Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that provides financial and medical support if you are injured at work or because of your job. It is designed to cover treatment costs, lost wages, and help you recover so you can return to work safely.
For many people, a workplace injury brings sudden stress and uncertainty. Knowing whether you are entitled to workers’ compensation can make a big difference to your recovery and peace of mind.
If you are unsure about your rights or whether you can make a claim, help is available. At Rin Kim Law, we guide injured workers through the process and provide clear advice so you don’t have to face it alone.
Contact us online or call our team for a free consultation. Our team can help you understand workers’ compensation claims and what steps you may be able to take.
Who Can Claim Workers' Compensation?
Workers’ compensation is available to most people employed in Queensland, no matter the type of job or work arrangement. According to WorkSafe Queensland, you may be able to claim if you are:
- Full-time, part-time, or casual staff working under an employer.
- Apprentices or trainees gaining skills on the job.
- Seasonal or labour hire workers employed through agencies.
- Some volunteers, if covered under certain arrangements.
The claim is not limited to physical injuries. It also covers:
- Work-related illnesses caused by exposure to harmful substances or conditions.
- Psychological injuries linked to work, such as stress or trauma.
If your injury or illness was caused by your work, you may be entitled to claim regardless of your role or industry.
When Can You Make a Claim?
You may be able to make a workers’ compensation claim if your injury or illness is connected to your work. This can include situations such as:
- Being hurt while performing your normal work duties.
- Suffering an injury on a work site or in your workplace.
- Becoming ill or injured because of work conditions, such as unsafe equipment, exposure to chemicals, or repeated strain.
- Developing a psychological condition linked to stress, harassment, or a traumatic incident at work.
- Being injured while travelling for work purposes or attending work-related events.
If your health problem arose out of or in the course of your employment, you may be eligible to claim.
What Do You Need to Make a Claim?
When applying for workers’ compensation, you will usually need to provide:
- A medical certificate – Your doctor can issue a Work Capacity Certificate that describes your injury, treatment, and ability to work.
- Details of the incident – Information about how, when, and where the injury or illness occurred.
- Employment information – Your employer’s details and confirmation of your work status.
Having this information ready helps your claim to be assessed more quickly. If you are missing some documents, you can still start the process, and the insurer may ask for more details later.
How to Claim Workers’ Compensation
The process to claim workers’ compensation in Queensland is straightforward, but it’s important to follow each step carefully:
- Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible. This ensures the incident is recorded and supports your claim.
- See a doctor and request a Work Capacity Certificate to confirm your injury or illness.
- Lodge your claim with WorkCover Queensland, or with your employer’s self-insurer if they have one. Claims can be submitted online, by phone, or by form.
Once your claim is lodged, the insurer will review your information and may contact you, your employer, or your doctor for clarification. A decision is usually made within 20 business days.
What Support Can You Receive?
If your workers’ compensation claim is accepted, you may be entitled to:
- Weekly payments to replace lost wages while you recover.
- Medical expenses such as doctor visits, hospital care, and medication.
- Rehabilitation support including physiotherapy, counselling, or specialist treatment.
- Return-to-work assistance to help you transition back into your job safely.
The level of support depends on your injury and circumstances, but the aim is always to help you recover and get back to work as soon as possible.
When Do Compensation Payouts Stop?
Compensation payments stop in certain situations, including when:
- You have recovered enough to return to work (either full duties or suitable duties).
- Your entitlement period under the Act ends (for example, weekly benefits cannot continue indefinitely).
- You receive a lump sum payment for permanent impairment and choose to accept it (this may finalise your statutory claim).
- You reach the statutory limit of compensation payable.
- In the event of a worker’s death, payments may then continue to dependents rather than the worker.
Weekly payments and medical support are designed to cover you while you recover, but they will stop once you’re considered fit for work, you’ve received a lump sum, or your maximum entitlement under the Act has been reached.
What If Your Claim Is Rejected?
If your claim is rejected, it does not have to be the end of the process. You have the right to:
- Request a review of the insurer’s decision through the Workers’ Compensation Regulator.
- Provide extra evidence such as medical reports, witness statements, or workplace records to support your case.
- Seek legal advice to strengthen your chances of success and ensure your rights are protected.
Having the right guidance at this stage can make a significant difference in the outcome.
How Rin Kim Law Can Help
Dealing with a workplace injury can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re also trying to manage a claim. The team at Rin Kim Law is here to make the process easier for you.
We can help:
- Check your eligibility and explain your rights in plain language.
- Guide you through the claim process, ensuring deadlines and requirements are met.
- Challenge rejected or delayed claims, helping you gather evidence and present a strong case.
- Support your recovery by making sure you receive the payments and treatment you are entitled to.
With a free, no-obligation consultation, you can speak to us about your situation and get clear advice before making any decisions.
If You’re in Need of Help With Workers' Compensation Claims
If you’ve been injured at work or developed an illness because of your job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation. Taking the first step can feel daunting, but you don’t have to face it alone.
Contact Rin Kim Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our team will listen to your situation, explain your options, and help you move forward with confidence.
