What injuries are covered by workers compensation?
Workers compensation covers any work-related injury or illness. Generally speaking, ‘work-related’ means any injury or illness that occurs because of your work duties or your hazardous work environment.
The majority of workers compensation claims involve back injuries and other forms of bodily stress, psychological illness, and slip and fall injuries.
Workers compensation for back injuries (and other bodily stress)
These are the most common work-related injuries in Australia and account for over 40% of all workers compensation claims. While the majority are back injuries, ‘bodily stress’ includes any injury to muscles, joints, bones or other body parts.
Bodily stress may occur after a single incident or due to repeated motion and long-term wear and tear. If you’re unable to work due to bodily stress, you’re entitled to weekly workers compensation payments.
In addition, you may have a negligence claim against your employer if they failed to maintain a safe work environment and you were injured as a result.
Workers compensation for slip and fall injuries
These are the second most common work injuries. Over 23% of all workers compensation claims relate to a workplace slip and fall.
You can claim weekly workers compensation payments if you’re unable to work after a slip and fall injury. There is no need to prove your employer or anyone else was at fault.
You may also have a negligence claim against your employer if your worksite was unsafe and you were injured as a result. In this case, you must show that your workplace did not have appropriate safety measures in place to prevent slips and falls.
Examples of negligence include:
- Lack of appropriate storage facilities.
- Poor walkway design, maintenance and lighting.
- Slippery surfaces left unattended.
Workers compensation for psychological conditions
Psychological conditions account for around 6% of all workers compensation claims — but that percentage is steadily growing.
Psychological illness includes any mental stress or breakdown caused (or exacerbated) by workplace stress, sexual harassment, bullying, or assault. It also includes situations where an employee witnesses a traumatic event.
Psychological illness may cause depression, anxiety, suicidal ideation or occupation-related Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
If you’re suffering from a psychological illness because of work, it’s important to seek help. The Black Dog Institute offers resources for people experiencing depression, anxiety and other mental health conditions. You’re also entitled to weekly workers compensation. These payments cover your medical expenses and provide a substitute wage if you need time off work.
To speak to a lawyer about your situation, call us today. We have decades of experience winning compensation for clients struggling with psychological conditions.
What other injuries and illnesses can I claim for?
Other common injuries and illnesses you can claim workers compensation for include:
- Construction site accidents.
- Office-related injuries, including eye or muscle strain from computer use.
- Fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) worker injuries.
- Muscular injuries.
- Farm injuries.
- Injuries from accidents operating dangerous machinery.
- Carpal tunnel syndrome.
- Exposure to hazardous substances.
- Exposure to bacteria or viruses that cause disease.
How do I make a workers compensation claim?
You can make a workers compensation claim if you were hurt at (or because of) work.
While each state has slightly different rules, you’ll generally need to report the injury to your employer, fill out a claim form, and put together strong evidence supporting your case. You can learn more about this process in our five-step guide to making a successful workers compensation claim.
While you don’t need a lawyer to make a claim, we always advise getting legal advice before starting. Our expert workers compensation lawyers provide free, honest advice on what you’re entitled to and how to get the most from your claim.
On top of your workers compensation claim, we’ll also uncover your additional entitlements, including negligence and Total and Permanent Disability (TPD). This ensures you get maximum compensation for your injury.
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