Workers Compensation Lawyers Queensland

No, there are no upfront costs or financial risks. Our No Win, No Fee, No Catch® promise ensures that you can proceed with your claim with peace of mind, knowing that there are no upfront costs and absolutely no risk of being left out of pocket.

Typical 'no win, no fee' arrangements may leave you vulnerable to unexpected expenses, such as paying the other side's legal fees if your case is unsuccessful in court. These unforeseen costs could potentially run into thousands of dollars, causing significant financial stress. All claims are run on a No Win, No Fee, No Catch® basis which means there are no circumstances in which you can be left out of pocket to us or the other side.

A typical timeframe is 12 to 18 months from opening a claim to settlement for a common law claim. During that time we will help you get the most from your WorkCover claim to help with your recovery and costs while you wait for the settlement.

‍Note: While the time frame stated is typical, it is critical to understand that each case is unique and may require more or less time depending on various individual factors such as disputed liability or complex injuries.

Yes, it is entirely possible to make a work injury compensation claim for psychological injuries sustained at work. The recognition of psychological injuries such as PTSD as a genuine and significant workplace risk has led to their inclusion within the scope of work injury claims.

The following conditions must be met:

• Injury Evidence: A medical professional must have diagnosed a psychological injury.
• Work-Related: The psychological injury must be directly related to your work or events at work.
• Severity: The psychological injury should significantly affect your work ability. Minor stress or anxiety may not qualify.

Common Types of Psychological Injuries at Work

Some of the most common psychological injuries at work are:

1. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): This can occur after a traumatic incident at work.
2. Depression and Anxiety: Chronic work-related stress can lead to these conditions.

A wide range of injuries can occur as a result of workplace accidents in Queensland. The following are the most common.

• Whiplash: Often resulting from road accidents, whiplash involves the sudden jolt of the head and neck, causing strain or tears in the muscles and tendons. This injury can lead to significant pain and discomfort, often requiring extensive medical treatment and rest.
• Back Injuries: Particularly common in workplaces involving manual labour, back injuries can range from minor strains to severe spinal cord damage. These injuries can have long-term impacts on an individual's health and ability to work.
• Fractures: Broken bones can happen due to falls, heavy machinery accidents, or road collisions. Depending on the severity, fractures can require surgery and extensive rehabilitation.
• Repetitive Strain Injuries: These injuries occur due to prolonged, repetitive movements, often linked to certain occupations. Injuries may include carpal tunnel syndrome or tendonitis, both of which can cause chronic pain and limited mobility.
• Occupational Disease: Certain work environments expose employees to hazardous substances or conditions, leading to diseases such as mesothelioma, silicosis, or occupational asthma. These diseases can have serious, long-term health consequences.

It's crucial to remember that if you have suffered any of these injuries due to your work, you may be entitled to make a WorkCover claim or a common law workers compensation claim. To navigate these processes effectively, consulting with a skilled Queensland work injury lawyer can be invaluable.

In Queensland, workplace injuries are unfortunately common and can have significant impacts on the lives of workers. Understanding the primary causes of these injuries is crucial for both employers and employees, in order to take proactive steps to prevent such incidents. Some of the most common causes include:

• Slips, trips and falls: These are often due to inadequate maintenance of the workplace, such as wet floors, loose cables and clutter. Regularly cleaning and organising the workplace can help reduce such incidents.
• Overexertion and repetitive strain: Physical jobs can lead to workers overexerting themselves or developing repetitive strain injuries. Adequate breaks and ergonomic equipment can help mitigate these risks.
• Being hit by falling objects: In industries such as construction, workers are often at risk of being hit by falling objects. Wearing appropriate personal protective equipment and adherence to safety protocols can significantly reduce this risk.
• Vehicle accidents: Workers who drive as part of their job, such as truck drivers, are at risk of vehicle accidents. Employers can help reduce this risk by providing safe and reliable vehicles and adequate driver training.
• Workplace violence: Sadly, some workers are injured due to violence in the workplace. This can be mitigated with effective conflict resolution strategies and a strong workplace culture of respect and inclusivity.

In Queensland, certain jobs and industries are characterised by a significantly higher risk of work injuries. These industries often involve physically demanding work, hazardous environments, or both. Approximately 70% of all workers compensation claims in Queensland are made by males. The following is a list of these jobs and industries:

• Construction:
  Workers in the construction industry are the most likely to make a workers compensation claim in Queensland. The construction industry is known for its high risk due to the physically demanding nature of the work and the presence of heavy machinery and risks on construction sites, which can lead to serious injuries.
• Agriculture:
  Farmers and other agricultural workers face a range of risks, from machinery accidents to exposure to harmful substances, resulting in high injury rates.
• Manufacturing:
  Workers in the manufacturing sector are often exposed to hazardous materials and heavy machinery, contributing to a high incidence of work injuries.
• Mining:
  The challenging conditions in the mining industry, including exposure to dangerous substances and the potential for cave-ins, lead to a high risk of injuries.
• Healthcare:
  Healthcare professionals, particularly those in hospitals and nursing homes, face a high risk of injuries due to the physical demands of their work and potential exposure to infectious diseases.

Yes, the provisions of the WorkCover Queensland scheme can also apply to incidents that occur while commuting to or from work. These are known as 'journey claims'.

Journey claims are made when a worker sustains an injury while travelling to or from their place of employment. This could include any injuries sustained while driving, walking, or even cycling to work. These claims are covered under the WorkCover Queensland scheme, regardless of who is at fault.

In addition, if your injury was due to the negligence of another party, such as the driver of another vehicle, you could also consider making a claim via a lawyer against the CTP insurer of the at-fault driver.

A CTP road accident injury claim can be pursued if you have been injured due to the negligence of another driver during your commute. This is separate from a WorkCover claim and is made directly against the CTP insurer of the driver who was at fault.

In Queensland, there are three primary workers compensation schemes available to protect employees in the event of a workplace injury. These are administered by different entities and apply to different types of workers.

• WorkCover Queensland: The majority of Queensland workers are covered under this scheme. WorkCover Queensland is a statutory body that provides workers' compensation insurance to approximately 90% of Queensland businesses. It is the default scheme for any business that does not qualify to be a self-insurer.
• Self-Insurers: These are typically large businesses or corporations that choose to manage their own workers' compensation claims. To become a self-insurer, a company must meet stringent financial and corporate governance standards. Self-insurers in Queensland often include major supermarket chains, large retail groups, and multinational corporations.
• Comcare: Comcare is a federal scheme that covers workers employed by the Commonwealth Government and certain licensed companies. A business may choose to be covered under the Comcare scheme if it operates across multiple states and territories, streamlining their workers' compensation responsibilities into a single scheme.