What does 10% whole person impairment mean? A 10% whole person impairment rating under WorkCover can mean a number of different things – depending upon what your injury is. Generally speaking, in order for an injury to be compensable via an impairment claim, a...
How long does a common law claim take? How long a common law claim takes depends upon how contested the claim is by the other side. A common law claim that is not contested may resolve within the first 120 days after a serious injury application is lodged, for...
Return to work after injury When you have an injury at work that prevents you from performing your job, there are processes in place to help get you back to work once you are able to do so, even if it’s not at your full capacity. There are laws both under the federal...
Firefighters and cancer – WorkCover rights Since the middle of 2019, significant changes have been made to they way a number of cancers are treated when it comes to claiming WorkCover in Victoria. The rebuttable presumption The change in law means that there is...
WorkCover light duties – what you need to know If you suffered injury at work and you cannot do the same work as before your injury, you may need to go on light duties. Sometimes these are referred to as modified duties. If you have an accepted WorkCover claim...
Using sick leave while on workers compensation What’s the difference between sick leave and WorkCover payments? WorkCover is a type of insurance that covers injured workers. If injured workers need to take time off work due to an injury or illness, then generally...
When do you need a certificate of capacity? You need a certificate of capacity when you want to claim weekly payments from the WorkCover insurer. Certificates only required when claiming weekly payments Certificates of capacity are only required if you want to claim...
I got injured at work, do I need a lawyer? The reality is that you don’t need a lawyer in every matter involving an injury at work. If you are not intending to pursue a WorkCover claim then in most cases you won’t need to engage a lawyer. Just make sure...
WorkCover and returning to work (Victoria) The WorkCover legislation in Victoria requires the employer and the worker to cooperate to try and return the injured worker back to work when it is safe to do so. This can be on the basis of reduced hours or duties (modified...
What is a non work related injury in Victoria? There are a number of instances in which injuries will not be considered to be work related for the purposes of a Victorian WorkCover claim. Injuries suffered outside of work One of the most obvious instances is when an...
How to get a copy of an IME report There are mechanisms in place to enable a person with a WorkCover claim to obtain IME reports and other material from WorkCover. An IME is an “independent medical examiner”, which is a term that the Victorian WorkCover Authority (“...
How are impairment benefits paid? Impairment benefit lump sums are paid based on a persons whole person impairment rating. A whole person impairment rating is determined by specialised medical assessments. Injuries are assessed in accordance with the American Medical...
A WorkCover IME doctor disagrees with my doctor There are a number of instances during your WorkCover matter in Victoria where an independent medical examiner (IME) might disagree with your own treating doctor. Here are some of the most common: In relation to your...
How long can you be on WorkCover in Victoria? Most people can stay on WorkCover payments for up to 130 weeks. Longer if they have no capacity. They’re entitled to medical expenses, generally speaking, for one year after their last weekly payment. However, the...
All about WorkCover stress claims in Victoria Does WorkCover cover stress leave? If you are suffering from a work related psychological injury or stress injury, you are able to lodge a WorkCover claim in Victoria. Can you claim workers compensation for stress? If you...
WorkCover and Centrelink payments – what you need to know (Vic) If you pursue a WorkCover claim in Victoria and you happen to be on Centrelink benefits – or have been on benefits, it’s a good idea to understand what impact your WorkCover claim could...
Who do you tell if you suffer a work related injury or illness? (Vic) If you have suffered a work related injury or illness in Victoria, you have a few options in terms of who tell. Yes, you should let your employer know and you should report your work related injury...
IME doctor says I need surgery – what now? Sometimes during a WorkCover matter you’ll be required to see an independent medical examiner (IME). And depending on the nature of your injury, they may recommend in their report that you have surgery. Many...
Why is my IME report taking so long? During a WorkCover matter, you will likely be asked to attend an independent medical examiner or IME. This could be after you’ve lodged your initial claim during the claim determination period, or it could be after you’ve lodged an...
Continuation of weekly payments after 130 weeks In many instances, once a person on weekly payments hits the 130 week mark, their payments are likely to be terminated. There are two instances in which a person will be entitled to weekly payments continuing beyond the...
Please keep in mind that the information contained on this page should not be considered legal advice and no content on this site should replace the need to obtain advice tailored to the specific facts of your case. The facts of a case can significantly alter the advice that can provided. This site only provides general advice. Read more here.
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