Your plain-English action plan

Your next steps

1. 1Check whether your state provides free legal help (see your state page).
2. 2Contact Legal Aid or a community legal centre.
3. 3Compare at least two lawyers and ask for written costs estimates.
4. 4Bring your documents and a list of questions to your first appointment.
5. 5Contact State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) (13 10 50) for free information about how the NSW scheme applies to you.
6. 6If you disagree with a decision — Personal Injury Commission (PIC) handles disputes.
7. 7Watch the time limits — Claims should be made within 6 months of the injury, though late claims may be accepted in some circumstances.
8. 8Consider getting independent legal advice before signing anything or accepting a settlement.

How NSW works

Weekly payments

Based on pre-injury average weekly earnings (PIAWE). Payments step down after 13 weeks and are reviewed after 130 weeks. Payments usually end at 260 weeks unless you have more than 20% WPI.

Medical expenses

Reasonably necessary medical treatment is generally covered, with time limits linked to your impairment level and how long weekly payments were received.

Permanent impairment

A lump sum is generally available for more than 10% WPI (physical) or at least 15% WPI (psychological). Only one assessment is usually allowed.

Free legal help

The Independent Review Office (IRO) funds approved lawyers through the Independent Legal Assistance and Review Service (ILARS) — free to the worker for many disputes. IRO: 13 94 76.

Questions you may have

Support available to you