Government agencies & regulatorsFree Verified
Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA)
Free, independent complaints service for disputes with super funds and insurers, including TPD and income protection.
Covers: National
What applies to me?
Your plain-English action plan
Step 1 · Your situation
Step 2 · Your state or scheme
Step 3 · Your next steps
I've been injured at work. What happens next?New South Wales
In one sentence
Report the injury, see your own doctor, and lodge a claim as soon as you can — delays can affect your rights.
Your next steps
- 1Report the injury to your employer in writing and keep a copy.
- 2Book an appointment with your own GP and ask for a workers' compensation certificate.
- 3Complete and lodge the claim form for your scheme.
- 4Keep a diary of symptoms, appointments, costs and phone calls.
- 5Contact State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) (13 10 50) for free information about how the NSW scheme applies to you.
- 6If you disagree with a decision — Personal Injury Commission (PIC) handles disputes.
- 7Watch the time limits — Claims should be made within 6 months of the injury, though late claims may be accepted in some circumstances.
- 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
Do I have to prove it was my employer's fault?
Usually no. Workers' compensation is mostly no-fault. Fault can matter later if you consider a common law (negligence) claim.
What if I am a casual or a contractor?
Many casual workers are covered. Contractors may or may not be covered depending on the real nature of the working relationship and your state's laws. Ask your regulator.
Can my employer sack me for making a claim?
Most schemes have protections against being dismissed because of a work injury, especially in the first months. Fair Work laws may also protect you. Get advice quickly if this happens.
Support available to you
Advocacy & peer supportMembership Verified
Australian Unions – Join or Get Help
Unions can provide advice, advocacy and referrals for members injured at work.
Covers: National
Community & free legal servicesFree Verified
Community Legal Centres Australia
Find a free community legal centre near you anywhere in Australia.
Covers: National
Government agencies & regulatorsFree Verified
Fair Work Ombudsman
Information about workplace rights, dismissal and pay. Fair Work Commission deals with unfair dismissal and bullying applications.
Covers: National
Community & free legal servicesFree Verified
Independent Review Office (IRO)
Free complaints and enquiries service for NSW injured workers, and funded legal help through ILARS.
Covers: NSW
Community & free legal servicesFree Verified
Legal Aid NSW
Free legal information and advice, including employment and some injury-related matters.
Covers: NSW
General information only. Rules change and depend on your circumstances. Check with your regulator or get independent legal, financial or medical advice about your situation.