ACC Injury Claims in NZ — No-Fault Cover (2026)
About this article
Sourced from New Zealand Acts of Parliament (legislation.govt.nz), regulations, and official government guidance. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
New Zealand's no-fault accident scheme is unique. Under the Accident Compensation Act 2001, ACC covers the cost of treatment and rehabilitation for accidental injury — at work, at home, on the road, or playing sport — and even treatment injury caused by medical care. You don't have to prove anyone was at fault.
The trade-off is section 317: you generally cannot sue anyone for compensatory damages for personal injury. Instead, ACC provides cover. If your injury stops you working, ACC pays weekly compensation of up to 80% of your pre-injury earnings (with an annual minimum and maximum that are indexed — recheck the current figures on acc.co.nz). If ACC declines your claim or cuts your entitlements, you can ask for a review, and appeal a review decision to the District Court. (Exemplary damages for outrageous conduct remain available in rare cases.)
When does it apply?
- You were injured in an accident — at work, home, on the road, or in sport.
- You were harmed by medical treatment (treatment injury).
- ACC declined your claim or reduced your weekly compensation.
What to do to claim from ACC
- See a doctor and lodge an ACC claim — the provider usually files it for you.
- Keep records of how the injury happened, treatment, and time off work.
- Apply for weekly compensation if you can't work (up to 80% of earnings).
- Ask for a review within the time limit if ACC declines or cuts a claim; appeal to the District Court if needed.
What should you NOT do?
- Don't try to sue for personal-injury damages — s 317 generally bars it; pursue ACC instead.
- Don't miss the review deadline after a decline.
- Don't assume you're not covered — treatment injury and many home/sport injuries qualify.
About Healthcare Rights in New Zealand
Everyone using a health or disability service in New Zealand is protected by the Code of Health and Disability Services Consumers' Rights — 10 enforceable rights including informed consent, dignity, effective communication, and the right to complain. The Code is overseen by the Health and Disability Commissioner (HDC).
New Zealand is also unusual: the Accident Compensation Act 2001 creates a no-fault injury scheme run by ACC that covers treatment and rehabilitation for accidental injury — and in return, section 317 bars most personal-injury lawsuits. So instead of suing, you claim from ACC. This shapes nearly every injury situation in NZ.
HDC: 0800 11 22 33. ACC: 0800 101 996. Healthline: 0800 611 116.
Common Questions
What is the acc injury claims (and the bar on suing) right in New Zealand?
New Zealand's no-fault accident scheme is unique. Under the Accident Compensation Act 2001, ACC covers the cost of treatment and rehabilitation for accidental injury — at work, at home, on the road, or playing sport — and even treatment injury caused by medical care. You don't have to prove anyone was at fault.The trade-off is section 317: you generally cannot sue anyone for compensatory damages for personal injury. Instead, ACC provides cover. If your injury stops you working, ACC pays weekly compensation of up to 80% of your pre-injury earnings (with an annual minimum and maximum that are in...
When does it apply — acc injury claims (and the bar on suing)?
You were injured in an accident — at work, home, on the road, or in sport.You were harmed by medical treatment (treatment injury).ACC declined your claim or reduced your weekly compensation.
Can I sue for a personal injury in New Zealand?
See a doctor and lodge an ACC claim — the provider usually files it for you.Keep records of how the injury happened, treatment, and time off work.Apply for weekly compensation if you can't work (up to 80% of earnings).Ask for a review within the time limit if ACC declines or cuts a claim; appeal to the District Court if needed.
What should you NOT do — acc injury claims (and the bar on suing)?
Don't try to sue for personal-injury damages — s 317 generally bars it; pursue ACC instead.Don't miss the review deadline after a decline.Don't assume you're not covered — treatment injury and many home/sport injuries qualify.