Sustaining an injury at work can have long term effects, affecting not just your physical health but also your financial stability and mental wellbeing.
In Queensland the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003, establishes a framework for injured workers to access compensation including lump sum payments for permanent damage.
The claims process can be difficult, including filing the correct documentation, understanding the complexities of the law, and proving your eligibility all while sustaining mental or physical injury.
Our workers compensation lawyers in Brisbane are highly trained in Queensland governmental law, specialise in workers compensation, lump sum claims and common law damages, so you can understand your rights and gain the rightful compensation you deserve.
An Overview : Workers Compensation in Queensland 2025
The Workers Compensation and Rehabilitation Act of 2003, handles workplace injury claims in Queensland.
This Act outlines the rights of injured workers to receive benefits such as weekly wages, medical expenditures, and lump sum compensation for permanent impairments.
In 2025, the system will continue to evolve, with updated criteria ensuring fair assessment of permanent impairments.
WorkCover Queensland serves as the state’s primary insurer, providing assistance to injured workers through statutory claims and facilitates access to lump sum payouts where available.
Our professional workers compensation lawyers can assist you with legal counsel and can support you with the claims process.
What is a Permanent Impairment in QLD?
A permanent impairment is a lifelong physical or physiological problem caused by a workplace injury or illness.
Queensland law states :
- The condition must be stationary and stable
- An independent medical expert determines the level of permanent disability, done by an assessment Degree of Permanent Impairment (DPI)
- The Degree of Permanent Impairment (DPI) is calculated as a percentage and determines eligibility for lump sum compensation.
Examples of permanent impairment :
- Loss or function in an organ or limb
- Chronic pain conditions
- Psychological injuries such as PTSD
- Occupational diseases including asbestosis and silicosis
Lump Sum Benefits for Work Injuries
Lump sum benefits provide financial relief to employees who have sustained permanent impairments due to workplace injuries.
These payments are determined using the DPI percentage and are intended to compensate for the long-term effects of the injury.
Types of Benefits Offered in Queensland
Injured workers may be entitled to the following :
- Weekly compensation for missed wages
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation
- Travel expenses related to medical care
- Lump sum payments for permanent impairments
- Death benefits for dependents of deceased workers
What Type of Payments Can I Access?
Under Queensland’s workers’ compensation scheme, injured workers can receive a variety of payments.
WorkCover can reimburse you for costs relating to the medical and rehabilitation treatments, including :
- Weekly payments : This covers the cost of lost wages owing to the inability to work
- Medical and rehabilitation costs : Includes hospital expenses, physical therapy, counselling, and other treatments.
- Travel expenses : Reimbursement of medical appointment related travel.
- Lump sum payments : For permanent impairment or latent onset injuries.
- Death benefits : Financial assistance for dependents and funeral costs.
How do I Know if I’m Eligible for Lump Sum Compensation?
Eligibility is established by a medical examination performed by WorkCover or a nominated doctor to perform the assessment of a Degree of Permanent Impairment (DPI).
The key elements include :
- Your injury should be considered stable and stationary.
- A DPI percentage must be assigned (at least 1%)
- Psychological injuries must be assessed by the Medical Assessment Tribunal, who will make an assessment about work related injuries or impairment.
If your DPI is less than 20%, you must choose between accepting a lump sum settlement or further pursuing common law damages. For DPI’s that are more than 20% you may consider both options.
Further information about assessment for the degree of permanent impairment can be found directly at WorkSafe’s resources with guidelines and evaluation on their website
Our lawyers at Revolution Law can help you through the process of determining your DPI, gain the correct medical evaluations, and fill out the correct documentation.
What Steps do I Need to Take for Lump Sum Compensation
In order to gain lump sum compensation, for permanent impairment in QLD you must follow a specific set of steps.
Each stage ensures compliance with the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act of 2003 and increases your chances of receiving fair compensation.
You can take the following steps :
1. Seeking medical attention :
Seek medical treatment for your injury, your first priority should be your health. Your doctor must issue a Work Capacity Certificate to validate the nature and severity of your injury. This document is a requirement when filing a workers’ compensation claim and acts as proof of your condition.
2. Report your injuries :
Notify your employer about the injury as soon as possible. Workplace Injuries in Queensland must be reported promptly in order to be eligible for compensation.
3. File a claim for WorkCover Queensland :
File your claim with WorkCover Queensland online or by phone. This includes submitting personal information, employer information, and specifics regarding your injury. WorkCover will review your claim within 20 business days.
4. Medical assessment :
WorkCover may require you to undergo an independent medical assessment and evaluate the level of permanent impairment (DPI). This assessment determines if your condition is stable and stationary, which is required for lump sum compensation.
5. Review your notice of assessment :
Once your DPI has been calculated, WorkCover will send you a Notice of Assessment that includes your DPI percentage and the lump sum offer. You should review this document carefully as it is the basis of your entitlement. Our lawyers at Revolution Law specialise in reviewing all documentation and can help review it with you, and provide you with guidance.
6. Seek legal advice from Revolution Law :
Before accepting, rejecting or deferring the lump sum offer, consult with our workers compensation lawyers. Legal guidance ensures that you understand the implication of your decision, especially if you are considering pursuing common law damages.
Read more at our valuable blog about workers compensation payout guide
How Much Can I Receive for Lump Sum Compensation for Permanent Impairment?
The amount you can receive for a lump sum payment is determined by your DPI percentage, which is calculated based on the severity of your injury.
The Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act of 2003 ties these benefits to Queensland’s Ordinary Time Earnings (QOTE) which are revised annually.
For injuries with a DPI of 1% to 29%, the lump sum reimbursement is calculated using a base rate per percentage point :
| DPI Percentage | Approximate Amount |
| 1% | $3,805 |
| 5% | $19,028 |
| 10% | $38,057 |
| 15% | $57,086 |
For injuries with a DPI of 30% or greater, extra compensation is added to the base amount :
| DPI Percentage | Approximate Amount |
| 30% | $114,172 + $14,350 additional |
| 50% | $190,288 + $177,109 extra |
In 2025, the maximum statutory compensation awarded for a single injury is capped at $761,150. These figures may differ slightly due to annual updates in QOTE.
Information on WorkCover permanent impairment payout amounts in QLD visit our blog.
For further information our lawyers at Revolution Law can assist at all stages of the claims process and are ready to provide support, so you can gain the compensation you deserve.
Resources & Support
Here are resources available to you in Queensland:
WorkCover Queensland : Provides insurance coverage and manages claims.
Employment Connect : Helps injured workers returning to suitable employment.
Recover at Work Program : Offers individualised plans to help employees move back into their roles after an injury.
How Revolution Law Can Help
Revolution is dedicated to supporting you through difficult times, and to help simplify the claims process for injured workers in Queensland.
We provide comprehensive legal services that are tailored to your unique circumstances, including :
- Assistance in filing WorkCover claims
- Representation during medical assessments
- Lump sum negotiation
- Guidance on pursuing common law damages
- Support for latent onset injury claims
Get in touch with our personal injury lawyers at Revolution Law to schedule a free consultation today to discuss your case.
07 3416 4999
