Who is eligible for a Workers’ Compensation in the ACT?
All employers are required to have Workers’ Compensation insurance for their employees in their workplace – because of this, all workers are eligible to access Workers’ Compensation entitlements if they are injured or ill because of their work regardless of whether they’re full-time, part-time, casual, self-employed. Even people who may be deemed as workers such as jurors, or those doing work experience may be able to access benefits.
Injuries covered by Workers’ Compensation include:
Injuries sustained at work, resulting from work or during work activities
Diseases caused by work
Diseases or pre-existing conditions made worse by work
Injuries suffered while travelling for work
Injuries suffered while travelling to and from work
Injuries suffered while receiving medical treatment for a separate work injury
What can I claim for?
Compensation depends on your specific circumstances, but may include:
Medical and rehabilitation expenses
Loss of income
Travelling expenses
Permanent impairment compensation
Return to work services
Pain and suffering
Paid assistance in some circumstances
How long will it take?
Strict time limits apply for starting your claim.
The time frame to resolve your Workers’ Compensation claim depends on:
How complicated your circumstances are;
How serious your injuries are and;
The treatment you need to restore your health.
We’ll move as quickly as possible to get your claim finalised, while you focus on your recovery.
Fees
We are committed to ensuring everyone has access to justice and that’s why we offer Workers’ Compensation services on a No Win, No Fee* basis, so you don’t need to worry about out-of-pocket legal expenses.
We will help you to fully understand your rights and the compensation you may be entitled to.
*Conditions apply.
Injury types
You can claim Workers’ Compensation for any injury or illness you have suffered as a result of work. Here are just a few examples:
Back injuries, including spinal injuries and slipped or bulging disc injuries
Lifting injuries
Lacerations
Amputations
Fractures
Psychological injury and stress claims
Death and dependency claims
Chemical exposure
Repetitive strain injuries
Additional claim types
Our team of worker’s compensation lawyers will help you understand all the options available to you in more detail.
Depending on the circumstances of your issue, you may also be eligible for:
Check if you have a claim with our simple, free online tool.
What we will ask:
Details about the accident and injuries that have happened to you or your loved one
Basic personal information that is relevant and necessary for your claim
What happens next:
Either book a no obligation appointment with a compensation law expert right away or,
Speak with our team about your options
Workers’ Compensation claim process in the ACT
Document and report your injury or illness to your employer
It’s important to immediately inform your employer about your work-related injury and keep any relevant information and documentation relevant to this conversation.
Seek medical help and advice
Make a doctor's appointment – preferably with your personal doctor – and explain what has happened. It’s important the doctor documents everything thoroughly and accurately and you ask them for a ‘Certificate of Capacity.
Submit your claim to your employer
You will need to complete and submit a Workers’ Compensation claim form to your employer along with your Certificate of Capacity. Your employer must provide these forms to when you notify them of your injury.
We’ll help you build and strengthen your compensation claim
If your Workers’ Compensation claim is not accepted, we’ll help you gather all the evidence and documentation required to contest the insurers decision.
We are committed to ensuring the process is simple, streamlined and as stress-free as possible so you can focus on what matters most – your recovery.
Resolve your case
If your claim is successful, you will receive the compensation you deserve, so you can focus on your future.
Do you have a claim?
We’re here to make the claims process as simple and stress-free as possible.
FAQs
Who pays the Workers’ Compensation?
If you’ve been injured at work and your employer is found to be responsible, it’s your employer’s insurance company that will pay your compensation. Workers’ Compensation is a type of insurance that is compulsory for all employers and is there for your protection.
If you make a claim against your employer, there are laws in place to ensure they don’t treat you differently during the process. If they do, they could be held liable for discrimination. Our team can help you make a claim while ensuring you are not treated unfairly for drawing a line between right and wrong.
Can I represent myself, or do I need an ACT Workers’ Compensation lawyer?
It is possible to legally represent yourself when making a claim however, doing so successfully will likely require a thorough understanding of the law, your legal rights and entitlements, and a commitment to actively pursue the case to move it forward.
Without an experienced Workers’ Compensation lawyer in your corner, it can be difficult to identify and highlight the strength of your case.
Without the right legal advice and support, you then may not receive the compensation you're entitled to under the Workers’ Compensation scheme.
Why trust Shine to be my worker’s compensation lawyers?
We have helped thousands of Australians right wrong and access more than $1 billion per year in entitlements and compensation through our expert services.
95% of the cases we represent are settled without the stress of going to court. We offer access to affordable legal advice including on a No Win, No Fee* basis and an obligation free initial consultation so you can understand your rights and know where you stand.
*Conditions apply
What aspects of the law can Shine’s Workers’ Compensation lawyers help me with?
Our team of workers compensation experts may be able to help you to:
Complete a workers’ compensation claim form
Contest a worker’s compensation claim that has been rejected by your employer’s insurer
Support you when your employer is refusing to cooperate with your claim, or pressuring you to return to work
Access compensation if your employer's insurer is refusing to pay for treatment or hasn’t approved your request for surgery
Fix incorrect or entitlement payments or gain access to payments that have been cut off
Provide advice if you have suffered a workplace injury and need advice on the next steps
Where are the Shine ACT Workers’ Compensation lawyers located?
With more than 40 branches across Australia and 1000+ team members, location is no barrier when it comes to accessing Shine Lawyers legal advice and support.
If you’d like to speak to our worker’s compensation team in person, you can see our full list of locations here.
If you aren't able to find a location near you, we can easily arrange an obligation-free virtual appointment. No matter where you are located, we will always provide the same, expert advice and manage your claim with the same level of quality and commitment.
