Personal injury and work capacity assessments
After an accident or an injury at work, you may notice problems with memory, concentration, mood or energy. We measure these changes, explain what is likely causing them, and describe what you can do at work and at home.
What is a personal injury assessment?
The short version:
- It is a detailed check of your thinking skills and mental health after an injury.
- It looks at things like memory, attention, speed of thinking, mood and stress.
- It explains what has changed and what might be causing it, such as a brain injury, pain, poor sleep or stress.
- It says what you can do now, and what support or changes would help.
Work capacity means the work you can safely do right now. It covers the tasks, the hours and the changes at work that would help you return.
This is general information, not legal advice. Talk to your lawyer or your insurer about your claim.
When you might need one
We accept referrals under all Australian injury, compensation and insurance schemes, and from lawyers. We also help people plan a safe return to work.
Car or road accident
Claims with the TAC in Victoria, or CTP schemes in NSW and other states.
Injury at work
Claims with WorkSafe Victoria, icare in NSW, Comcare and other insurers.
Concussion or brain injury
Ongoing headaches, memory lapses or slow thinking after a knock to the head.
Veterans
Cognitive and mental health assessments for current and former ADF members through DVA.
Victims of crime
Psychological reports for the Victorian Financial Assistance Scheme, when the scheme asks for one.
Going back to work
What work you can do now, which hours, and what changes at work would help.
Unsure if this is for you? Fill out the form or speak to our friendly team.
Good to know before you book
Who can refer
Your lawyer, insurer, case manager or doctor can refer you. You can also contact us yourself.
Fees and who pays
Fees start from $3,600 including GST, depending on how complex the case is. Often the insurer, scheme or law firm that asks for the report pays.
On the day
Most assessments take several hours, with breaks. Tell us about pain or tiredness and we will plan around it.
Your report
Reports are usually ready 2 to 3 weeks after your appointment. Dr Judy Tang OAM reviews our neuropsychology reports.
Claims have time limits. If you have a lawyer, talk to them early about when an assessment should happen. See our fees.
What happens, step by step
1. Referral and records
We read the referral questions and your records, such as hospital and treating reports.
2. Interview
We ask about the injury, your health, your work and daily life before and after.
3. Testing
You do tasks on memory, attention and problem solving. Checks that results are valid are routine for everyone.
4. Your report
We answer the questions asked, with our reasons. We note what would help your recovery.
Helpful guides
Plain-English articles from our team.
You’re in good hands
Injury and work capacity questions
Short, clear answers to common questions.
Do I need a lawyer to have an assessment?
No. Many people are referred by an insurer, a case manager or a doctor. If your assessment is for a court case or a lump sum claim, your lawyer will usually arrange it.
Will my insurer or scheme pay?
It depends on the scheme and the reason for the report. Some schemes pay for treating assessments with a doctor’s referral. Others arrange their own assessments. Check with your case manager, or ask us and we will help you find out.
How is this different from seeing my own psychologist?
A treating psychologist helps you get better. A medico-legal assessment gives an independent opinion to answer set questions. The expert’s main duty is to be fair and help the court or decision maker, not to take sides.
What is an independent medical examination (IME)?
An IME is an assessment by a practitioner who does not treat you. It helps an insurer or scheme decide your claim. You should get written notice first. Read our IME guide.
What if I get tired or have pain during testing?
Tell us. We can take breaks, change the order of tasks or split the assessment over more than one day. Tiredness and pain can affect results, so we want to know.
Can someone come with me?
Yes. A support person can come and wait for you, and may join the first talk. For the tests, you work one on one with the psychologist, so the results are fair.
Questions about a claim?
Talk to our team about referrals, records and timing before you book.