Advocacy & peer supportMembership Verified
Australian Unions – Join or Get Help
Unions can provide advice, advocacy and referrals for members injured at work.
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
Do I need a lawyer?Victoria
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 WorkSafe Victoria (1800 136 089) for free information about how the VIC scheme applies to you.
- 6If you disagree with a decision — The Workplace Injury Commission (formerly ACCS) provides free conciliation, and disputes can proceed to court.
- 7Watch the time limits — Report your injury to your employer within 30 days where possible and lodge a claim as soon as possible.
- 8Consider getting independent legal advice before signing anything or accepting a settlement.
How VIC works
- Weekly payments
- Generally 95% of pre-injury average weekly earnings for the first 13 weeks, then 80% up to 130 weeks. Beyond 130 weeks payments continue only if you have no current work capacity likely to continue indefinitely.
- Medical expenses
- Reasonable medical and like services are covered, usually up to 52 weeks after weekly payments end, with longer periods in some cases.
- Permanent impairment
- Impairment benefits are generally available at 10% WPI or more for physical injuries and 30% or more for psychiatric injuries (5% for some spinal injuries).
- Free legal help
- Unions, Victoria Legal Aid and community legal centres can help. WorkSafe Victoria provides information to workers.
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
Community & free legal servicesFree Verified
Victoria Legal Aid
Free legal help line and referrals for Victorians.
Covers: VIC
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.