Personal Injury

Injured at work in Queensland? Here's what you need to know about your rights

Workplace injuries happen more often than most people realise — and when they do, the process for making a claim can feel overwhelming.

Workplace injuries happen more often than most people realise — and when they do, the process for making a claim can feel overwhelming, especially when you're already dealing with pain, medical appointments, and time off work.

Report the injury immediately

The first step is to report your injury to your employer as soon as possible. This creates a formal record and is required before a WorkCover claim can be lodged. Don't assume your employer has reported it — confirm it in writing.

Lodge a WorkCover claim

WorkCover Queensland is the statutory insurer for most Queensland workplaces. If you're injured at work, you can lodge a claim for weekly compensation (to replace lost income while you're unable to work) and medical expenses. You generally have six months from the date of injury to lodge a claim, though earlier is always better.

Understand your entitlements

If your injury results in permanent impairment, you may also be entitled to a lump sum compensation payment. The amount depends on the degree of impairment assessed by a medical specialist. In cases of serious injuries, you may also have a common law claim against your employer if their negligence contributed to the accident.

What employers sometimes get wrong

Some employers — unintentionally or otherwise — discourage workers from making claims, or handle the process in ways that disadvantage the injured worker. If you feel pressured not to claim, or if your claim has been rejected, seek legal advice.

At Beckett Lawyers, we handle personal injury matters with genuine care — your recovery comes first. Contact us at mike@beckettlawyers.au or book a consultation at beckettlawyers.au.