No matter how many years you’ve been in the workforce, work-related accidents can be hard to navigate. You may be eligible for workers’ compensation for your injuries, which can help with your recovery and moving forward.
As workers’ compensation lawyers, we can help with your workers’ compensation claim.
Here we explain who can make a workers’ compensation claim in Western Australia, whether you need a compensation lawyer and what to look for when choosing a law firm for workers’ compensation.
What is workers’ compensation?
Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance to cover workers who suffer a work-related injury or illness. It compensates workers for lost income, medical and associated expenses and helps them to safely return to work.
All employers in Western Australia must have workers’ compensation insurance for their workers.
What is a ‘worker’?
The law provides a broad definition for a ‘worker’ in Western Australia, including:
- Full-time, part-time, casual, and seasonal workers
- Workers on commission
- Piece workers
Who can make a workers’ compensation claim in Perth?
You can make a workers’ compensation claim in Perth and Western Australia if:
- You’ve been injured at work or in the course of your work
- You’re a “worker” under Western Australian law
Common injury types in Perth
According to WorkCover WA, the most common types of work-related injury and / or disease in Western Australia in 2022-2023 were:
- Traumatic joint / ligament and muscle tendon injury
- Wounds, lacerations, amputations, and damage to internal organs
- Fractures
- Burns
Do I need a law firm for workers’ compensation?
The short answer is yes.
While it is possible to manage your claim on your own, there are advantages to hiring workers’ compensation lawyers.
The laws and processes governing workers’ compensation are complex and technical. And your employer’s insurer has its own team of workers’ compensation lawyers, experienced in every aspect of the relevant law and claims process.
Without a workers’ compensation lawyer, you may unknowingly make a decision that could result in your workers’ compensation claim being rejected or reduced in its scope.
Without legal advice from a compensation lawyer, your claim might settle for far less than it is worth, or it will result in forever ending your ability to pursue a claim for damages.
Our workers’ compensation lawyers will break down the legal process and explain it to you in a simple, easy to understand way. They’ll also work closely with you to gather evidence to support your claim and can communicate with your employer’s insurance company on your behalf.
What should I look for in a workers’ compensation lawyer?
Before choosing a workers’ compensation lawyer, here are a few things to think about:
- Does the lawyer hold a current practising certificate to practise law in Western Australia?
- Does the lawyer have experience in the Western Australian workers’ compensation law and personal injury law?
- Does the law firm practise workers’ compensation law and does it have testimonials to review?
- Can the compensation lawyer answer every question you ask?
- Do they make you feel confident and give you a good feeling about representing you in your workers’ compensation claim?
- Do you think they are being honest about their views of your workers’ compensation claim?
- Does the law firm offer a range of payment options?
Why choose Stephen Browne Lawyers Perth?
Our team at Stephen Brown Personal Injury Lawyers have decades of experience in Western Australia personal injury compensation law and workers’ compensation law. We are passionate about achieving the best outcomes for our clients, and we work hard to ensure we achieve the best result for your claim.
We will provide you with straightforward advice to ensure you understand your claim and entitlements throughout the entire legal process. We may also be able to represent you to navigate your claim on a No Win, No Fee* basis.
The workers’ compensation team at Stephen Browne Personal Injury Lawyers are passionate about transparency, communication and creating safer places to work.
Contact the team to discuss your work-related injury and see how we can help you.
*Conditions apply
