What would a covid-19 no-fault claims scheme mean for you?

A no-fault indemnity scheme is one where entitlement to compensation is not linked to proving that a person’s injuries were due to the fault of another. Workers compensation schemes are no-fault, as is the National Disability Insurance Scheme. In a no-fault scheme, all that needs to be shown is that an injury has been sustained.

In the case of a COVID-19 vaccine indemnity scheme, the scheme will be designed to benefit both medical professionals and patients. 

It will benefit medical professionals by:

• Reducing risk of legal action against professionals
• Taking the pressure off indemnity insurers and not leading to increased premiums for privately practicing providers.
• Offering security for those professionals currently hesitant to provide the AstraZeneca vaccine due to a lack of protections.

It will benefit patients by:

• Not having to prove negligence or fault if you suffer any side-effects.
• Providing quick access to support and compensation.

If a patient were to experience a rare side-effect, they would likely have to show that they suffered it because of a vaccine. This will usually require evidence from a doctor.

Like workers compensation and NDIS claims, there will be an initial claim form required to provide information about your circumstances and the injury the person has suffered.

Steps we expect you would need to take in making a claim through a no fault scheme include:

1. Identifying adverse effect or injury resulting from a COVID-19 vaccine
2. Attend on your GP or a hospital for independent verification of the injury
3. Submit a personal injury claim notification form with proof of independent verification of your injury

There would be no need to notify the vaccine provider of your injury.

Easy to access financial compensation will be the main benefit of a no fault indemnity scheme. 

Generally speaking, a claim for compensation would encompass the following aspects:

• Treatment and medication costs, both current and future
• Loss of income
• Damages (Pain and suffering)

No-fault schemes are generally less generous than at-fault schemes, like medical negligence. This is because there is a trade-off between getting access to assistance quickly in no-fault schemes. These schemes typically do not compensate 100% of loss of earnings and do not pay large amounts of damages for pain and suffering.

In at-fault schemes like negligence, the law compensates 100% of lost earnings and is much more generous in compensating pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Yes, if you think you have suffered because of medical negligence, you can still make a claim.