If you suffer an injury or contract an illness or disease at work, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation.
Workers’ compensation benefits can entail the payment of weekly compensation, the cost of reasonable medical and like expenses and, depending upon the severity and permanence of the work-related condition, “lump sum” compensation (whether it be in the guise of Common Law damages, Claims for Permanent Impairment or Death Claims (the latter proving benefits to the dependants of the deceased).
Understanding the WorkCover system can be confronting and confusing.
WorkCover entitlements apply to all workers, including casuals, part-timers and full-timers. Even if you have left or ceased your employment, you have the right to pursue a WorkCover claim.
Generally speaking, there is a 6year time frame within which to sue for common law damages in the event of a serious injury.
Recent legislative amendments in Victoria now provide for the possibility of injured workers receiving up to 130 weeks of weekly compensation payments.
Where a worker has suffered an injury or illness resulting in a total and permanent incapacity for work, weekly payments can continue well-beyond 130 weeks, often to retirement age.
The SDA has two full-time, experienced WorkCover Officers plus a Return To Work Co-ordinator who assist members with WorkCover disputes, at no financial cost, at the Accident Compensation Conciliation Service.
In addition, the SDA is proud to have the on-going support of its long time legal advisors, Maurice Blackburn Lawyers.
Whether it be completing an entry in an Injury Register at work, completing a Compensation Claim form, or appealing a decision of an insurer to reject or deny liability for compensation benefits, the SDA team – ranging from its Organizers, Information Officers and WorkCover Officer - is there to guide you all the way through the difficult process.