A work-related injury or disease may result in a temporary or permanent impairment resulting in:

• loss of efficient use of part of the body, or
• loss of part of the body.

A permanent impairment is one that remains stable and stationary after a period of time and is not likely to improve with further treatment. If a worker has a permanent impairment as a result of their work-related injury, they may be entitled to lump-sum compensation.

A worker may ask to be assessed for permanent impairment or WorkCover Queensland may decide to have the worker assessed. The percentage of permanent impairment is used to calculate offers of lump-sum compensation.