By Bridie Byrne
CRIPPLED with injuries from a car accident eight years ago, Greg McKenzie says he has lost everything.
And the father of four resents the fact that the TAC is not covering his medical costs fully.
“All those people who have been injured in car accidents that the TAC doesn’t pay out for are put on to the taxpayer with being put on a disability pension,” the 48-year-old said.
“The TAC originally paid for loss of income and medical reports but as soon as they got their main medical reports they basically wanted to have nothing to do with you.
“They have only paid $21,000 for operations that have cost around $100,000.
“I had to have two back operations and two neck. Being in hospital so much I had to hand over my mechanic business.
“I tried to keep the business by bringing in apprentices but I just couldn’t do it.”
The accident in September 2000 occurred between the Werribee Hospital and police station.
“There was a P-plater who came up behind us who was doing 180km/h and wrote one car off … and damaged a couple of other ones and then ran straight up the back of me,” he said.
Mr McKenzie suffered five broken ribs, whiplash and soft-tissue damage to his back.
“Even now I’m still living off strong painkillers,” he said.
His daughter, who was a passenger in the car, sustained knee injuries.
Proceeding with court action is another financial burden he wants to avoid.
“To take it to court the case will go for about two or three weeks and just in barrister fees it will cost $200,000,” Mr McKenzie said.
“I was instructed from my solicitors to withdraw my application for a common-law claim because they don’t think we would win.
“TAC will just chase me down for the cost of court when I lose, and it’s not if I lose but when.
“Every doctor I have seen for any injury will be brought in to defer the injuries away from where they occurred.
“I always thought justice would prevail.
“It’s too late for me but I hope no other family goes through what we have.”
TAC spokeswoman Amanda Bavin said the TAC paid reasonable medical and rehabilitation costs for people injured as a result of transport accidents where it was supported by medical advice.
“The TAC is required to pay compensation in accordance with the Transport Accident Act and has paid compensation to Mr McKenzie.”
Ms Bavin said no changes needed to be made to the system.
“The TAC has operated effectively for the past 20 years of its operation and has provided nearly $10 billion in compensation to more than 400,000 people.”
She said the TAC resolved most disputes through informal reviews and alternative dispute resolution protocols.
