When you’re covered by ACC, and when you’re not
Overview
Most ACC claims are for physical injuries caused by accidents – like broken, fractured or dislocated bones, muscle tears and strains, deep cuts or tears (“lacerations”), and sprains.
Most claims involve an “accident” in the everyday sense of the term, like a car crash, or falling off a ladder at work or at home. But sometimes there are less straightforward cases, and whether you’re covered by ACC will depend on if you meet the criteria or legal definition of “accident” set out in the Accident Compensation Act (see: “Injuries caused by accidents” ).
Usually ACC only covers injuries caused by a specific event, rather than by a long-term, gradual process. But sometimes ACC will cover conditions caused by long-term exposure to something harmful at work or by an action repeated over a long time as part of your work (see: “Conditions caused gradually: Covered only if work-related”).
In a few situations, non-physical injuries like panic disorders or depression will also be covered, depending on how they were caused (see: “Mental injuries: sometimes covered”).
