Total and permanent disability (TP), is a disability insurance claim you can make if you are injured and unable to work. You can claim if you can no longer work and need regular income to pay your bills and cover any other expenses.

The claim is tricky to process, and knowing what you can claim for can be hard.

Common TPD claims include mental health conditions, cancer, and accidents that cause long-term injuries. Understanding the common types of these claims and how to claim TPD will remove any uncertainty from your claim process and help you access the support you need.

Who can make a TPD insurance claim?

To make a TPD claim, you need to be totally and permanently disabled. You will be unable to work due to your injury or illness, and your disability is expected to remain for the rest of your life. There are two types of TPD claims: occupational and non-occupational.

Occupational claims are made if your injury was caused by your job or happened at work and has left you unable to work. Non-occupational claims are made for injuries not caused by your job or at work.

You might also be able to claim on your insurance cover or superannuation funds for your injury if you have any of the following conditions:

• Mental health conditions - which prevent you from working, including PTSD< anxiety, and depression

• Physical injuries - that prevent you from working like neck injuries, back injuries, and brain injuries

• Chronic illnesses - that stop you from working, like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer

• Pregnancy - if you are unable to work

• Death - if you are the spouse or child of someone who has died from their injuries, you might receive benefits

Five common TPD claims

There are five common TPD claims filed, including cancer, mental illness, and heart disease. We have detailed the five most common claims before to provide you with a deeper understanding of the type of claims made:

1. Cancer

Cancer is the leading cause of TPD claims, with over 33% of all claims being attributed to the disease. Cancer causes a wide range of disabilities like difficulty moving or performing daily activities, fatigue, and pain, which leave you unable to work.

2. Heart disease

Heart disease is another major cause of TPD claims, with approximately 15 per cent of all claims being for heart disease. Depending on the severity of your heart disease, you might struggle with fatigue, shortness of breath and chest pain, making it difficult for you to work.

3. Mental illness

Mental illness is a broad term, but 10 per cent of TPD claims are for this. Mental illness can leave you with a range of disabilities, like difficulty performing daily activities or concentrating, anxiety, or depression.

4. Accidents

Accidents can happen to anyone and are a common cause for TPD claims. Accidents can leave you with brain injuries, amputations, or paralysed, making returning to work impossible.

5. Musculoskeletal disorders

Musculoskeletal disorders can leave you with pain and stiffness, difficulty moving and completing tasks. Working can be difficult with a musculoskeletal disorder and roughly 8 per cent of all TPD claims are for this.

Claiming for TPD

Claiming for TPD varies depending on your insurer, but generally, the process follows the steps outlined below:

1. Notify your insurer of the intention to make a claim in writing or over the phone

2. Your insurance provider will send the claim forms to you for you to complete

3. Complete the forms with the help of a lawyer to ensure you are providing enough information for a successful claim

4. The insurer will assess the claim, using medical reports and speaking to your employer to ensure the information is correct

5. The insurer makes their decision and pays a lump sum if approved. If the claim is rejected, you have the chance to appeal

Should I hire a lawyer for TPD claims?

We think it's best to hire a lawyer for any TPD claim. Experienced lawyers will understand how TPD claims work and can help you complete the paperwork successfully. They will know what information is required and what your insurance provider will look for, reducing the chances of your claim being rejected.

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A lawyer will also take some of the stress of the claim process for you, allowing you to focus on your health rather than worrying about your finances.

Find your TPD lawyer in Brisbane

TPD claims are common in Brisbane, with many experienced lawyers able to help you get the compensation you deserve. Smith’s Lawyers are a team of experienced TPD lawyers in Brisbane who can walk you through the claim process, ensuring that you get enough money to relieve any additional stress from your injury.