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?South Australia
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 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
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.
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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.
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Government agencies & regulatorsFree Verified
ReturnToWorkSA
South Australia's return to work scheme — information about claims and support.
Covers: SA
Government agencies & regulatorsFree Verified
Services Australia – Disability, Sickness and Carers
Centrelink line for the Disability Support Pension, sickness-related payments and carers.
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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.