Workers Compensation Lawyers & WorkCover Experts

Have you been injured at work? If so, contact Teakle Ormsby Conn’s workers compensation lawyers & WorkCover Specialists in Sydney

If you have sustained an injury at work, or have been injured whilst traveling to and from work, you may be entitled to claim workers compensation. Even ‘repetitive strain injury’ (RSI) and stress due to being over-worked can qualify one for workers compensation. In these instances, it’s vital to seek the advice of an experienced workers compensation lawyer. Although you may think your claim is too small to be worthwhile, it’s often not the case. Minor injuries can sometimes develop over time and have an impact on your life in the future.

Our Workers Compensation Lawyers Offer 50 years of experience with Workers Compensation Claims in Sydney

Teakle Ormsby Conn is one of Sydney’s leading workers compensation lawyers with over 50 years of experience in helping victims of work related injuries to achieve the maximum compensation they are entitled to.

For workers compensation claims, you don’t have to pay any fees as insurance companies will cover all fees if successful. To arrange a meeting with an experienced workers compensation lawyer, contact us today as strict time limits often apply to workers compensation claims.

What can Workers Compensation Cover?

    * Pain and suffering
    * Loss of wages and superannuation benefits
    * Medical expenses
    * Rehabilitation expenses
    * Retraining in certain circumstances

Workers’ Rights, WorkCover & Workers Compensation Claims

Certain cases have seen injured workers settle out of court with their employer for sums of money far short of what they are entitled to. To ensure this does not happen to you, it is pertinent to contact a workers compensation lawyer as soon as possible.

Are you the family member of an injured worker?

If the primary income earner in your household has sustained an injury or lost their life at work or traveling to and from work, you may be eligible to make a claim under workers compensation laws. For further information, contact our workers compensation lawyers.

Who do I claim Workers Compensation from?

Your state’s statutory authority on workers compensation is ‘WorkCover’ (please see your state’s representative). However, in the event that your employer is classified a ‘self-insurer’ (those who have obtained alternative insurance for their employees), you will need to make a claim for workers compensation directly from your employer instead of WorkCover. Under this arrangement, WorkCover can help review the decisions made by your employer to ensure they are fair and just.

If your employer does not have insurance with WorkCover or alternative insurance companies it is considered an offence – immediately contact WorkCover to inform them of the facts, then contact Teakle Ormsby Conn's workers compensation lawyers to fully understand your rights and legal position to claim compensation and the process by which to do so. In these circumstances, there is a fund available and Teakle Ormsby Conn can help you gain access to that fund.

Eligibility for Workers Compensation Claims

If you are a ‘worker’ as defined by WorkCover (your state’s statutory authority) and have suffered an injury as defined in your state’s Workers Compensation Act, then you are eligible to receive benefits. However, your employment must be determined to be ‘a significant contributing factor’ causing your injury for you to be entitled to claim benefits. Work injuries that involve workers compensation can include:

·         Lacerations/cuts; broken and fractured bones; damaged ligaments/tendons/muscle

·         Disease (including respiratory conditions caused by asbestosis)

·         Aggravation of a personal injury, medical condition or disease that leads to further damage

·         Death due to injury, disease or aggravation of either

·         Psychiatric or psychological disorders

Claims for psychiatric and psychological disorders can be very difficult to prove. In these instances, WorkCover assess external factors to determine whether you will be compensated for your disorder. You will often be requested to produce witnesses who are willing to provide statements to support your claim. For example, if you have suffered a physical or psychological injury as a result of your working conditions, witnesses who experienced or had prior knowledge of the conditions can provide evidence of this situation for the courts. Our workers compensation lawyers can provide you with guidelines on the matter.

Aggravation of an injury

If you sustained an injury that is an aggravation of a pre-existing condition, you may be entitled to compensation if your employment is a ‘significant contributing factor’ causing the aggravation. For advice on this area, contact our workers compensation lawyers.

Travel To & From Work

WorkCover’s workers compensation covers injuries that occur on the way to and from work. However, WorkCover will not provide compensation if the injury:

· Is completely, or partly caused by your action (e.g. drink driving, failure to read road signage)

· Occurs during, or after a substantial delay or interruption/deviation from the journey before you start the journey

How to Lodge a Claim for Workers Compensation

If you have been injured at work and wish to apply for compensation you should:

·         Report the injury to your employer immediately

·         Seek medical attention - if you cannot continue working due to injury, you should visit a doctor to receive a WorkCover approved medical certificate

·         If the doctor agrees your injury is work-related, request a Workcover approved Medical Certificate. You will need to send a copy of the medical certificate to WorkCover and one to your employer.

·         Keep copies of all Workcover medical certificates.

·         Complete an ‘Application for Compensation’ form (available from your employer, union or WorkCover branch)

·         Complete an ‘Employment Declaration’ form (for those claiming lost wages due to time off work (available from WorkCover and even your local Australian Post

·         Provide copies of all paperwork completed to WorkCover (including all forms mentioned above, if applicable, documenting the injury)

WorkCover may wish to interview you, your witnesses, doctors and employer to reach a decision regarding your application for compensation and may require medical documentation up front. In circumstances where your claim is complex, WorkCover may refer you to an independent Medical Assessment Tribunal.

Can I sue my employer for negligence?

In certain circumstances you may be able to sue your employer for damages as a result of an accident at work. To do so, you will need to be whole of person impared by at least 15% as assessed by approved WorkCover specialists. Teakle Ormsby Conn, with over 50 years experience in Workers Compensation and employer negligence claims, can guide you through the difficulties and complexities of workers compensation claims and insurance litigation.

If Your Claim for Workers Compensation is Successful, What are you Entitled to?

Statutory benefits may include:

·         weekly compensation payments (up to 85% of normal weekly wages)

·         medical costs (treatment, hospitalisation, rehabilitation etc)

·         transportation expenses

·         lump sum compensation for whole of person impairment and in certain cases, for pain and suffering

For all workers compensation and WorkCover enquiries, please contact Teakle Ormsby Conn as soon as possible to arrange a free consultation with a workers compensation lawyer and WorkCover expert.