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
What happens if I suffer another injury?Tasmania
In one sentence
A new injury, an aggravation, or a condition caused by your original injury may each be claimable.
Your next steps
- 1Tell your employer and insurer about the new injury in writing.
- 2Ask your doctor to document the cause.
- 3Lodge a new claim form if required.
- 4Get advice if the insurer says it is 'pre-existing'.
- 5Contact WorkSafe Tasmania (1300 366 322) for free information about how the TAS scheme applies to you.
- 6If you disagree with a decision — The Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (TASCAT) handles workers compensation disputes, starting with conciliation.
- 7Watch the time limits — Claims should be made within 6 months of the injury.
- 8Consider getting independent legal advice before signing anything or accepting a settlement.
How TAS works
- Weekly payments
- Based on normal weekly earnings, stepping down after 26 weeks and 78 weeks, and generally ending after 9 years (longer for 30% WPI or more).
- Medical expenses
- Reasonable medical expenses are covered, and generally continue for 12 months after weekly payments end.
- Permanent impairment
- Lump sum compensation is generally available for permanent impairment of 5% WPI or more (10% for psychiatric injury).
- Free legal help
- Legal Aid Tasmania, unions and community legal centres can help.
Questions you may have
I had a bad back before. Can I still claim?
Often yes, if work aggravated, accelerated or worsened the condition. The rules vary by scheme.
Do I need a new claim form?
For a new injury, usually yes. For a consequential condition, ask the insurer how they want it notified, and put it in writing.
What if I change employers?
Injuries with a new employer usually go to that employer's insurer. Disputes about which employer is responsible are common — get advice.
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 Tasmania
Tasmanian regulator — information about workers rehabilitation and compensation.
Covers: TAS
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.