Who can make a workers’ compensation claim in the Northern Territory?
All Northern Territory employers must have workers’ compensation insurance for their workers. A worker includes someone who performs work or a service under a contract, whether full-time, part-time or casually.
All Northern Territory workers are covered by workers’ compensation insurance for work-related injuries and illnesses (though Australian government employees in the Northern Territory are covered by Comcare).
Injuries covered by Northern Territory workers’ compensation
If you work in the Northern Territory you can make a workers’ compensation NT claim for work-related injuries or illnesses which require time off, including:
A physical injury
A mental injury*
A disease
The aggravation, acceleration, exacerbation, recurrence or deterioration of a pre-existing injury or disease
*It’s important to note that under the relevant Northern Territory law (Return to Work Act NT (1986)), a mental injury doesn’t include one that’s wholly or primarily caused by:
Reasonable management action by or on behalf of a worker’s employer
A reasonable decision by the worker’s employer to take or not take any management action
A worker’s expectation that management action would or wouldn’t be taken
What if you’re injured while travelling to or from work?
If you are injured while travelling during the course of your employment, you may be covered by the Northern Territory workers’ compensation scheme and not the Motor Accidents Compensation scheme.
This is where travel is for a work-related purpose and may include:
Travelling from your residence to work that is outside of normal working hours because of a call out by your employer
Travel associated with a trip away for your employment
If your employment duties involve you driving (eg. making deliveries)
Travel between your residence and a destination other than your regular workplace where attendance is required by your employer
Examples of the types of injuries you can make a Northern Territory workers’ compensation claim for
Here are a few examples of the types of workplace injuries and illness you may be eligible to claim for:
Amputations
Back injuries, including injuries to your spine and slipped or bulging discs
Burn injuries
Chemical exposure injuries
Death and dependency
Fractures
Lacerations
Lifting injuries, for nurses or other occupations
A recognised psychological injury and stress
Repetitive strain injuries
What can I claim for?
The workers’ compensation in the Northern Territory you’re eligible for will depend on your specific circumstances, but may include:
Medical and rehabilitation expenses
Loss of earnings
Travel expenses
Accommodation expenses
Family counselling
Training
Workplace modification
Permanent impairment compensation
Return to work services
Paid assistance in some circumstances
How long will it take?
You should lodge your claim within 6 months of your injury or illness due to the strict time limitations. In some specific circumstances a claim can be made later.
The timeframe to resolve your workers’ compensation claim in the Northern Territory depends on:
Your injury or illness
Your circumstances
The medical and rehabilitation treatment you need to recover
As your workers’ compensation lawyers in Darwin and in the Northern Territory, we’ll move as quickly as possible to progress and finalise your claim , while you focus on your recovery.
Fees
We are committed to ensuring everyone has access to justice. That’s why we offer workers’ compensation services on a No Win, No Fee* basis. This means you won’t have to worry about out-of-pocket legal fees unless we achieve a successful outcome for you.
We’ll help you to fully understand your rights and the compensation you may be entitled to.
*Conditions apply.
Additional claim types
Depending on the circumstances of your workers’ compensation claim in the Northern Territory, you may be eligible for other forms of compensation. Our expert team will closely assess the details and help you understand your claim options.
They could include:
Workers’ compensation NT claim process
Document and report your injury or illness to your employer
Document and report your injury or illness to your employer
As soon as possible, inform your employer about your work-related injury or illness. Keep any relevant information and documentation relevant to this conversation or exchange.
Seek medical help and advice
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 ‘Medical certificate of capacity – first'.
Submit your claim to your employer
Submit your claim to your employer
You will need to complete and submit a workers’ compensation claim form to your employer.
This form is available through the NTWorkSafe website or you can request one from your employer.
We’ll help you build and strengthen your workers' compensation NT claim
We’ll help you build and strengthen your workers' compensation NT claim
Your workers’ compensation NT claim can be accepted, deferred or disputed by your employer’s insurer. If it’s deferred or disputed, as your workers’ compensation lawyer in Darwin and the Northern Territory, we’ll help you gather the required evidence and documentation to contest the insurer’s 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
Resolve your case
If your claim is successful, you will receive the compensation you are entitled to, so you can focus on your future.
No Win, No Fee*
We do our best up-front to make sure you understand your legal claim, including whether your claim is on our No Win, No Fee* basis.
*Conditions apply
Do you have a claim?
We’re here to make the claims process as simple and stress-free as possible.
CLIENT STORY
"It was a weight off our minds. Someone else was looking after it and they were doing a good job. We received what we were entitled to, which will help to restore our dreams and provide for our future."
CLIENT FEEDBACK
"I recently used Shine Lawyers for a work injury claim and they were fantastic. They were always reassuring and professional, making the whole process much less daunting. Their quick responses to calls and emails were much appreciated. I would gladly use Shine again and recommend them to others." - Kris
CLIENT FEEDBACK
"I had the pleasure of working with the team at Shine Lawyers for my work injury case. They were amazing throughout the entire process, always checking in to make sure I was doing okay. I’m extremely grateful for all the help I received and would highly recommend the North Lakes team to anyone in need of legal assistance." - Shara
FAQs
Can I represent myself, or do I need a workers’ compensation lawyer in Darwin and the Northern Territory?
Can I represent myself, or do I need a workers’ compensation lawyer in Darwin and the Northern Territory?
It’s possible to legally represent yourself when making a claim for workers’ compensation in the Northern Territory 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 Darwin and the Northern Territory in your corner, it can be difficult to identify and highlight the strengths 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 and/or the Motor Accidents Compensation schemes.
What aspects of the law can Shine’s workers’ compensation lawyers in Darwin and the Northern Territory help me with?
What aspects of the law can Shine’s workers’ compensation lawyers in Darwin and the Northern Territory help me with?
Our team of workers’ compensation experts in the Northern Territory may be able to help you to:
Complete a workers’ compensation claim form
Gather required documentation for a deferred workers’ compensation claim
Request an internal review and/or mediation of a disputed workers’ compensation claim
Obtain a Whole Person Impairment Reassessment
Understand what to do after taking the insurer to mediation through the NTWorkSafe process
Support you if your employer refuses to cooperate with your claim, or pressures you to return to work
Access compensation if your employer's insurer refuses to pay for treatment or hasn’t approved your request for surgery
Fix incorrect 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
Why trust Shine to be my workers’ compensation lawyers in Darwin and the Northern Territory?
Why trust Shine to be my workers’ compensation lawyers in Darwin and the Northern Territory?
We have helped thousands of Australians right wrong and access more than $1 billion in entitlements and compensation through our expert services.
We settle claims 95% faster than the industry average and 98% 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
Where are Shine's workers’ compensation lawyers in Darwin located?
Where are Shine's workers’ compensation lawyers in Darwin located?
If you’d like to speak to our workers’ compensation lawyers in Darwin and the Northern Territory in person, we're conveniently located in Cavenagh Street. Our building is wheelchair accessible, with parking at the front of the building and accessible by public transport..
If you can’t 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.
