A Step-By-Step Guide to Filing a WorkCover Claim in QLD

Last updated on May 31st, 2022 at 11:32 am

There is nothing more frustrating, inconvenient, and disruptive than getting into a workplace injury. The chances are that there’s a safety hazard in the workplace that your employer has failed to address, leading you to a slip-and-fall accident. Because of your injury, you will then need to get yourself medically treated and need a work break for your recovery. But how do you handle all the medical expenses while being out of the office for a few weeks? This is where a WorkCover claim or worker’s compensation comes into the picture.

In this article, we’ll cover what a WorkCover claim entails and share with you a step-by-step guide on how to file one:

Disclaimer: This article is designed for general information in relation to Queensland statutory law. It does not constitute legal advice.

What a WorkCover claim is

To put it simply, you are entitled to file a worker’s compensation claim if you suffer from an injury or disease related to your work. This involves any type of injuries sustained in the workplace or as a result of your job. It also includes existing injuries and illnesses that have been worsened by your job at work. When your claim is approved, you are covered for your loss of wages, medical expenses, and even rehabilitation costs.

How to file a WorkCover claim

If you have been in an accident in the workplace and want to file a claim, here’s a guide that you can follow:

• Get yourself medically treated, give details of the injury to your doctor, and ask for medical records.
• Report the injury to your employer. Be sure to do this in writing within 30 days of becoming aware of the injury. As every employer must have an injury book, you can make an entry in the book or the register of injuries in your workplace.
• If you want your medical expenses to be covered, lodge a claim, and attach any related invoices for the medical expenses.
• If you need time off from work due to your situation, you must include a certificate of capacity completed by your doctor. Keep in mind that both the claim form and certificate must be filed immediately.
• Once you have lodged the claim with your employer, they are usually given ten days to forward the documents to their WorkCover claims agent.
• The claims agents then have 28 days to respond as to whether or not your claim has been approved.

Where to obtain a WorkCover claim form

If you aren’t sure where to obtain a claim form, you can get it from the following:

• Post office
• Your doctor
• WorkCover Connect (see below)

WorkCover claims in Queensland

This scheme varies from one state or territory to another, which is why it’s important that you are well-acquainted with the compensation scheme of your locality. In Queensland specifically, The WorkCover Queensland’s online service WorkCover Connect allows employers to manage their worker’s compensation insurance policies, track claims, and analyse industry trends via a secure login.

Conclusion

Overall, WorkCover is an excellent benefit that fosters safety in the workplace and protects employees in case of a workplace injury or disease. At this point, you should now have a better understanding of what you need to know about filing a worker’s compensation claim in Queensland.

If you wish to lodge your WorkCover claim, please contact your doctor/GP as it is not part of our services. We can provide you guidance on your compensation options AFTER WorkCover finalises your claim and assesses you for a permanent impairment percentage then offers you a lump sum offer as compensation for your injuries.

We have a team of professional lawyers specialising in car accident claims, public liability, death claims, TPD claims, and worker’s compensation in Queensland. If you need an attorney for a workplace injury, get in touch with Seymour Furlong Lawyers today to see how we can help!