What is the difference between WPI and DPI in Queensland?

Queensland uses 'Degree of Permanent Impairment' (DPI) under the Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 - functionally equivalent to WPI in other states but assessed under the GEPI (Guide for Evaluation of Permanent Impairment) 2nd edition published by the Workers Compensation Regulator. Most people use 'WPI' colloquially even though Queensland's official term is DPI.

How is QLD DPI assessed?

DPI is assessed by an accredited Independent Medical Examiner appointed under the QLD scheme. The methodology is GEPI 2nd edition, which is based on AMA 5th edition with Queensland modifications. Each affected body region is assessed chapter-by-chapter; multiple impairments are combined under the Combined Values Chart. Pre-existing impairment is apportioned out.

What is the minimum DPI for a QLD workers comp lump sum?

Queensland is unusual in having no formal minimum DPI threshold for a lump-sum offer - even a 1% DPI rating triggers a lump-sum offer (typically modest at low DPI). However the strategic decision is between accepting the lump sum (and forfeiting common-law rights in many cases) or pursuing common-law damages. The right choice depends on injury severity, fault evidence, and earning capacity loss.

Can I keep my QLD lump sum AND pursue common-law damages?

Generally no - accepting the WorkCover QLD statutory lump-sum offer typically triggers a deemed election that forfeits common-law rights. There are exceptions for terminally ill workers and certain other categories. This is one of the highest-stakes decisions in a QLD workers comp claim - get specialist advice before signing the Offer of Lump Sum Compensation.

How much is QLD common-law damages worth?

QLD common-law damages cover past and future economic loss, medical and care expenses, and general damages calculated under the Civil Liability Regulation 2014's ISV (Injury Scale Value) scale. There is no statutory cap on damages in QLD workers comp common-law claims (unlike CTP). Settlements range from $100,000 for moderate injuries to seven figures for serious injuries with major earning capacity loss.

Queensland WPI Calculator: DPI Payout Calculator QLD

QLD WPI / DPI calculator

QLD scheme overview - DPI not WPI

Queensland's workers compensation scheme operates under the Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 (WCRA), administered by WorkCover Queensland (and self-insurers). Permanent impairment is expressed as 'Degree of Permanent Impairment' (DPI) - the QLD-specific term for what other states call WPI.

QLD is unique among Australian schemes in two ways:

No formal minimum threshold for a lump-sum offer. Even 1% DPI triggers an offer (modest amounts at low DPI). Most schemes have minimums of 5%, 10%, or 11%.
The lump sum vs common-law choice. Accepting the statutory lump-sum offer typically forfeits common-law rights. The strategic decision needs specialist input.

GEPI 2nd edition methodology

Queensland workers comp DPI is assessed under the Workers Compensation Regulator's Guide for Evaluation of Permanent Impairment (GEPI), 2nd edition. GEPI is based on AMA Guides 5th edition with Queensland modifications.

The assessment is conducted by an Independent Medical Examiner accredited under the QLD scheme. Process:

Maximum medical improvement (MMI) reached.
Independent Medical Examiner appointed.
Body region assessed under relevant GEPI chapter (range of motion, neurological, imaging, clinical findings).
Pre-existing impairment apportioned out.
Multiple impairments combined per Combined Values Chart.
DPI rating issued with detailed report.

WorkCover QLD lump-sum offer (approximate, 2024-25)

DPI	Approximate lump sum
1-5%	$2,000 - $25,000
6-10%	$25,000 - $55,000
11-20%	$55,000 - $135,000
21-30%	$135,000 - $215,000
31-50%	$215,000 - $400,000
51%+	$400,000+

The exact amounts CPI-index annually and are published by WorkCover QLD. The lump-sum amount is calculated using a formula that ties DPI percentage to a 'percentage of QOTE' (Queensland Ordinary Time Earnings) - a published statistical figure.

Common-law damages in QLD

QLD workers comp common-law damages are claimed via court proceedings (or pre-court settlement) under the Workers' Compensation and Rehabilitation Regulation. They cover:

Past loss of earnings (actual income lost)
Future loss of earning capacity (actuarially calculated to retirement, discounted)
Past and future medical, treatment, care expenses
Loss of superannuation
General damages for pain and suffering (under Civil Liability Regulation 2014 ISV scale, 0-100 scale translated to defined dollar bracket)
Modifications, equipment, out-of-pocket expenses

QLD common-law damages have no statutory cap - a major difference from many other Australian schemes. Six-figure to seven-figure outcomes are common for serious injuries with significant earning capacity loss.

The trade-off: common-law claims require proof of employer negligence (breach of duty of care). They take longer (typically 2-3 years to settlement) and bear litigation risk.

The lump sum vs common-law choice

This is the highest-stakes decision in a QLD workers comp claim. The basic mechanic:

WorkCover or self-insurer issues an Offer of Lump Sum Compensation (NoA - Notice of Assessment) once your DPI is determined.
You have a defined period to accept or reject. Acceptance triggers a deemed election that you've taken the statutory route - in most cases, common-law rights are then forfeited.
Rejection (or non-acceptance) preserves common-law rights but means no lump sum until and unless common-law damages are settled.

Whether to accept depends on:

Strength of negligence evidence. Common-law requires proof employer breached duty of care.
Earning capacity loss. If significant, common-law damages will dwarf the statutory lump sum.
Injury severity and DPI. Higher DPI generally means a larger lump sum offer, but also typically larger common-law damages.
Risk tolerance. Common-law claims carry litigation risk; statutory lump sum is certain.
Time horizon. Statutory lump sum pays now; common-law damages take 18-36+ months.

Get specialist advice before signing the Notice of Assessment. Once you accept, you generally can't reverse the decision.

Free QLD WPI / DPI claim assessment A WorkCover QLD specialist will assess your DPI and explain the lump sum vs common-law trade-off →