Injured at work?
WorkCover is a type of insurance that covers workers who are injured at work or suffering a work-related illness.
Injured workers can claim compensation for their pain and suffering, loss of income and medical expenses, regardless of who is at fault for their injury.
PRD Legal understands how stressful and complicated making a workers’ compensation claim can be, our firm is here to assist you every step of the way.
Who can make a Workers’ Compensation claim in Victoria?
All Victorian workers who are employed on a full-time, part-time, or casual basis can make a claim. Interstate workers where the employers’ principal place of business is in Victoria can also make a claim.
What do I do if I’ve been injured at work?
Report the injury or illness
It is important to report your injury or illness to your employer within 30 days of becoming aware of your injury or illness (No matter how minor the incident is). Make sure to keep any relevant information and documentation.
If it’s been more than 30 days since you became aware of your injury or illness, it is important to contact us and speak with one of our experienced WorkCover lawyers.
You have one year from the date of your accident in which to make a claim with the Worksafe.
Consult your Doctor or Allied Health Practitioner
Consult your Doctor/Allied Health Professional to assess your injury and seek appropriate treatment.
Remember to advise them how you sustained your injury or illness.
NOTE: You must get a WorkCover certificate of capacity from your doctor if you’re unable to work and are making a claim for weekly payments. A medical certificate will not be enough to be paid under WorkCover. The initial certificate must be provided by your Doctor.
Lodge a WorkCover claim form – Contact us today
Consult your Doctor to assess your injuries and seek appropriate treatment.
If you need to take time off work and/or require ongoing medical treatment due to your work-related injury or illness, you must complete and lodge a WorkCover claim form.
PRD Legal can help assist you in lodging your WorkCover claim form and provide it directly to your employer free of charge. Having an experienced WorkCover lawyer present during this process can help ensure you maximise your entitlements.
What WorkCover entitlements are available?
Weekly Payments
If you cannot work due to your injury or illness (or have modified duties/hours) you may be entitled to weekly payments calculated by reference to your Pre – Injury Average Weekly Earnings (PIAWE).
Weekly payments are available for up to 130 weeks and in certain circumstances beyond 130 weeks to retirement age.
Medical and Like Expenses
WorkCover can pay for medical treatment that is reasonable and related to your work-related injuries. These can include:
- GP appointments
- Hospital expenses
- Medical expenses
- Surgery
- Rehabilitation expenses (includes physiotherapy or other allied health services)
- Travel expenses
- Personal and home help services
- Radiology scans and other investigations
Impairment benefits
- After 12 months and when your injury is stable (not getting better or worse) you may be entitled to claim a lump sum impairment benefit.
- A lump sum is payable if your injuries meet or exceed a particular threshold.
- The threshold differs depending on if your injury is physical or psychological.
Common Law Entitlements
If your injury is considered ‘serious’ and the injury was caused as a result of someone else’s negligence or fault, you may be entitled to Lump Sum Compensation payment for pecuniary loss into the future (Loss of Income) and general damages for pain and suffering.
What types of injuries are covered?
- Back and Neck Injuries
- Shoulder Injury
- Repetitive Strain Injuries
- Psychological Workplace Injury
- Broken Bones and Fractures
- Occupational Disease Injuries and Illnesses
- Burn Injury
- And others
When should I consult a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer?
If you have sustained a new injury and/or illness, or a pre-existing injury or illness has been aggravated or has worsened because of the nature of your work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation.
Without representation, many workers are unaware of their rights and potential entitlements. Workers are often unaware of their rights to dispute decisions from the insurer or the time limits within which such decisions can be opposed.
PRD Legal understands how stressful and complicated making a workers’ compensation claim can be, our firm is here to assist you every step of the way.
We offer free no-obligation initial appointments.
How long do you have to lodge a WorkCover claim?
You should lodge your WorkCover claim within 30 days of your injury, or as soon as you’re able to.
If your claim is lodged after 30 days, it may still be accepted. WorkCover has the ability to waive or extend this time limit. If WorkCover reject your claim on this basis, please contact us as soon as possible.