In making a claim for workers compensation, the injured worker or their representative (i.e. lawyer) must advise the employer that an injury has occurred and provide any relavent information required such as details of the incident and medical information relating to the injury. An injured worker does not, in most cases, need to send a written claim form to the insurer to receive workers compensation. Instead, once the insurer has been told of an injury (by the employer, the worker or a third party), the claim process will begin. It is also important to note that a worker who has received an injury that results in permanent impairment may be entitled to receive lump sum compensation payments in addition to weekly benefits.

In most cases, there is a time limit for making a workers compensation claim. In general, a claim for workers compensation should be made within six months of the date of the injury but ideally it is best to make a claim as soon as possible. It is important to keep in mind that a worker may not be entitled to compensation if notice of the injury has not been given to the employer as soon as possible after the injury or if the worker has voluntarily left the employment in which the worker was at the time of the injury.

What should I do if I have been injured in the workplace?

If you have been injured at work, then you are entitled to make a claim for compensation. For a workers compensation claim to be established you must be able to prove that you were injured at work or while doing your job.  

In seeking a claim for worker’s compensation, a specialist lawyer will be able to guide you through the process of making a claim for compensation and reparation for injuries sustained. In addition, a lawyer will be able to act on your behalf in dealing with your employer, respective insurance companies and representing you in a court of law and/or relevant tribunals.

The following Australian website: www.legaladvice.com.au offers a fast, free and online legal enquiry service for all Australian people to receive immediate legal assistance on all areas of the law including worker’s compensation law.