6 steps to making compensation claims for work injury in QLD

When you suffer an injury at work there are six important steps you need to remember:

STEP 1  –  Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible and ensure that details of the incident of injury are accurately recorded by your employer.Try to take photographs of the accident scene if possible and take down the names and contact details of witnesses. Retain copies of all reports and accident records;

STEP 2  – You should also seek medical treatment for your work injury as soon as possible, so that your doctor can record your injuries and also, record how your injuries occurred. You will need a special Medical Certificate from your doctor to provide to Workcover Queensland for your Workers’ Compensation claim, which your doctor should be aware of.

STEP 3  –  Be aware that you are quite entitled to see your own doctor. You are not under any obligation to see a doctor at your employer’s direction.

STEP 4  – When you see your doctor, ensure you tell them all of the injuries you sustained in the work incident as well as how your injuries occurred. Try to be as accurate as possible so there is no confusion as to the cause of your injuries and what injuries you sustained, when you wish to later bring a claim. But be aware, doctors usually record what you tell them when you attend at their offices for treatment, so keep your comments to your doctor concise and accurate. Don’t confuse them with information which may compromise your claim.

STEP 5  – Remember, strict time limits apply to both making a claim for workers’ compensation and damages in cases of work injury;

STEP 6  –  Contact The Personal Injury Lawyers as soon as possible to ensure any claims you may have as a result of your work injury are not compromised and are properly protected. And we would suggest you do this before submitting any application for workers’ compensation. This is because, the insurer will later rely on what you have stated in your application for workers’ compensation as to how the work injury or injuries occurred, what injuries were sustained in the work event and when they occurred. If there is inconsistency, omissions or compromising information contained in the application form, the insurer will use this to negate your claim for compensation later on.

That is an example of why it is so important for injured workers to obtain expert legal advice about their work injuries as early as possible after a work injury.