Anyone who suffers a workplace injury is entitled to receive weekly payments for loss of earnings and payment of reasonable medical expenses. If you have suffered a permanent injury, then you may also be entitled to Lump Sum Compensation.

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First Steps:

1. Report the injury to your employer

Report the injury to your manager or employer as soon as possible. It’s best to do this in writing (for example, via email), so there is a clear record.

2. See your GP

Whether your injury is physical or mental, seeing a GP is usually the best first step. Your GP can:

• assess your injury and recommend treatment
• refer you to other providers (for example, a physiotherapist or psychologist)
• issue a Certificate of Capacity if you need time off work or reduced/modified duties.

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How do I make a WorkCover claim?

To make a WorkCover claim you need to complete a ‘Worker’s injury claim form.’ You can do this in two ways:

1. Online through a my WorkSafe account. See: my WorkSafe: Online claims - How to submit a claim online | WorkSafe Victoria

2. By filling out a paper or PDF form See: Worker's injury claim form (PDF version) | WorkSafe Victoria

You must provide the completed form to your employer, or to WorkSafe directly via info@worksafe.vic.gov.au.

Your employer will also need to complete their section of the claim form

A WorkSafe agent generally has 28 days from receiving your claim to assess it and make a decision.

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What can I claim under a WorkCover claim?

Depending on your circumstances, WorkCover support can include:

Weekly payments

If you need time off work, you may be entitled to weekly payments to cover part of your lost income.

You will need a Certificate of Capacity from your GP to claim weekly payments.

Medical and like expenses

If your claim is accepted, you can claim costs for medical treatment, medications and travel to attend medical appointments associated with your workplace injury.

These costs may be paid directly to your medical provider, or you can pay upfront and seek reimbursement (remember to keep your receipts).

No Fault Lump Sum Compensation

If your injury does not resolve completely and you are left with a permanent physical or psychiatric injury, you may be able to claim Lump Sum Compensation.

This claim will depend on the degree of permanent impairment resulting from your injury.

Common Law Entitlements

You may be able to seek compensation for pain and suffering and/or loss of earning capacity if:

1.  You have suffered a "Serious Injury" AND

2.  Your employer or a third party were negligent.

It is important to note that you have only 6 years from the date of your injury to pursue your common law entitlements.

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We're here to help

We understand that getting injured at work is stressful, especially if you’re unsure what to do next.

If you’d like help understanding your entitlements, preparing your claim, or challenging a decision, GRIT Legal can help you navigate the process and work towards the best possible outcome.

Disclaimer: This article contains general information only and is not a substitute for legal advice.

Souce: What to do when you’ve been injured at work | WorkSafe Victoria