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
Am I entitled to a lump-sum compensation payment?Queensland
In one sentence
There are different kinds of lump sums — some are set by a table, others depend on proving negligence.
Your next steps
- 1Check your scheme's lump-sum and common law thresholds.
- 2Keep records of all financial losses.
- 3Get a free first consultation with a workers' compensation lawyer.
- 4Ask about all costs in writing before signing a costs agreement.
- 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
How much could I get?
It depends on your scheme, impairment and losses. Be cautious of anyone who promises a figure without assessing your case.
Can someone other than my employer be responsible?
Yes — for example a negligent driver, a host employer or a manufacturer. These are sometimes called third-party claims.
Will Centrelink want money back?
Possibly. Compensation can create a Centrelink preclusion period or repayment. Get advice before settling.
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
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.