Injured at Work? What to Do After a Work Accident
Experiencing a personal injury at work can be a lot to deal with, both physically and emotionally. At WT Compensation Lawyers, we want you to prioritise your health and recovery, instead of being unnecessarily stressed out by the legal and financial implications of a work injury.
We believe in empowering you with the knowledge you need to make informed decisions about your well-being and future. This guide provides clear information, helps you to understand your rights, and takes you through what to do after a work accident in Australia. Start your journey towards fair compensation for your accident at work by contacting us today.Â
What to Do After a Work Accident
Follow these five steps if you’re injured at work, and you need to know what to do next.
Step 1: Get Medical Attention
- Prioritise your health. Visit a doctor, even if the injury seems minor.
- Explain the accident to your doctor and how it happened. Give them all the details.
- Get a medical certificate that documents your injury and treatment plan.
- Get a work capacity certificate from your doctor. This certificate will document your injury and treatment plan. It will also help WorkCover resolve your compensation claim.
- The work capacity certificate should be submitted to WorkCover by your doctor.
Step 2: Report the Work-Related Injury ASAP
- Let your employer know about your injury quickly – preferably within 48 hours. Verbal notification followed by a written report is ideal.
- Most companies in Australia have an accident and incident record book or a register of injuries. Keep a copy of your report for your records.
- If you do not report your injury within 20 business days, it could impact your compensation.
Step 3: Maintain Accurate Records
Detailed records will strengthen your claim and ensure you get proper compensation. Keep copies of all documents related to your accident and injury, including:
- Accident reports, medical certificates, doctor’s notes, prescriptions, receipts, invoices, and any communication with your employer and WorkCover
- Witness statements (if applicable)
- Photos of the accident scene and your injuries (if possible).
Step 4: Consider Legal Advice
- Consult WT Compensation lawyers, who will carefully guide you and offer the support you need.
- We will assess your case, explain your rights and options, take you through the legal process, and help lodge your claim.
- We work on a No Win No Fee basis and offer a free initial consultation.
Step 5: Lodge an Injury Claim with WorkCover
- WorkCover is the Queensland government agency responsible for managing workers compensation claims.
- Lodging a claim quickly (generally within 6 months) is important for securing financial support during your recovery.
- Your lawyer can assist with understanding the WorkCover claim process, submitting your claim, and maximising your chances of a successful outcome.
What Qualifies as a Workplace Injury?
In general, any injury that happens at work or while performing your work duties qualifies. This includes:
- Physical injuries: Accidental falls, cuts, repetitive strain injuries, body stress, back injury, etc.
- Occupational illnesses: Respiratory problems from dust exposure, hearing loss from noise, etc.
- Mental health conditions: Work-related stress, anxiety, or depression.
Eligibility to Lodge a ClaimÂ
- The injury took place during work hours or while fulfilling work duties (e.g., work travel).
- It must be linked to your work activities – injuries that happen in your personal time are not covered.
- Mental health claims may need to have stronger evidence of being related to your work or events in your workplace.
If you’re unsure, report the incident to your employer and seek medical attention. It’s better to document everything and discuss eligibility with your doctor, lawyer, or a workers’ compensation representative.
Even if at fault, you may have a right to compensation. Start your claims check:
đź”’ FREE CLAIMS CHECK TAKES 2 MINUTES
What Is the Average QLD Work Injury Payout?
Queensland workers’ compensation scheme statistics 2022–23 show that the average payout for a statutory claim is $27,643, whereas the average payout for a common law claim is $188,794. These are average amounts, so it’s important to remember that individual payouts can vary widely depending on the specific circumstances.
According to WorkSafe QLD, the average QLD work injury payout depends on several factors, making it difficult to give a single specific range. Find out how much you could be getting back through our Work Injury Damages Claim Compensation Calculator.
If you have a work injury in Queensland, it’s best to consult with a legal professional to understand your individual rights and potential compensation.
Time Limits for Making a Worker’s Compensation Claim
We suggest you try to notify your employer within 48 hours; however, if this is not possible, notify them within 20 business days. Note that any delay may interfere with your claim. You have 6 months from the date of injury or illness to lodge a formal claim with your workers compensation authority. This could be WorkCover (e.g., Queensland) or Comcare (federal government).
You may be able to lodge a claim after 6 months if you have a “reasonable cause” for the delay. Examples of reasonable cause include ignorance of your rights, being overseas, or having a mental incapacity.
If your injury results in serious and permanent impairment, you may have 3 years to claim, even without a reasonable cause for the delay. It’s also good to know that claims on behalf of deceased workers can still be made after the usual time limits, provided a reasonable cause exists.
Take Your Time After an Injury at Work
We understand that this time can be challenging, which is why we’re here to help. The team at WT Compensation Lawyers can handle all of the legal details regarding your workers compensation claim while you focus on your recovery. Here are some key points to consider:
- Focus on your health: Recognise the time limits and urgency of reporting your injury and submitting your claim, but get medical attention, and always put your health and well-being first.
- Don’t rush the initial report: Take your time with writing down every detail.
- Delegate tasks: Ask family and friends to help you where possible.
- Get legal support: Schedule a consultation with us – we’re right here to explain your rights, deadlines, and next steps without adding stress to your recovery.
Communicate clearly: Tell your employer, family and us what happened and what you need to support you.
What to Do After a Work Accident FAQs
You’ll need a completed notice of injury form, medical evidence to support your claim, and the details of your employer as well as information about the injury. Remember to notify WorkCover Queensland about your injury as soon as possible.
You can get medical treatment immediately, regardless of your claim status. If you have public health insurance, you can access treatment at subsidised rates before your claim is approved. With private insurance, treatment before your claim is approved usually means you’ll have to pay upfront.Â
Some states, like Queensland, allow pre-approved treatment through WorkCover if it’s urgent. Discuss this option with your doctor and employer. Even if you pay upfront, keep all medical bills and invoices, as they will be crucial evidence for your claim later.
The main factors affecting how your work injury’s severity is measured are days lost from work and the type of injury. Your doctor will also give your injury an Injury Scale Value (ISV) between 0 (minor injuries) and 100 (extreme injuries). This value will impact how much compensation you receive. Â
Classifications like minor sprains, moderate fractures, or serious internal injuries will help to assess your injuries based on their potential long-term impact. Medical assessments (imaging, diagnosis), ongoing treatment needs, and any permanent impairment contribute to the overall picture.
Contact Us
When it’s time to talk, we’re not just lawyers – we’re compassionate listeners. Join us for your free consultation, and let’s take the first step together towards securing the compensation you rightfully deserve.
What our clients say
Even if at fault, you may have a right to compensation. Start your claims check:
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Jono, Sinny and everyone at WT Compensation Lawyers are the best car accident lawyers in Brisbane I’ve come across. The genuine care, compassion and human kindness they show to their clients is clear from the very first moment you speak to them. I cannot recommend them enough to anyone in need of a personal injury lawyer and would not hesitate at all to refer any of my family or friends. Thank you guys always for all your great work.
I highly recommend Jono, Sinau and the entire team at WT as personal injury lawyers for anyone in Brisbane looking for the best representation. Jono is a step above other lawyers, both in knowing his craft but also in the way he treats his clients like one of his own family. From the very first moment I met him, he has treated me with respect, kindness and compassion and I am glad to say we have become good friends. WT are genuine and very good people who want nothing more than to do the best thing by their clients so THANK YOU for all that you do.
Life changing. Seriously. I would highly recommend Jono without any hesitation to anyone in Brisbane looking for the best car accident lawyer. The word grateful doesn’t even begin to express how I feel after having Jono look after me after my car accident claim. He has single handedly changed my life and has given me an opportunity to move on with a bright future after some of the toughest times after my accident. I previously used a big personal injury firm, one that has ads on tv and big marketing budgets for an old work accident and the experience isn’t comparable at all. Care, empathy, compassion, kindness and always had time for me, no matter what time of day/night or how silly my question was. Jono always made me feel like I was important and always kept me updated with everything that was going on. I only wish I had used WT for my old work accident. My result I got far exceeded my expectations and is only a testament to the great personal injury lawyer that Jono is. If you’re still looking for a car accident lawyer just seriously stop and give Jono a call. You will not regret it.
I can’t thank Jono enough for his outstanding work after my motorcycle accident. His dedication, expertise, and genuine care made all the difference in my case and surprisingly turned a horrific situation into a positive one for me. From day one, he took the time to understand my situation, became a very real pillar of support for me, and kept me informed every step of the way. Jono’s strategic approach and relentless advocacy got me a life changing outcome beyond my expectations. If you’re searching for the best personal injury lawyer in Brisbane who truly goes above and beyond, Jono is your go-to guy. He’s also a great bloke which I’m sure is clear to everyone who has the pleasure of crossing paths with him. I’m so grateful for his expertise, support and friendship and writing this review is just a very small way of me thanking him for changing my life.
Sinau and the team at WT Compensation Lawyers have been nothing short of amazing. From the beginning, they made me feel comfortable with the process and were so easy to contact. Sinau was very professional and always calling me to keep me updated with my claim. He would always go out of his way to make sure my family and I were okay which I am really grateful for. His kind words and professional advice during a dark time in my life was the glimmer of hope that I needed to keep going. I will always be recommending Sinau and the team at WT to my friends and family, as I truly believe they are the best WorkCover lawyers in Brisbane. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for looking out for your Pasifika people Sinau. It is rare that we see people like you who genuinely care for our community and for that I thank you.