How Do I Know if I Qualify for Worker’s Compensation?
Worker’s compensation is available to anyone who:
- Has sustained an injury or illness at work, on break from work, travelling for work, or visiting another work site.
- Are legally employed in Queensland under any circumstance.
You can file a claim for several illnesses, injuries, or disorders. Some of these include, but are not limited to:
- Physical injuries
- Psychiatric or psychological disorders like anxiety or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
- Diseases
- Aggravation of a pre-existing condition.
- Death
How Do I File a Worker’s Compensation Claim?
If you have suffered a work-related injury, disease, or condition and meet the criteria listed above, you will want to begin by seeing a doctor. You will need an official diagnosis and a work capacity certificate. You can obtain this from your doctor.
Next, you will want to inform your employer and provide them with a copy of your work capacity certificate. If your employer uses an independent insurance provider, they must file the claim. If you are filing through WorkCover, you can do so on their online portal or over the phone at 1300 362 128.
The representative assigned to your case will then begin investigating the details of your claim. This could involve speaking with them to confirm the details of your case. They may also want to confirm details of the incident and your employment with your employer.
You may choose to confer with a lawyer for some legal advice on navigating a worker’s compensation claim during this time.
Within 20 business days of filing, you should expect a decision from your WorkCase representative. If your claim is approved, you will need to provide your banking information to set up weekly compensation payments. If your claim is denied, you will be informed and provided with a reason why. You can then have your case reviewed by a Worker’s Compensation Regulator.
For What Expenses Can I Expect to See Compensation?
Many variables can affect the outcome of your case. The benefits you are entitled to are determined on an individual basis. Dispensing on the circumstances of your claim, you could be entitled to:
- Compensation for lost wages
- Medical expenses including surgeries and pharmaceuticals.
- Home Care services
- Rehabilitation
- Travel expenses
- Death-related expenses.
How Much Compensation Am I Entitled To?
The amount of compensation you receive is based on the individual factors surrounding your case and injuries. These are factors like your income amount, pain and suffering or impact on your daily life.
How Long Does the Whole Process Take?
You should have an answer within 20 days of filing your claim. Several extenuating factors can impact this time frame. For instance, if you or your employer delays getting requested information to your caseworker, that could cause delays with your response. On the other hand, responding swiftly to their requests could speed up the process.
For any additional questions regarding worker’s compensation claims, you can contact our expert compensation lawyers for a free case assessment.
