Total loss of the power of speech was compensated under the 1971 Act at a rate of 70% of the maximum statutory rate set out in s 39(1). The relevant rates are set out in the Table “Dates of Rates Increases - 1971 Act” below.
An impairment of the power of speech caused by a compensable injury is compensated at a rate determined by the percentage of impairment because of the effect of s 39(10) of the 1971 Act which states:
39(10)The compensation payable under this Act in respect of an injury resulting in an impairment of speech of an employee is such percentage of the amount of compensation that would be payable under this section in respect of an injury resulting in total loss of power of speech by the employee as is reasonable having regard to the extent to which the speech of the employee immediately before the injury was impaired by the injury.
If the impairment does not answer one of the general descriptions in the question, “None of the above” should be selected with the result that lump-sum compensation will not be payable to the claimant.
To check whether an impairment is covered by some description of loss other than “Speech Impairments”, return to the previous streaming screen by selecting the “Back” button.