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.
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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
I've been injured at work. What happens next?Queensland
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 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
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.
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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
Government agencies & regulatorsFree Verified
Services Australia – Disability, Sickness and Carers
Centrelink line for the Disability Support Pension, sickness-related payments and carers.
Covers: National
Government agencies & regulatorsFree Verified
WorkSafe Queensland / Workers' Compensation Regulator
Information and independent reviews of insurer decisions in Queensland.
Covers: QLD
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.