Workplace accidents are an unavoidable reality. Disregarding the nature of your job, you are likely to suffer or have suffered some form of injury at some stage of your working life. If you have a physically demanding or dangerous job, your chances of withstanding injuries increase considerably.
However, you must acknowledge that whenever you bear a workplace-related injury, you are entitled to receive compensation for whatever happens to you. All Australian workers, whether full-time, part-time, casual or a subcontractor, should be covered by a workers’ compensation scheme.
Here we tell you what you must know about workers’ compensation, from its definition to possible claims, and what to do in case you suffer an injury.
What Is Workers’ Compensation?
Workers’ compensation—also known as workers’ comp—is a type of insurance that bestows you with money in place of your wage whenever you endure injuries that result from a workplace accident.
Workers’ compensation is a form of compensation that covers common expenses that come with injuries, such as medical bills and other treatments.
At the same time, you must also acknowledge that you may be offered an impairment lump sum payment when you obtain this compensation. Upon accepting a lump sum from workers’ compensation, it is essential to know that you are also letting go of your rights to sue your employer if any form of negligence or tort is present in your case.
Therefore, it is necessary to determine the extent of your injuries and your case to consider the right course of action.
What Are the Steps You Should Follow if You Have Suffered an Accident?
As a general principle, whenever you are injured at work, you must gather as much evidence as possible of your damages. Any form of documentation you can obtain is beneficial. Also, keeping notes of the incident can help you to remember later down the track.
These are some guidelines of what you are to do whenever you find yourself in these situations:
- Get checked by a doctor immediately
- Once you are checked, get a workers’ compensation certificate
- Inform your employer about your situation and hand them a copy of the certificate
- Lodge your claim with workers’ compensation
- Keep copies of all your documentation, from medical tests to claims.
Benefits You Can Receive From Workers’ Compensation.
- Loss of income compensation
- Payment, reimbursement, or compensation for medical expenses
- Extendable benefits to your dependents in case you pass away as a result of your injuries
If you are worried about the stability of your job, it is important to know that it is illegal for an employer to terminate your employment on the grounds of an employee making a compensation claim.
Our specialist lawyers are here to guide you and explain your rights. Contact us today at 1300 695 299 for further advice regarding workers’ compensation and other legal matters.
