Workers Compensation Claims

Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to weekly income support for a period of time, medical and treatment expenses and, in some cases, lump sum compensation for ongoing impairment and lost earning capacity.

Both physical and psychological injuries can be covered, including conditions made worse by your job. Each claim is assessed on its own facts, so your injury lawyer will look at what happened and how your work contributed to your injury or condition.

The firm offers an initial 30 minute consultation at no cost to assess whether you have a viable claim. If you proceed, many legal costs for workers compensation matters are paid by the scheme insurer, usually WorkCover, on the applicable scale of costs.

In some situations contractors can still access workers compensation, particularly where the true nature of the relationship is more like employment. Because the rules are complex, you should obtain legal advice to see whether you qualify.

Work injuries are meant to be reported promptly, generally within 24 hours. If you delay because you expected the problem to resolve and it does not improve, you may need to apply for an extension of time and should seek advice as soon as possible.

If you are offered suitable duties and choose not to return to work, your employer or insurer may stop your weekly payments. You should speak with an injury lawyer before making any decision that could affect your entitlement to income support.

If your employer acts in a reasonable way when managing or reprimanding you, psychological conditions arising from that reasonable management action are generally excluded from compensation. Because what is reasonable can be a complex question, it is important to get specific legal advice.