ACC levies, like most taxes, are a necessary evil. While we loathe to pay it, it's something most of us could not bear to be without when struck by an accident.
We all contribute to ACC by way of taxes and vehicle licensing and those who participate in activities with
higher risk factors are likely to contribute more.
But it's not always the people in dangerous jobs that require support from ACC. Latest statistics reveal that everyday chores can be quite hazardous and cause massive disruptions to even the fittest people.
ACC figures released this week show that nationally, more than 261,000 people were injured in a fall at home last year - costing $272 million.
Most falls happen when people are doing everyday things such as walking up or down steps, rushing to answer the phone or working on a DIY project.
And the majority affected is not older people, as some would think.
In Tauranga City, 3071 people aged 25 to 64 were injured in a fall last year and in the Western Bay of Plenty for the same age bracket it was 1230.
ACC's Dr Keith McLea says working-age people account for 41 per cent of claims for home falls and 60 per cent of the cost.
These people are more active and productive and usually have family responsibilities, meaning the consequences - and the cost - can be huge.
A 39-year-old Tauranga woman is a prime example of this. Dionne Stevens fell down her stairs in May, breaking her tibia and fibula and dislocating her ankle.
She was immobile for five weeks and needed help with everyday tasks such as meals.
It begs the question, how would anyone cope without the support of ACC?
Some say the system is vulnerable to scammers but the majority of recipients would be genuine.
And surely it is better than no compensation system at all. In some countries, such as the United States, if you fall down the stairs the government will not be there to offer support.
You would sue your landlord, or perhaps the builder, and while the financial gain might be large, the practical support would be low.
The paper trail when filing an ACC claim may seem tedious but cannot be worse than long, drawn out legal battles.
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