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WPI vs. ISV: How Compensation is Assessed in Medical Negligence Claims
If you’re searching for a Whole Person Impairment Compensation Calculator in Queensland, you’re likely trying to understand how compensation is calculated after an injury.
While Whole Person Impairment (WPI) is a recognised medical assessment tool, it does not determine compensation for medical negligence claims in Queensland. Instead, Queensland law uses the Injury Scale Value (ISV) system which assigns a severity rating from 0 to 100 to assess the impact of an injury.
This guide explains the differences between WPI and ISV, how compensation is determined in Queensland and what factors influence your claim.
What is Whole Person Impairment (WPI) and When is it Used?
Whole Person Impairment (WPI) is a percentage-based rating used by medical professionals to assess the extent of permanent impairment caused by an injury. The assessment is typically based on the American Medical Association (AMA) Guides and is used in:
- Workers’ compensation claims (e.g., WorkCover QLD)
- Motor vehicle accident claims (e.g., CTP insurance)
- Public liability claims in some cases
Again, while WPI is an important medical assessment tool, it does not dictate compensation in medical negligence cases. Instead, Queensland courts rely on ISV ratings to assess pain and suffering damages and determine how much compensation a claimant is entitled to.
How Medical Negligence Compensation is Calculated in Queensland
Medical negligence injuries can range from misdiagnoses and surgical errors to medication mistakes and birth injuries. Since these cases often result in long-term physical and emotional harm, Queensland law assesses compensation based on the Injury Scale Value (ISV) system.
What is the Injury Scale Value (ISV) System?
The ISV system assigns a rating from 0 to 100, where:
- Higher ISV value = Greater compensation recovered
- Lower ISV value = Reduced compensation paid
Regardless of ISV, claimants can still recover financial losses such as medical expenses and lost wages
Key Differences Between WPI and ISV
| Factor | Whole Person Impairment (WPI) | Injury Scale Value (ISV) |
| Used for | Workplace injuries statutory lump sum | Medical negligence, motor accidents, public liability claims and common law workplace claims |
| Measurement | Percentage-based rating (e.g., 10% WPI) | Scale from 0 to 100 |
| Governing Law | Workers’ Compensation & Rehabilitation Act 2003 (Qld) | Civil Liability Act 2003 (Qld) for Medical negligence/motor accidents/public liability claims, and common law workplace claims are Workers’ Compensation & Rehabilitation Act 2003 (Qld) |
ISV Categories Under Queensland Law
The Civil Liability Regulation 2014 (Qld), Schedule 4 categorises injuries into different ISV ranges. Courts assess ISV based on injury severity and the impact on a person’s life.
| Injury Type | ISV Range | Severity Description |
| Minor Soft Tissue Injury | ISV 0-5 | Temporary discomfort, minor scarring |
| Moderate Nerve Damage | ISV 10-20 | Persistent symptoms, some functional limitations |
| Spinal Cord Injury | ISV 30-80 | Permanent disability, loss of mobility |
| Brain Injury | ISV 50-100 | Severe impairment, long-term cognitive issues |
Other ISV Categories in Medical Negligence Claims
- Central nervous system and head injuries
- Mental disorders
- Facial injuries (including skeletal injuries and facial scarring)
- Injuries affecting the senses (eyes, ears, taste and smell)
- Injuries to internal organs (lungs, kidneys, liver, digestive system, reproductive system)
- Orthopaedic injuries (spinal injuries, shoulder injuries, hip and pelvis injuries, limb fractures)
- Amputations (upper or lower limbs, hands, feet, toes)
- Scarring to parts of the body other than the face
- Burn injuries
- Injuries affecting hair
- Dermatitis
Can Whole Person Impairment (WPI) Be Used as Evidence in a Medical Negligence Claim?
A WPI assessment can provide supporting medical evidence in a claim but it does not determine compensation. If a medical report includes a WPI rating, it must:
- Detail the clinical findings supporting the impairment
- Explain how the impairment was calculated
- Reference AMA 5 criteria (if used) and justify the rating
It is important to note that a doctor cannot determine an ISV rating—only the court can do this. Also, a medical report must comply with the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules 1999 (Qld), Chapter 11, Part 5 if tendered in evidence.
How Courts Determine Compensation in Queensland Medical Negligence Claims
When determining compensation, courts consider more than just the ISV rating. Additional factors include:
- The person’s age, insight and life expectancy
- The level of pain and suffering
- Any pre-existing conditions that may affect recovery
- Difficulties the person would have faced regardless of the injury
If multiple injuries are involved, the dominant injury is used to determine the ISV but courts may adjust compensation to reflect additional suffering.
Why You Won’t Find a “Whole Person Impairment Compensation Calculator” for Medical Negligence in Queensland
Unlike workplace injury claims, which use structured WPI calculators, medical negligence claims require a case-by-case assessment because:
- WPI does not determine compensation for medical negligence claims in QLD
- ISV values depend on legal and medical evidence, not a percentage scale
- Every injury and its impact is unique, requiring individual assessment
- Requirement to identify each “injury” code that is relevant to your claim
Instead of relying on an online calculator, the best way to estimate your compensation is to speak to a medical negligence lawyer.
How Much Compensation Can You Claim for Medical Negligence in Queensland?
The amount of pain and suffering compensation (general damages) you may receive for a medical negligence claim in Queensland is determined by your Injury Scale Value (ISV) rating. The ISV assigns a severity score from 0 to 100, with higher values indicating more serious injuries and greater compensation.
General Damages Compensation Table (Effective 1 July 2024)
| ISV Range | Base Amount ($) | Variable Amount ($) |
| 5 or less | — | ISV x $1,780 |
| More than 5 to 10 or less | 8,900 | (ISV – 5) x $2,080 |
| More than 10 to 15 or less | 19,300 | (ISV – 10) x $2,440 |
| More than 15 to 20 or less | 31,500 | (ISV – 15) x $2,790 |
| More than 20 to 25 or less | 45,450 | (ISV – 20) x $3,120 |
| More than 25 to 30 or less | 61,050 | (ISV – 25) x $3,490 |
| More than 30 to 35 or less | 78,500 | (ISV – 30) x $3,840 |
| More than 35 to 40 or less | 97,700 | (ISV – 35) x $4,180 |
| More than 40 to 50 or less | 118,600 | (ISV – 40) x $4,510 |
| More than 50 to 60 or less | 163,700 | (ISV – 50) x $4,810 |
| More than 60 to 70 or less | 211,800 | (ISV – 60) x $5,110 |
| More than 70 to 80 or less | 262,900 | (ISV – 70) x $5,460 |
| More than 80 to 90 or less | 317,500 | (ISV – 80) x $5,770 |
| More than 90 to 100 or less | 375,200 | (ISV – 90) x $6,090 |
Note: The above figures are effective as of 1 July 2024, as per the Civil Liability Indexation Notice 2024. These figures do not include economic damages such as medical expenses, lost earnings and ongoing care costs.
Get a Medical Negligence Compensation Assessment
If you’ve suffered due to medical negligence in Queensland, an online WPI calculator won’t give you an accurate estimate—but a legal expert can.
- No upfront costs
- Case-by-case assessment based on ISV ratings
- Expert legal guidance to maximise your compensation
At Medical Law, we help medical negligence victims secure the compensation they deserve. Our no-win, no-fee lawyers* can:
- Arrange appropriate expert medical assessments
- Build a strong case to improve your ISV score
- Work to maximise your potential compensation.
Call us today or book a free consultation to discuss your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Whole Person Impairment (WPI) used in medical negligence claims in Queensland?
No. Queensland uses the Injury Scale Value (ISV) system, not WPI, to assess pain and suffering damages in medical negligence cases.
Can I use a Whole Person Impairment Calculator for a medical negligence claim?
No. WPI calculators are designed for workers’ statutory compensation claims, not medical negligence. Instead, a lawyer can assess the true value of your claim based on the ISV system.
How much compensation can I get for medical negligence in Queensland?
Compensation depends on injury severity (ISV rating), medical expenses, lost income, and future care needs. Severe injuries (ISV 50) can result in $171,550 in general damages.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different, and we recommend speaking with a qualified lawyer to assess your individual circumstances. *Our no-win, no-fee arrangement means you won’t pay legal fees unless your claim is successful. However, additional costs such as disbursements may apply. Contact us to discuss the full terms.
