Advocacy & peer supportMembership Verified
Australian Unions – Join or Get Help
Unions can provide advice, advocacy and referrals for members injured at work.
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
Do I need a lawyer?Queensland
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 Workers' Compensation Regulator (Office of Industrial Relations) (1300 362 128) for free information about how the QLD scheme applies to you.
- 6If you disagree with a decision — The Workers' Compensation Regulator conducts reviews of insurer decisions, with appeals to the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission.
- 7Watch the time limits — Claims must generally be lodged within 6 months of the injury.
- 8Consider getting independent legal advice before signing anything or accepting a settlement.
How QLD works
- Weekly payments
- Generally a percentage of normal weekly earnings, stepping down at 26 weeks, for up to 5 years in total or until a benefit cap is reached.
- Medical expenses
- Reasonable medical treatment, hospital, rehabilitation and travel costs are generally covered while your claim is open.
- Permanent impairment
- If you have a permanent impairment, you receive a Degree of Permanent Impairment (DPI) assessment and may be offered a statutory lump sum.
- Free legal help
- Unions, Legal Aid Queensland and community legal centres can help. The Regulator provides free information.
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.