Have you been injured or become ill from a work-related incident? You might be eligible to receive workers compensation – a form of insurance that may (amongst other things) cover your medical expenses and wages whilst you are unfit for work.
Depending on your personal situation, you may or may not require legal assistance with your case. If you do need legal advice, get in touch with a reputable firm such as Preston Law for more information.
This article provides an overview of the process of applying for workers compensation in Cairns.
Who to contact for advice
While legal advice is always an option, you can also contact your state or territory’s regulatory authority for assistance. For New South Wales, this is the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA).
Types of compensation claims
There are several types of compensation you might be eligible to receive. These include:
Income support
If you are unable to work due to illness or injury, you might be eligible to receive weekly payments until you are able to return to work.
Medical and rehabilitation expenses
You might be eligible for payments covering the costs of any necessary medical and/or rehabilitation expenses sustained as a result of your work-related misadventure.
Return to work payments
If you are unable to return to your previous job, you might be able to receive payments to help you find a new job.
Hearing impairments
If you require a hearing test and/or hearing aid, or have sustained permanent hearing loss due to work, you might be able to make a claim.
Education and training payments
You might be able to receive financial support if you need to learn new skills before returning to work.
Domestic support
If you need assistance performing daily household tasks following an illness or injury, you might be eligible to receive compensation.
Lump sum payment for serious injury
If you have been permanently impaired as a result of a work-related incident, you might be eligible to receive a lump sum payment.
Property damage
If your property (e.g. glasses, crutches, artificial limbs) has been damaged in a work-related incident, you might be able to claim money back.
Worker’s death
If a worker died during a work-related incident, you might be able to claim compensation for funeral expenses and other payments.
How to make a claim
Before making a claim you must first notify your employer of the injury or illness, including the time and date it occurred at or over, a description of how it occurred and what damage was sustained. You can also tell your employer’s insurer if desired.
You should then visit a healthcare provider and obtain medical information including a certificate of capacity. Proof of employment must also be obtained. This information, as well as:
· Name and contact details of the worker, employer and the worker’s medical practitioner
· Name and contact details of any witnesses if available
· Description of the illness or injury and how it occurred
· Information supporting the financial losses and medical expenses being claimed must be provided to the insurer via a claim form, which should be signed by an authority.
Be aware that time limits may apply when claiming compensation. Generally this is 6 months after the injury or illness was sustained, though it may be longer in special circumstances.