If you suffer a work-related injury you will not, in most cases, need to submit a claim form to receive workers compensation. Generally, weekly payments will commence within seven days of your employer’s Scheme Agent or insurer being notified of your injury. Notification of an injury can be written or verbal and anyone can make initial notification of the injury. Your employer has a legal requirement to notify the Scheme Agent or insurer within 48 hours of your injury being reported.

If you've been injured at work you must:

• notify your employer as soon as possible
• have your name, the date and details of the injury recorded in the employer’s register of injuries
• see a doctor and have the doctor complete a WorkCover medical certificate
• sign the WorkCover medical certificate to:
  • indicate the doctor has been chosen as your nominated treating doctor, and
  • permit your nominated treating doctor to release information to the Scheme Agent or insurer and your employer to help with an injury management and return to work plan
• give the completed medical certificate to your employer and attach any bills or receipts for treatment
• participate and cooperate with the development and implementation of an injury management plan
• comply with requests made by the Scheme Agent or insurer within seven days (this may include obtaining a WorkCover medical certificate or completing a claim form).

You should keep copies of all documentation relating to your injury.

Remember to make a note of the notification/claim number from the Scheme Agent or insurer and quote it on all documents you send to your employer and your employer’s Scheme Agent or insurer. You should also keep a copy of any documents relating to your injury.

If you are off work and cannot do your normal job ask your doctor and employer about suitable duties. You must make all reasonable efforts to return to work as soon as possible.

Time limits for making a claim

A claim for workers compensation should be made within six months of the date of injury, accident or date of death.

If the failure to make a claim within six months is the result of ignorance, mistake, or absence from the State a claim for workers compensation can still be made.

If a claim is not made within three years but relates to an injury resulting in death or serious permanent impairment of the worker, the claim may still be made. Contact your employer's Scheme Agent or insurer for further advice.

www.workcover.nsw.gov.au

Last updated on February 24, 2011 by Galen & Gray