WORKCOVER - FAQs
What can I do if I am injured at work?
The following answers to frequently asked questions about workplace injuries are
applicable to injuries sustained on or after 20 October 1999 - alternative schemes
apply for injuries prior to this date.
Q. What must I do first?
A. You must lodge a Workcover Claim form or give notice of injury as soon as practicable
after the injury. Claims for medical expenses can only be made within six months
of the expense being incurred.
Q. What legal benefits can I claim?
A. You can claim benefits for medical expenses, loss of earnings and impairment
benefits, and you are able to sue a negligent person for damages.
Q. What kind of medical expenses can I claim?
A. You can claim the reasonable costs of medical, hospital, nursing, rehabilitation
and ambulance services, physiotherapy and chiropractic expenses, as well as other
similar expenses.
Q. How much can I claim for loss of earnings?
A. Subject to maximum and minimum allowances, you can claim a percentage of your
pre-injury average weekly earnings. The payment can cut out completely after 130
weeks, unless you satisfy certain criteria.
Q. What are impairment benefits?
A. Your degree of impairment is assessed by reference to a number of doctors. You
can claim lump sum benefits in most cases if your impairment is assessed as being
at a level of 5% or more.
Q. What if the accident was my fault?
A. The above benefits are payable regardless of fault.
Q. What if I do not agree with a WorkCover Insurer's decision?
A. You can challenge most decisions by taking them to the Accident Compensation
Conciliation Service. If you still cannot resolve it, you can take the WorkCover
Insurer to Court.
Q. Can I sue for damages?
A. In some instances, you can sue for damages (compensation) provided that your
injuries were caused by someone else's fault. The fault commonly lies with the employer,
which has strong obligations to ensure that its workers are not injured during work.
The damages are paid by the WorkCover Insurer and not by the employer. Substantial
damages are allowed for pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life, as well
as for loss of earnings.
This article contains general information only and is not provided as legal advice.
Professional advice should be taken before any course of action is pursued, or any
information here is relied upon.
For advice about WorkCover claims contact Harry Gill on 9890 3321.
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