In Australia, laws have been enacted for injured workers to ensure they receive benefits for replacing a percentage of their wages and paying their medical expenses. When someone experiences a work-related injury or illness, they are not always treated fairly. When complications arise, injured workers sometimes need to hire a lawyer to help.
What is workers’ compensation?
Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance payment to employees if they are injured on the job or become sick due to their work. If you suffer an injury at work, you have the right to claim compensation benefits which can include weekly payments, modified work-related damages claims and payments for medical and treatment expenses. Employers in each state or territory must take out workers’ compensation insurance to cover themselves and their employees.
What should I do if I am injured at work?
After an on-the-job injury, seek immediate medical attention and inform your employer promptly. The employer must file a claim with their insurance company. When the injury has been reported, the insurer will issue a claim number. This will appear on all correspondence relating to your claim.
What is a Certificate of Capacity?
The Certificate of Capacity is the main way the doctor communicates with everyone involved in the compensation case. The certificate describes the nature of the injury/illness, the employee’s capacity for work and the treatment they may require. It helps inform the worker’s injury management and rehabilitation plans.
Do I need a workers’ compo lawyer?
When an injured employee receives a workers’ compo denial from their employer, they may need to look for a lawyer to help them. A workers’ compensation lawyer represents their injured client to appeal unfair decisions. The lawyer can help settle a worker’s claim for the maximum compensation as soon as possible. Some injured workers hire a compensation lawyer from the beginning so they will have sound legal advice from the start. Due to strict time limits which apply to making workers’ compensation claims, it is recommended that you obtain legal advice as soon as possible.
What do workers’ compensation lawyers offer me?
One of the key duties of a workers’ compensation lawyer is to negotiate a fair settlement with the insurance company and employer.
Compensation lawyers’ other roles include:
- Helping injured workers file a workers’ compensation claim and explaining the steps involved
- Negotiating with the insurance company on behalf of the injured employee
- Guiding clients in completing forms and ensuring they meet deadlines
- Helping clients through the appeals process if a claim is denied
- Assisting the injured worker to obtain medical care
- Obtaining medical bills to prove the client’s work-related injuries or illness
How much does it cost to hire a workers’ compensation lawyer in Sydney?
It’s difficult to say exactly how much you can expect to spend for a workers’ compensation lawyer to represent you. As every case is different and of varying complexity, the professionals at Benjamin & Robinson Lawyers price their services on a case-by-case basis.
With offices in South Hurstville and St George, the fees at Benjamin & Robinson Lawyers are affordable and competitive. For enquiries or a quote, contact us today on 02 9547 1733. You can also email us or request a consultation. Connect with our workers’ compensation lawyers today.