Here to Help You Understand Workers’ Compensation on Gold Coast
If you’re one of the more than 68,000 Queenslanders injured in the workplace each year, WorkCover is there to help recover some of your lost income. However, it’s not always straightforward, reasonable claims can be denied or you may feel pressured to return to work earlier than you need. This is where a WorkCover lawyer on the Gold Coast can help you make informed decisions and get your life back on track.
Whatever stage of the workers’ compensation process you’re in, we can assist you with our *no win, no fee legal support, including:
Explaining your legal rights under Queensland workers’ compensation law
Lodging your claim and ensuring all paperwork is completed accurately and on time
Gathering medical evidence and reports to help support your claim
Challenging rejected claims or underpaid entitlements
Maximising compensation for lost income, medical expenses and permanent impairment
Negotiating or reviewing lump sum offers
Assessing common law claim eligibility if your injury was the result of negligence
Representing you in disputes or appeals
While you don’t need a lawyer for every claim, if your case is complex, disputed or you’re unsure what you’re entitled to, we have a track record of making a big difference. Contact us for a free consultation to find out what you may be eligible to claim.
1
Contact Us
Get started by calling us on 1800 314 761 or enquire online to book a free consultation with our workers’ comp lawyers in Coolangatta and Southport.
2
Free Initial Consultation
If your injury prevents you from travelling, we’re able to come to you on the Gold Coast to assess your case eligibility and what you may be entitled to claim.
3
Make Informed Decisions
After your consultation, you’ll have the initial information you need to move forward with your workers’ compensation matter, whether with us or solo.
What Our Gold Coast WorkCover Lawyers May Be Able to Help You Cover
WorkCover doesn’t just help you with claiming weekly payments to supplement your lost pay. As Gold Coast WorkCovers lawyers, we can help you understand what other expenses may be covered by Workers’ Compensation, including:
Hospital Expenses
Lost Wages
Travel Expenses
Permanent Disability Compensation
Rehabilitation expenses
Return to work therapy services
Death Compensation
Using our personal injury compensation calculator can help you learn what you may be eligible to receive. If you’re not sure, we’re here to help. Book your free consultation today to find out.
WorkCover Claim Lawyers on the Gold Coast For All Work-related injuries & Illnesses
It doesn’t matter the type of injury or if you were at fault or not, if you’re injured or suffer an illness as a result of work, you may be eligible for WorkCover. This includes for:
Injuries suffered while at work, during work activities or while out on a job
Diseases caused by your line of work
Diseases or pre-existing health conditions made worse by work
Injuries suffered while travelling for work or between jobs
Injuries resulting from receiving medical treatment for a different work-related injury
Stress-related injury or illness, such as heart attack or stroke
Psychological conditions as a result of your work
Many people don’t realise they may be entitled to WorkCover to help with their injury or illness, even if they’ve returned to work. It’s our job to give you the information you need to make decisions to help you.
Simplifying Your Gold Coast WorkCover Claims Process
Regardless of your situation, every WorkCover claim should start with three key steps.
1
Report the incident to your employer
You, or your colleagues if you are unable to, should report the injury or illness to your employer as soon as you are aware. This includes if you discover the injury or illness after a visit to the doctor.
2
See your doctor or attend the hospital immediately.
Don’t wait to see your doctor or go to the hospital about your injury or illness. Advise them it is a work-related injury or illness immediately. Ensure you obtain a copy of your work capacity certificate from your treating doctor.
3
Make a claim with WorkCover
If your employer is self-insured, you will need to speak with them about how to make a claim. You have up to 6 months to make a claim, however, doing so promptly will help you receive funds for time off work and receiving treatment, if eligible.
WorkCover claims they aim to make a decision on claims within 20 business days or less, as outlined in current legislation. The more information you and your employer can give them, the smoother and quicker the process will be. Your next step is to speak with our workers’ compensation lawyers to discuss your next steps, which includes:
A free consultation to discuss your claim and eligibility.
Building your case
Helping you run your case
Handling settlement negotiations.
Receiving your settlement amount.
WorkCover claim denied? Here’s what to do next.
WorkCover claims can be denied for a range of reasons, including the claim being filed outside of the 6-month timeframe, disputes about the cause of the injury or illness, insufficient evidence or the injury not being work-related. However, it’s often from forms not being completed correctly or to their fullest ability to help your claim.
You have the right to dispute your denied claim, which is where our Gold Coast WorkCover lawyers can help guide and represent you. We can help you lodge an appeal, complete paperwork, gather evidence and know information on where you stand. Contact us today to discuss your appeal.
Most Common Injuries Claimed Under WorkCover
Your injury or illness sustained at work may be minor or severe. Regardless, you may be eligible to receive assistance via WorkCover, including for:
Back, spinal and slipped disc injuries
Foot, toe or leg injuries
Neck or shoulder injuries
Repetitive strain injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome
Injuries to soft tissue
Work-related infection conditions, such as Qfever
Hand, arm or finger injuries
Head, face or eye injuries
Brain injuries
Cancer
Fractures, broken bones or other bone injuries
Industrial deafness
Remember, psychological and stress-related injuries resulting in you requiring time off work may make you eligible to make a WorkCover claim. Speak to our Gold Coast WorkCover lawyers today to find out more in your free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Workers’ Compensation on the Gold Coast
How does workers’ compensation work in Queensland?
Workers’ compensation in Queensland works by providing financial support to help employees injured or made ill in the workplace or due to their work. Employees can make a claim to help cover lost wages, medical expenses and rehabilitation costs, or may be entitled for a lump sum payment for permanent disability.
Do I still get super on WorkCover Queensland?
While WorkCover does not contribute to your superannuation, your employer may still be required to make payments to your super while you receive workers’ compensation. This depends on your award or workplace agreement. It is worth speaking with a workers’ compensation lawyer to find out your rights to super payment while you are injured or ill as a result of a workplace incident.
How long do you have to lodge a WorkCover claim in QLD?
You have 6 months from the day of the incident to lodge a WorkCover claim in Queensland. However, WorkCover may waive the 6 month deadline in special circumstances, such as if the injury or illness was not discovered until after the 6 months.
What is the maximum payout for workers’ compensation in Queensland?
Under the Workers’ Compensation & Rehabilitation Act 2003 (QLD), the maximum statutory workers’ compensation payout from 1 July 2005 for a single injury — or multiple injuries sustained in the same incident — is 216.15 x Queensland full-time ordinary time earnings, which is a maximum of $422,292. This is updated annually and can be revised on the WorkSafe website.
What is the most common workers’ compensation claim?
The most common claims for workers’ compensation on the Gold Coast are for musculoskeletal injuries, particularly soft tissue injuries, such as sprains and strains. On average, construction workers have the highest number of claims per year on the Gold Coast, with health care and social assistance workers having the highest number of injury claims in Queensland.
What percentage of wage does WorkCover pay?
WorkCover pays up to 85% of normal weekly earnings (NWE) or 80% of Queensland ordinary time earnings (QOTE) for up to 26 weeks. This reduces to 75% NWE or 70% QOTE between weeks 26 to 104. For claims longer than 2 years, compensation will depend on the level of impairment.
Does WorkCover pay weekly?
WorkCover in Queensland typically pays out a percentage of normal lost wages through weekly payments for short-term injury or illness of up to 2 years as a result of a workplace incident. A lump sum payout will typically be the case for permanent disability or if you are unable to return to work within 2 years.
What if my employer doesn’t have workers’ compensation insurance?
Even if your employer does not have workers’ compensation insurance, you can still make a claim to WorkCover. They will handle the claim as normal, and recover the costs from your employer. Workers’ compensation insurance or self-insurance is compulsory for all businesses in Queensland, so it is your right to be covered if you are injured or become ill as a result of your work.
Need help with your Workers Compensation or WorkCover case?
It costs nothing to speak to our WorkCover and workers compensation lawyers and find out where you stand. If you can’t come to us in Coolangatta, we come to you anywhere in the Gold Coast, Logan, Brisbane and Coomera. Call us on 1800 314 761 or get in touch to book in a free consultation today.
Disclaimer: This information is designed for general information in relation to Queensland and/or New South Wales compensation law and is current at the time of publication. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be used as such. We strongly recommend you seek legal advice in regards to your specific situation. For expert advice call 1800 314 761 for a free discussion of your matter with one of our experienced lawyers.
