The scheme is managed by the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) and covers the full range of personal injuries. This includes injuries suffered at work, at home or during sports or other leisure activities. Claims may also be made for personal injury caused by a medical mistake or error, sexual assault or abuse, and some work-related conditions such as occupational overuse syndrome (OOS).
In New Zealand, you cannot sue anyone for compensatory damages if you are injured. Instead, ACC helps to pay for the cost of your care.
All accident victims are entitled to free hospital treatment. ACC also subsidises all other types of treatment involving accident-related injuries, as long as the treatment is provided by registered health professionals. The patient usually pays a part-charge for the treatment.
If your injury stops you from working, ACC pays weekly compensation, usually based on 80% of your weekly income before tax. It can also help with residential nursing care, home help and childcare, as well as subsidising transport and training costs while you recover. In some cases involving permanent physical impairment, compensation, or 'lump sum', financial payments are also made.
