Workplace injury

Each employer has to have Workers Compensation insurance, which insures the employer against you getting hurt at work.

If you are injured while you are at work or suffer from a work related illness you may be covered by your employer’s workers compensation insurance.

Workers compensation provides financial assistance, payment of medical costs and rehabilitation assistance to the injured worker if their claim is accepted. Lump sum payments can also be made if the worker has suffered a permanent disability. The aim of workers compensation is for the worker to get better and return to work as soon as possible.

There are strict time limits that apply to workers compensation claims. If you suffer an injury at work or are injured because of your work, you need to notify your employer immediately, see your doctor for the purposes of obtaining a workers compensation medical certificate, complete a claim form and provide this to your employer.

Your employer should notify their insurer and lodge your claim form with them.

If your claim is disputed, you can ask for help.  Check below to see where to contact in your region.

Differences between states

Northern Territory

Need more help? You should seek legal advice regarding your claim, especially where it is disputed by the insurer. You can contact the Central Australian Women’s Legal Service on 08 8952 4055 or the NT Working Women’s Centre on 08 8981 0655 in Darwin, or in Alice Springs on 08 8952 5255.

ACT

Need more help? You should seek legal advice from Legal Aid ACT regarding your claim especially where it is disputed by the insurer.

Western Australia

You should seek advice from WorkCover WA regarding your claim especially where it is disputed by the insurer.

NSW

Need more help? Contact LawAccess NSW on 1300 888 529 or check out the WorkCover website.

Victoria

Need more help? You should seek legal advice from Youth Law or Job Watch, especially if your claim is disputed by the insurer.

Need more information? Check out Youth Central and Worksafe Victoria.

South Australia

You should seek advice from SafeWork SA regarding your claim especially where it is disputed by the insurer.

Tasmania

Need more help? You should seek legal advice from Women’s Legal Service Tasmania or Worker Assist regarding your claim, especially where it is disputed by the insurer.

Queensland

Need more help? You should seek legal advice from Women’s Legal Service Queensland, or the Workers Compensation Information Service regarding your claim, especially where it is disputed by the insurer.