Advocacy & peer supportMembership Verified
Australian Unions – Join or Get Help
Unions can provide advice, advocacy and referrals for members injured at work.
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What applies to me?
Your plain-English action plan
Step 1 · Your situation
Step 2 · Your state or scheme
Step 3 · Your next steps
Do I need a lawyer?Northern Territory
In one sentence
Not everyone needs a lawyer — but disputes, lump sums, common law and settlements are times to get advice.
Your next steps
- 1Check whether your state provides free legal help (see your state page).
- 2Contact Legal Aid or a community legal centre.
- 3Compare at least two lawyers and ask for written costs estimates.
- 4Bring your documents and a list of questions to your first appointment.
- 5Contact NT WorkSafe (1800 019 115) for free information about how the NT scheme applies to you.
- 6If you disagree with a decision — Disputes go to mediation first, then the Work Health Court.
- 7Watch the time limits — Claims should be made as soon as possible.
- 8Consider getting independent legal advice before signing anything or accepting a settlement.
How NT works
- Weekly payments
- Based on normal weekly earnings for the first 26 weeks, then a reduced percentage, with caps that depend on your circumstances.
- Medical expenses
- Reasonable costs of medical, surgical and rehabilitation treatment are covered.
- Permanent impairment
- Lump sum compensation is generally available for permanent impairment of 5% WPI or more.
- Free legal help
- NT Legal Aid, unions and community legal centres can help.
Questions you may have
What does 'no win, no fee' mean?
Usually you only pay professional fees if you win, but you may still owe out-of-pocket expenses (disbursements). Read the costs agreement carefully.
Can my union help?
Many unions provide advice or referral to lawyers for members injured at work.
How do I complain about a lawyer?
Each state has a legal services commissioner or law society that handles complaints.
Support available to you
Community & free legal servicesFree Verified
Community Legal Centres Australia
Find a free community legal centre near you anywhere in Australia.
Covers: National
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.