Estimates Replies

Medical Malpractice Claims

In reply to Mr MARSHALL (Dunstan—Leader of the Opposition) (28 July 2016). (Estimates Committee A)

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Treasurer, Minister for Finance, Minister for State Development, Minister for Mineral Resources and Energy): The South Australian Financing Authority advises that 152 claims were received in 2015-2016. This is approximately 10% higher than the previous year.

The claimant will often wait until his/her injury has stabilised to enable him/her to formulate their claim to ensure that the settlement encompasses all of their requirements. This formulation occurs subsequent to the lodgement of the claim.

SAICORP has agreed in many instances to pay interim settlement amounts to enable the claimant to access treatment or other services to assist in their recovery prior to receiving their formulated claim.

Eighty eight (88) claims were resolved/paid out in 2015-2016. Of these eighty eight (88) claims, 10 of these payments related to claims actually made within the 2015-16 financial year. The remaining claims that were resolved/paid-out in 2015-16 relate to claims made within the 2007-08 to 2014-15 financial years.