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?South Australia
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 ReturnToWorkSA (13 18 55) for free information about how the SA scheme applies to you.
- 6If you disagree with a decision — The South Australian Employment Tribunal (SAET) handles disputes, starting with conciliation.
- 7Watch the time limits — Disputes generally must be lodged within 1 month of the decision.
- 8Consider getting independent legal advice before signing anything or accepting a settlement.
How SA works
- Weekly payments
- Generally paid for up to 2 years (104 weeks) after the injury, with a step-down after 52 weeks. 'Seriously injured workers' (30% WPI or more) may receive payments until retirement age.
- Medical expenses
- Reasonable medical costs are generally covered for 12 months after weekly payments end, unless you are a seriously injured worker.
- Permanent impairment
- Lump sums for non-economic and economic loss are generally available at 5% WPI or more for physical injuries. Psychiatric injuries generally do not attract a lump sum except as a seriously injured worker.
- Free legal help
- Some legal costs may be covered under the Act. Unions, Legal Services Commission SA 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.