Understanding Sensitive Claims

Sensitive claims are a specific category of claim within the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) scheme in New Zealand. These claims relate to mental injuries caused by certain traumatic events, most commonly sexual abuse or sexual assault.

Under the Accident Compensation Act 2001, ACC may provide cover for mental injuries that arise from sexual abuse or sexual assault, even where there is no physical injury. This makes sensitive claims different from most other ACC claims, where a mental injury must usually arise from a physical injury.

Sensitive claims are designed to support people who have experienced traumatic events by providing access to treatment and rehabilitation services through the ACC scheme.

What a Mental Injury Means Under ACC

For ACC to accept cover for a sensitive claim, there must be a recognised mental injury diagnosed by an appropriately qualified medical professional.

A recognised mental injury typically refers to a clinically diagnosed psychological condition such as post traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, or other recognised mental health conditions.

The diagnosis must be made by a registered psychiatrist or clinical psychologist. ACC requires this clinical diagnosis to confirm that the claimant has suffered a mental injury as defined under the legislation.