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Workers Compensation

What is Workers Compensation?

If you have been injured at work or you believe your work may have contributed to an injury or disease then you may be entitled to compensation. Contact one of our workers compensation lawyers to see if you have a viable claim.

The Commonwealth of Australia has maintained workers compensation schemes for more than a century, providing different compensation schemes for each state / territories.

These no-fault statutory compensation schemes provide financial benefits to employees injured / make worse an existing injury in the course of employment, ranging from weekly payments to lump sum compensation as well as being compensated for payment of medical and associated expenses. The best way to maximise your compensation claim benefits is to speak with one of our workers compensation lawyers.

Although each compensation scheme has the same purpose, there are substantial differences in details, including the rules of eligibility and the levels of compensation available, and most compensation schemes have changed significantly over the years. The compensation that you are entitled to will depend on the state or territory where the injury or disease occurred and the date on which you were injured.

What should I do next if I believe I have a Workers Compensation Claim?

It is important that you seek independent legal advice from our specialist workers compensation lawyers at the earliest opportunity after a workplace injury to make sure your interests are looked after and you have the best chance to make a compensation claim. Failure to do so may impact your potential to a compensation claim and your compensation entitlements.

Remember that the insurer handling your work injury claim cannot give you independent advice.

Our compensation lawyers at Slater & Gordon will be able to advise you on:

which scheme applies to your work injury case
whether you are eligible to make a claim
what benefits are avilable to you

If your work injury case involves the negligence of your employer and / or another party, it’s possible that you may be able to claim lump sum compensation for your work injury. In such cases, your lawyer may need to gather vital information including for your workers compensation claim such as:

interviewing witnesses of the work injury
reviewing investigative work injury reports
engaging experts to report on accident circumstances for you work injury

Whatever your circumstance or work injury, time is of the essence – early investigation and action may be critical to the success of your workers compensation claim.

Additional lump sum benefit

Many superannuation funds provide coverage for a disability insurance benefit, often referred to as a Total Permanent Disability (TPD) benefit. This insurance cover, if provided under your superannuation, is a benefit additional to the contributions that you and/or your employer have made to your superannuation fund during the period of your membership. Most people are unaware or forget that this insurance cover is in place.

Depending on the terms of the insurance cover, a TPD benefit may be significant and may help ease the financial burden you face during the difficult times that follow a disability.

Generally it does not matter how your injury or illness came about; just that you are suffering from a total and permanent disability or illness. Many people on workers’ compensation, motor vehicle injury compensation or the Centerlink Disability Support Pension can claim as well as people who suffer an unexpected illness that prevents them from working.

Whether you can make a claim for a superannuation disability benefit will depend on a number of factors - particularly, whether this insurance cover is provided under your superannuation.

If you suffer from any injury or illness that prevents you from working in your normal occupation and would like more information about how Slater & Gordon can help you, please contact us either by submitting an online enquiry in the form below or by calling direct on 1800 555 777.

Slater & Gordon's No Win - No Fee Scheme

Slater & Gordon's No Win - No Fee scheme is available for compensation claims. This means you are only liable to Slater & Gordon Lawyers for the professional fees incurred if your claim is successful. You may be required to make a contribution towards the cost of medical reports.

We will provide you with a written agreement that explains the terms and conditions of our No Win - No Fee scheme. The fee agreement clearly sets out your rights and responsibilities and explains how legal costs are calculated for your compensation claims. It will also set out the circumstances, if any, in which you might become liable for the costs of the other party.

Accredited Specialist Workers Compensation (Personal Injury) Lawyers

We have a number of workers compensation lawyers who are Accredited Specialists in this area of the law having gained formal recognition of legal excellence.

By Choosing Slater & Gordon, you can expect:

quality legal services
efficiency
comprehensive legal advice
the best chance of a poitive outcome in your legal matter

Our experienced lawyers are committed to guiding you through the maze of schemes and legal challenges to make sure that you have the best chance of securing maximum benefits for your work injury claim.

Slater & Gordon Lawyers offer this arrangement knowing that workplace accidents can be very stressful for injured people and their families both personally and financially. We encourage you to discuss any questions or concerns you may have regarding legal costs with your lawyer at any point during your matter.

Accredited Specialist Lawyers