What to Do When You’re Injured at Work?
Being injured at work can be overwhelming. Between managing your pain, understanding your rights, and navigating the workers compensation system, it’s easy to feel lost. At Injurease Recovery Clinic, we work with injured workers every day — and we’ve put together this complete guide to help you understand exactly what to do, what you’re entitled to, and how to get back on your feet as quickly as possible.
Step 1 — Report Your Injury Immediately
The first thing you must do after a workplace injury is report it to your employer as soon as possible. In NSW, you are required to notify your employer within 30 days of the injury occurring. However, the sooner you report it the better — delays can complicate your claim.
When reporting, make sure you:
- Tell your supervisor or manager in person
- Follow up in writing (email is fine)
- Ask for the incident to be recorded in your workplace’s injury register
Keep a copy of everything for your own records
Step 2 — See a Doctor Straight Away
Visit a doctor as soon as possible after your injury. Your doctor will assess your injury, provide treatment, and issue you a Workers Compensation Certificate of Capacity — this is the document that starts your WorkCover claim officially.
At Injurease Recovery Clinic, we specialise in exactly this. Our doctors are experienced in occupational health and workplace injuries, and we can issue your Certificate of Capacity, create a treatment plan, and support your recovery from day one.
Step 3 — Lodge Your Workers Compensation Claim
Once you have your Certificate of Capacity, you need to lodge a claim with your employer’s workers compensation insurer. Your employer is required by law to have workers compensation insurance.
To lodge your claim you will need:
- Your completed Certificate of Capacity from your doctor
- Details of how the injury occurred
- Your personal and employment details
- Any witness information if applicable
Your employer must lodge the claim with their insurer within seven days of you notifying them. The insurer then has 21 days to accept or dispute your claim.
What Are You Entitled To?
This is the question we get asked most often. Here is a breakdown of your key entitlements under the NSW workers compensation system:
Weekly Payments
If your injury means you cannot work or can only work reduced hours, you may be entitled to weekly payments based on your pre-injury earnings:
- Weeks 1 to 13 — up to 95% of your pre-injury average weekly earnings
- Weeks 14 to 130 — up to 80% if you have no current work capacity, or 95% if you have returned to work on reduced hours
- After week 130 — payments continue if you have no current work capacity and your injury resulted in at least 20% permanent impairment
Medical Expenses
Your employer’s insurer is required to cover all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to your workplace injury. This includes:
- GP and specialist consultations
- Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
- Medications and medical aids
- Surgery if required
- Travel costs to and from medical appointments
Lump Sum Compensation
If your injury results in a permanent impairment, you may be entitled to a lump sum payment. This is assessed by an approved medical specialist and is based on the degree of permanent impairment caused by your injury.
Return to Work Support
Your employer is required to provide suitable duties to help you return to work gradually. This is called a return to work plan and must be developed in consultation with you and your treating doctor.
Domestic Assistance
If your injury is severe enough that you need help with household tasks, you may be entitled to domestic assistance payments to cover the cost of help at home.
Common Questions Answered
Can my employer fire me because I made a WorkCover claim?
No. It is illegal for an employer to dismiss an injured worker because they made a workers compensation claim. If this happens to you, you should seek legal advice immediately.
Do I need a lawyer to make a WorkCover claim?
Not necessarily. Many straightforward claims are handled without a lawyer. However if your claim is disputed or your injury is serious, speaking to a workers compensation lawyer is a good idea. Many offer free initial consultations.
What if my claim is rejected?
If your claim is disputed or rejected, you have the right to challenge the decision. You can apply to the Personal Injury Commission for an independent review. It is worth seeking legal advice if this happens.
How long does a WorkCover claim take?
Simple claims can be approved within a few weeks. More complex claims, particularly those involving disputes or serious injuries, can take several months. Keeping all your documentation organised and attending all medical appointments will help speed up the process.
Can I choose my own doctor?
Yes. You have the right to choose your own treating doctor. However your insurer may ask you to attend independent medical examinations with doctors of their choosing to assess your condition. You are generally required to attend these.
What if my injury gets worse over time?
Your entitlements can be reviewed if your condition changes. It is important to keep attending medical appointments and to update your Certificate of Capacity regularly so your claim reflects your current condition.
Can I claim for a psychological injury?
Yes. Psychological injuries such as workplace stress, anxiety, and depression are covered under workers compensation in NSW, provided they are caused by your employment. These claims can be more complex but you are absolutely entitled to make one.
What is a Certificate of Capacity?
This is the key document in your WorkCover claim. It is completed by your treating doctor and outlines your injury, your capacity to work, and what treatment you need. It needs to be updated regularly throughout your claim.
How Injurease Recovery Clinic Can Help
At Injurease Recovery Clinic, we are specialists in workplace injury recovery and workers compensation. Based in Lakemba and serving Greater Sydney and NSW via telehealth, we provide:
- Same-day or next-day appointments for injured workers
- Certificate of Capacity issued on your first visit
- Comprehensive injury assessment and treatment planning
- Coordination with your employer and insurer
- Return to work planning tailored to your specific role
- Ongoing medical support throughout your recovery
We understand that every injured worker’s situation is different. Our team is here to make sure you get the support you need, understand your entitlements, and recover as quickly as possible.
