Former WA Police officer 'gutted' after compensation for horrific injury denied

Paul Litherland says he was assured he could access post-service medical compensation after he left the WA Police in 2014. (ABC Radio Perth: Kate Leaver)

Former WA Australian of the Year Paul Litherland sustained severe physical and psychological injuries when he was hit by a car while serving in the WA Police in 2004.

He says he was told that when he left the force, he would be eligible for post-service medical compensation for his ongoing medical costs, but his claim was recently denied by the state government's insurer.

Police Minister Reece Whitby says he has asked the insurer to look into Mr Litherland's case, describing him as a remarkable man who "has done great service for Western Australia".

Former WA Police officer and WA Australian of the Year Paul Litherland says he is "heartbroken" after his claim for post-service medical compensation over injuries he received in the force was denied.

Mr Litherland was a serving police officer in 2004 when he sustained horrific injuries after being hit by two cars in succession on the Kwinana Freeway.

"I was heading home on my police motorbike, and I'd stopped to help a guy who got bogged in the middle of the freeway," Mr Litherland told Nadia Mitsopoulos on 102.5 ABC Radio Perth.

"I was in the right-hand emergency lane trying to help him out. I was calling for a tow truck when all of a sudden, I heard screaming tyres, looked to the left and there was a car heading towards me at 80 kilometres per hour.

"He ploughed straight into me, threw me about 10 metres down the freeway and I landed on my back and broke a couple of vertebrae, ruptured three discs, and hit my head on the freeway.

In the aftermath, Mr Litherland required multiple surgeries, years of rehabilitation and also suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Paul Litherland went on to become a cyber safety expert, but suffers ongoing complications from his injuries. (Supplied)

Mr Litherland left the police in 2014 and went on to become a renowned cyber safety educator.

He said he still suffered ongoing health problems from his accident 22 years ago, and the medical costs had begun to add up.

He estimated he had spent about $135,000 in the past 12 years.

"I just thought I'm financially OK, I'm happy to pay them myself and I did that for many years," he said.

"Over the last couple of years in particular, it's been quite a strong burden on me financially, so one of my medical professionals suggested putting in a claim."

In 2012, Mr Litherland received a settlement of $35,000 towards his future medical costs.

He said he questi