. If they accept my argument it will make a huge difference to the claim process. This is something I will pursue in the interests of everyone, beyond my own situation.

I am hoping to have my case settled by the end of next week.

[Katman]

I have now had my occupational assessment and it basically mirrored the physical assessment. I am not capable of returning to my pre - accident work so will be receiving the full two years back pay. ACC sent me a letter outlining the amount and how it is assessed. Naturally I asked for a review as the calculations don't match up with the legislation. However, even if I only get this amount it will be enough.

The case manager for my lump sum payout has agreed to a review in order for me to present my case to the legal team, challenging the criteria for permanent impairment. This is particularly important as it affects everyone claiming lump sum compensation. If they accept my argument it will make a huge difference to the claim process. This is something I will pursue in the interests of everyone, beyond my own situation.

I am hoping to have my case settled by the end of next week.

And yet two soldiers permanently disabled/disfigured through no fault of their own can't get a cent in compensation from the government.

The system is fucked.

[Edbear]

And yet two soldiers permanently disabled/disfigured through no fault of their own can't get a cent in compensation from the government.

The system is fucked.

I think that is the Army they are disputing with and the Govt. is looking at the legislation in light of their cases. IIRC they did receive ACC support. The case is more about the fact that they are classed as employees of the Army and where an employer's responsibility lies.

The problem with that for soldiers is their role and risks associated with it. Many people think it's not the same as "normal" employment.

[Katman]

I think that is the Army they are disputing with and the Govt. is looking at the legislation in light of their cases. IIRC they did receive ACC support. The case is more about the fact that they are classed as employees of the Army and where an employer's responsibility lies.

The problem with that for soldiers is their role and risks associated with it. Many people think it's not the same as "normal" employment.

It was Jonathon Coleman himself who ruled out offering compensation yesterday.

[Zedder]

And yet two soldiers permanently disabled/disfigured through no fault of their own can't get a cent in compensation from the government.

The system is fucked.

And the people running it are scum.

[avgas]

And the people running it are scum.

Corporate Scum.

It's funny - in a free market, the market comes to you. In a false market - the government guides them to you.

Over here there is a big whoo-haa about health insurance. As far as I can see - the health insurance industry is the biggest scam I have seen. It has changed the whole industry to one of over-pricing. Hospitals charge you $170 for paracetamol.....why? - because they only get paid 1/10th of that by the insurance company.
Which raises the question: Why don't they charge $17 and the insurance pays that amount? Because the government says the insurance co.s should get a discount.

So everything is 10 times more expensive than it needs to be......just to cover the costs if the insurance co. pays.......wtf

[Edbear]

An update.

I was granted a rehabilitation programme after assessment by The Pain Clinic found I was extremely weak and relying on heavy use of painkillers.

How weak? I couldn't do a situp, a pressup, a squat or maintain my body level in a test of back strength. Their assessment confirmed another test that assessed me at 1% of what a man my age and build should normally be capable of. Only my grip strength was near normal.

After 6 weeks I have made zero progress but the guy is not phased at that as I was told it would take a year or so to note any significant improvement. My bicep curls are only using 2kg dumbells, 3kg was too heavy for my back and neck. The rest of the exercises are using 10kg weights and I do 10 reps for each exercise.

My rehab case manager is very supportive which is not what I expected either. I thought ACC would be pushing to get rid of me as fast as possible but not so it would seem. She, my case manager, has also agreed to keep subsidising my Osteotherapy. I get travel allowance of course for the 3x per week I go for the physio. 29c per k.

The Doctor has doubled my meds for the Cushing's disease as I was getting extremely tired from the physio and after a week I am feeling a lot better. Cushing's is a muscle wasting illness that has some nasty symptoms and interferes with digestion meaning I don't get what I should from food. I have steroid injections every 3 weeks. My adrenal glands are burnt out. So my illness directly works against the physiotherapy and I am hoping the physio wins the fight.

Unfortunately, the physio has meant I have had to maintain my level of painkillers at the maximum, supplementing with Diclophenac twice a day. I have to rest every afternoon or suffer migraines from overwork.

Running 2 companies is hard going and my wife has been invaluable since she retired and joined me in the business.

I am in discussions with a high profile corporate business adviser who would normally be out of my reach. A fortuitous chance meeting. He has been doing it for 25 years and is adviser to some very high profile companies. He was very complimentary at what I have achieved by myself and is confident I will attract the attention of investors to help take the business to the next level. I have already been offered a significant sum but I am being cautious about borrowing and about who I want investing.

So I have been very encouraged and feel very confident about the future of both of my companies.

[FJRider]

.......

What HE said ... :

[Edbear]

What HE said ... :

Thanks mate, I am nothing if not trying. ..

[nzspokes]

Our experience with ACC long term has been quite good. Cant really complain at all about it.

[FJRider]

And yet two soldiers permanently disabled/disfigured through no fault of their own can't get a cent in compensation from the government.

The system is fucked.

Is this what you refer too .. ??

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/hawkes-bay...ectid=11174984



As usual ... you leave a few important facts out of your statement ...

BOTH brothers received ACC payments and other entitlements, but have never been compensated by the Government.

A select committee inquiry in 2003 recognised the brothers' plight and said they deserved compensation above their legal entitlements. However, the Government at the time said there was no legal basis for compensation in addition to the ACC payments they had received.

Parliament's Maori affairs select committee recommended in June that ex-gratia payments for the brothers be authorised.

Even serving military aren't entitled to more than what they are legally entitled to under current legislation.

Military personal still receive FULL pay ... even "Off sick" or unable to work. Few Civilian businesses do this for their staff ....

[FJRider]

Thanks mate, I am nothing if not trying. ..

More trying to some .. than others ...



I've had a few battles with ACC myself.

[unstuck]

Only my grip strength was near normal.

.

Been training hard have you.

[Edbear]

Been training hard have you.

I wuz tired when I posted that. .. I should have known. ..

Apparently your grip strength is the last to go. Not sure why.