FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
First, report your injury to your employer and seek medical attention as soon as practicable. Your doctor will complete a First Certificate of Capacity. You then complete a Workers Compensation Claim Form and submit both documents to your employer. They have five days to lodge your claim with their insurer, who must respond within 14 days. For guidance on the process, WorkSafe WA and WA Health provide helpful resources.
You should lodge your claim within 12 months of the accident or injury. Claims lodged after this period may be denied if the insurer can prove material prejudice. Common law claims generally have a three year limitation period from the date of accident. Strict termination dates also apply to preserve your common law rights. We strongly recommend seeking legal advice well before any deadline approaches.
Yes. Western Australian law recognises psychological injuries including stress, anxiety, and depression that are significantly contributed to by work related events. Exclusions apply where the stress arises wholly from reasonable industrial actions by your employer. If you have been certified unfit for work due to psychological injury, you may be entitled to weekly payments, permanent impairment compensation, and treatment expenses.
Depending on your circumstances, you may claim weekly payments for lost wages, medical and rehabilitation expenses, travel costs for appointments, and lump sum payments for permanent impairment. If employer negligence caused your injury, common law damages may also be available. The specific amounts depend on the severity of your injuries and your individual losses.
While you can manage a straightforward claim yourself, the workers compensation system is adversarial. Insurers have experienced legal representatives negotiating on their behalf. Without your own legal representation, you place yourself at a significant disadvantage. A specialist work injury lawyer ensures you do not accept less than you deserve.
