Making a claim for workers’ compensation in Queensland

Learn about the workers’ compensation QLD process and how Shine Lawyers’ experienced workers’ compensation lawyers in Brisbane and Queensland can help.

Queensland workers’ compensation

If you’re injured or become ill because of your work, you may be eligible to claim Queensland workers’ compensation. If your workers’ compensation claim in QLD is successful, you'll receive payments to help with the cost of medical treatment and rehabilitation for your injury or illness. 

WorkCover Queensland is the main workers’ compensation insurer in QLD. By law, employers must have Queensland workers’ compensation insurance for their workers. If your employer isn’t covered by WorkCover or another insurer, you can still make a workers’ compensation claim in QLD. 

Who can make a workers’ compensation claim in QLD?  

You can make a Queensland workers’ compensation claim if: 

• You’re a worker in Queensland 

• You’ve suffered an injury or become ill in the course of your employment 

• Your work significantly contributed to your injury or illness (such as in our client Craig’s case).

How to claim workers’ compensation in QLD

Starting from the moment of your work-related injury or illness, these are the steps to make a Queensland workers’ compensation claim: 

Step 1 – Seek immediate medical treatment (if necessary) 

If necessary, get immediate medical attention for your work-related injury or illness. Call 000 if you have serious or life-threatening injuries or illness. 

Step 2 – Document and report your work-related injury or illness 

Document and report your injury to your employer. Your employer must have an accident or injury register. It’s important that you accurately detail the circumstances of your work-related injury or illness. 

Step 3 – Get a Work Capacity Certificate from your doctor 

A Work Capacity Certificate must accompany your Workers’ Compensation Claim Form.  It must be completed by an AHPRA registered: 

• Medical doctor (such as your GP or a medical specialist) 

• Dentist (if you have suffered a mouth injury) 

It’s important to know that: 

• The choice of treating doctors is yours, and not your employer's 

• You can see your usual GP or ask family or friends for a recommendation. You may need to see a medical specialist for your work-related injury or illness 

• Your employer should not be present during your medical examinations 

• Explain the circumstances of your work-related injury or illness to your doctor, including every detail, no matter how minor you think it is; 

• Ensure your doctor lists all work related injuries or illnesses on the Work Capacity Certificate including any secondary injuries such as psychiatric conditions arising from the primary injury. 

Step 4 – Complete and submit your workers’ compensation claim form  

You can complete the form: 

• Online on the WorkCover Queensland website here (and submit it online) 

• On paper (available to print from the WorkCover Queensland website here) and submit it: 

• Online 

• By fax to 1300 651 387 

• By post to GPO Box 2459, Brisbane Qld 4001 

If your employer is self-insured, you’ll need to lodge the claim form directly with their self-insurer. You’ll find the list of self-insured Queensland employers here.  

There’s a claim checklist on the WorkSafe Qld website here. 

Step 5 – Contact Shine Lawyers 

At any stage during the Queensland workers’ compensation claim process, get in touch with Shine Lawyers. Our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers in Queensland can help with all aspects of your claim. 

During your obligation-free meeting with one of our team, we’ll listen to what happened to you, and the impact your injury or illness is having on your life and ability to work. We can advise you of your eligibility to make Queensland workers’ compensation claim and your best compensation options.  

Our workers’ compensation lawyers in Brisbane and Queensland work on a No Win No Fee* basis. 

*Conditions apply 

Why you need a workers’ compensation lawyer in Brisbane and Queensland 

Navigating the workers’ compensation QLD process can be difficult, particularly while you’re injured or ill. Our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers in Brisbane and Queensland can support you through the process and give you advice about your specific situation. 

We can also help if your claim has been rejected or if you’ve missed an important time limit.  

Time limits for making a Queensland workers’ compensation claim 

It’s important to act quickly if you’re injured or become ill because of your work. Our trusted workers’ compensation lawyers in Brisbane and Queensland are aware of the strict time limits involved in the workers’ compensation Qld process, including: 

• You must lodge your workers’ compensation claim within six months of your entitlement to apply for Queensland workers’ compensation (in practice, this generally means within six months from the date you are injured). 

• The insurer has twenty business days to decide on your submitted claim 

• If your claim is rejected, any review must be made within three months of receiving the insurer’s decision 

If you’d like to read more about myths and misconceptions about workers’ compensation insurance in QLD and elsewhere, you’ll find information here: 

• Debunking common workers’ compensation myths: Part 1 

• Myths and Misconceptions about Workers’ Compensation: Part 2