Former Paralympic swimmer among injured workers alleging Gallagher Bassett failed to provide adequate care

When Shane Walsh was injured at work in 2022 while moving a patient on a collapsed stretcher, he hoped workers' compensation would help him recover. Instead, he says he faced a nearly 12-month wait for surgery approval from Gallagher Bassett, a global company that manages claims for the NT government.

Medical records seen by the ABC show doctors recommended spinal fusion surgery to repair a bulging disc compressing nerves in Walsh's spine. One doctor stated: 'I feel that his prognosis without surgery is poor.' Walsh, a former Paralympic swimmer who won silver at the 2000 Sydney Paralympics, says the delay has left him with cauda equina syndrome, a serious condition that causes pain, weakness and incontinence and often requires surgery within 24 to 48 hours.

'Some days I can't walk,' he said. Walsh described losing significant weight and being unable to perform basic tasks, crawling from bed to the shower and toilet. 'I went from 80 kilos down to 49 kilos because some days the pain was just so intense and I couldn't make it to the kitchen,' he said.

Walsh is among a number of injured workers who have told the ABC that Gallagher Bassett has failed to provide adequate care. The company manages workers' compensation claims for the Northern Territory government, which funds and outsources the management of its cases. Gallagher Bassett has not responded to the allegations.

Why This Matters

The case raises serious questions about the adequacy of care provided by private claims management agents in Australia's workers' compensation system.
Delays in approving urgent medical treatment can lead to permanent, life-altering injuries for workers who rely on the system to recover.
The allegations may prompt scrutiny of the Northern Territory government's outsourcing arrangements and the oversight of Gallagher Bassett's operations.

Background

Workers' compensation systems in Australia are designed to provide medical care and income support to employees injured on the job. Many state and territory governments outsource the management of claims to private companies like Gallagher Bassett, which assess and approve medical treatments. The system relies on these agents to act in the best interests of workers, but critics argue that cost-cutting incentives can lead to delays and denials of necessary care.

Key Perspectives

Injured workers: Workers like Shane Walsh say they have suffered permanent harm due to delays in surgery approval, and that the system prioritises cost savings over health outcomes. Gallagher Bassett: The company has not commented on the specific allegations. As a global claims management firm, it may argue that it follows medical guidelines and that some delays are due to the need for additional assessments. Critics/Skeptics: Observers may question whether the company's profit motive conflicts with its duty of care, and whether the NT government's oversight is sufficient to prevent such outcomes.

What to Watch

Any formal investigation by the Northern Territory government or the workers' compensation regulator into Gallagher Bassett's handling of claims.
Potential legislative or policy changes to reduce delays in approving urgent medical treatment.
Further reports from other injured workers who may come forward with similar allegations.

ZOTPAPER