Back Injury Workers Compensation

2022-06-28T17:06:30+10:0003/08/2018|Workers Rights|

Back Injury Workers Compensation

A back injury is not only painful it can have drastic impacts on the quality of your life. Such injuries can impact your workplace productivity and future employment capabilities and prospects. Back injuries can include but are not limited to sprains and strains, bulging discs, slipped discs, fractured vertebrae, tailbone injuries and whiplash.

Most commonly back injuries occur at work due to:

  • Insufficient training
  • Improper lifting techniques
  • Lifting of heavy loads
  • Cutting corners due to time constraints
  • Overexertion from lifting, carrying and throwing

If you have obtained a back injury at work and you are seeking compensation then speak to one of our lawyers today for no cost and with no pressure to quickly obtain the legal advice you need in determining whether or not you have a worker’s compensation claim.  Get in touch on 3416 4999, if you want to speak directly to the owner of the firm ask for Ryan.

What to do if you have injured your back at work? 

The initial step is to report your back injury to your immediate supervisor, this may be owner of the business or a manager. 

You may be required to fill out an incident report at work. If your back injury is severe, then medical attention and treatment are your first priority.

For all non-severe injuries, don’t just try and ‘tough it out’ – it is always important to seek a medical opinion to see if there are any options to speed up your recovery. Also, by not reporting your injury to a medical professional, you are essentially hindering any potential work injury claim.

While you are seeking medical advice, make sure you obtain a workers’ compensation medical certificate should you require any time off work to seek treatment or to just recover. WorkCover Queensland will reimburse you for lost wages if you are concerned about taking time off for this reason.

Your next step is to inform your employer and provide them with a copy of the medical certificate. After you have done this, lodge your claim with WorkCover or self-insurer. At this stage, we can sit down for an obligation-free and zero cost meeting at our local Logan office, or we can drive to you whether you live in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Ipswich or elsewhere in Queensland. The purpose of this meeting will be to provide you with a detailed explanation of the process of a WorkCover claim, the best way to approach your potential work injury claim and explain what your options are going forward.

What is the WorkCover Claim Process?

A flow chat that shows the workcover statutory process

How to lodge a WorkCover Claim?

If you are injured while you are at work, then you are entitled to access benefits from WorkCover Queensland or from your employer’s self-insurer. It is important to lodge your claim as soon as possible with WorkCover Queensland or the self-insurer as to access these benefits, your claim will need to be approved. You can lodge your claim here: https://ols.workcoverqld.com.au/ols/public/claim/lodgement.wc

How can a claim help you in the future?

As outlined below you will have access to immediate benefits during the statutory phase of your WorkCover claim. Once your initial claim has been finalised we can assist you with the second claim which is called the Common law claim.  With this claim, you may be entitled to a lump sum settlement offer to compensate you for future loss of income, pain and suffering, future medical expenses etc.

Immediate Beneits you can receive from WorkCover include:
  • Weekly compensation for lost wages

If you need to take some time off work due to an injury that you have sustained at work, then WorkCover will calculate the amount of weekly compensation you will receive based on the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003 and pay it directly into your bank account. The level of compensation that you will receive will depend on many factors but generally speaking, if you have been injured after 2008, then WorkCover QLD may cover up to 85% of your wages for up to 26 weeks before lowering that compensation amount down to either 70% or 75% for an additional 78 weeks.

  • Surgical and hospital expenses

If you have sustained an injury at work and you require non-elective surgery, then WorkCover may cover your hospital costs for up to four days. If it is elective surgery involving a procedure that is determined as appropriate for the injury by a medical specialist, then WorkCover may cover costs, but it is important that WorkCover approves the operation as a course of treatment before undergoing any elective surgeries.

  • Medicines essential for recovery

Should you require pain relief or prescription drugs, then WorkCover will pay for those expenses.

  • Rehabilitation treatment and equipment

You may need to seek rehabilitation treatment such as physiotherapy or buy equipment such as crutches to help support your recovery. Any rehabilitation treatment or equipment you require needs to be reasonable and relevant to your injury. It is important that when attending treatment, you are seeing a registered practitioner otherwise the expense will not be covered. Most of the time WorkCover can be charged directly, however, if you make an out-of-pocket payment then ensure that you keep the receipt so that WorkCover can reimburse you.

  • Travelling expenses for medical treatment, rehabilitation etc

WorkCover may pay for any necessary and reasonable travel expenses that you incur to obtain medical treatment or attend medical appointments.

What are our tips?

  • Document everything. The claims process is 12-18 months and it is likely you will forget helpful evidence and information without documenting it.
  • Visit your Doctor. It is not enough to say you are injured. You need to evidence your injury. Your medical records will be accessed regarding your injury so it is important that you have the independent doctor outlining your injury and assisting you in the recovery process.
  • Access rehabilitation. It will assist in your recovery.
  • Get in touch with us and let us help you.

What can you do to support your recovery?

  • Ice – Applying an ice pack to the sore area of your neck or back can reduce the severity of the pain for some people.
  • Heat – Exposing your back to moist heat via a hot shower or with a moist towel heated in the microwave may give you some pain relief.
  • Massage – If your back is spasming then massaging it can be helpful after you have used heat or ice on your back. Be gentle when applying pressure to your back. ion
  • Physiotherapy – Physiotherapists can determine injury severity, assess joint movement, provide strengthening and stretching exercises and identify limitations and make recommendations for day to day activities.

The Importance of Reporting Work Place Accidents

2022-06-28T17:26:15+10:0025/02/2018|General, Uncategorized, Workers Rights|

The Importance of Reporting Work Place Accidents

Injuries and fatalities can occur in an unsafe work environment. Work Safe Australia has played an important role since 2008 in developing national policies regarding Workplace Health and Safety and Workers Compensation. While Australia holds an excellent track record in improving the conditions of employment for workers we are still seeing high numbers of fatalities and injuries at work throughout Australia.   In 2017 there were 181 fatalities at work and this year hasn’t seen much improvement with already 16 work related deaths reported by mid-February.  All workers should be able to go to their workplace without risk or fear of being involved in an incident that will negatively impact the rest of their lives.

Incident Prevention – Report your Concerns

When you report the poor safety conduct of a business you are preventing dangerous accidents taking place.  A safe work place means that employees can work without; death, injury or illness.

Step 1. 

Try to resolve the matter by first reporting unsafe work conditions to your workplace management. You can do this verbally, but it is helpful to write a report or letter documenting your concerns for both your own and your employers record.

Step 2.

If management does not take appropriate action to rectify the reported unsafe work conditions and further communication from employers will not prove to be of benefit then the next step is to contact WorkSafe Qld on 1300 362 128.

 Unsafe Work Condition Examples

  • Fork Lift Incidents

Accidents occurring due to improper use of fork lifts including workers being run over by fork lifts due to negligent or improperly licenced fork lift drivers and accidents caused due to misloading.

  • Farming Accidents

Farm workers being poorly trained or untrained in carrying out risky jobs.  Farm workers performing jobs in dangerous weather conditions. Lack of safety equipment and sufficient supervision.

  • Knife and Blade Injuries

Workers operating machinery without safety guards. Emergency off switches not being in an easily accessible location. Workers not trained to use knives and bladed machinery.

  • Working at height Risks

Workers being expected to complete tasks at height with no scaffolding or insufficient scaffolding.  Workers not being provided with sufficient work safety gear or training.

  • Hazardous Manual Tasks

Workers being expected to repetitively lift heavy objects without being supplied with sufficient lifting equipment for bulky or heavy items. Workers not being trained to lift safely.

WorkCover Injury Process

If you have been injured at work then there are two types of claims, you can look at making.  The first claim is called Workers compensation statutory claims. This claim is where no fault on the employer needs to be established.  If you have been involved in an accident at work which could not have been prevented or was your fault, then you are still entitled to make this claim. You will be able to access benefits and compensation to assist you in your recover and/or return to work.

Should you believe your work place should be held accountable and that your injury could have been prevented then following the initial claim Workers compensation statutory claim you will be able to run a Workers Compensation Common Law Claim.  For this claim the employers fault or negligence must be established.

By seeking free and unbiased legal advice when you apply for WorkCover you will become aware of your legal rights and you will be able to ensure that your matter is properly received and attended to by WorkCover.  Our Lawyers regularly assist in general WorkCover inquires and questions. So if you have any concerns then rest assured that we will be able to provide you with obligation free advice to ensure that you can obtain the best outcome.

Compensation Lawyers Brisbane

Revolution Law will only act in your best interest. Call us today for a Free TPD Claim Assessment.

  • No Win No Fee
  • Experienced WorkCover Lawyers
  • Direct Mobile Number to your dedicated Lawyer
  • We can come to you.
  • No Uplift Fees
  • Fair Rates

Injured at Your Workplace? Here are Your Rights

2022-06-28T17:29:44+10:0011/01/2018|Injury, Workers Rights|

Injured at Your Workplace? Here are Your Rights

Have you been injured at work? We empathise. This can be a very stressful time, especially if you are unable to work for an extended period of time and have a family and financial commitments to think about.

Our goal as your legal representation is to help you with compensation so that your injury management is timely, safe, secure and comfortable. We want to help you return to work if possible, and to make the transition from working to recovery, and back to work again, smooth.

Often when people are injured at work, it is a highly anxious time. Workers wonder if their injury will be believed and whether they will be paid appropriate compensation for their injuries. There’s also the added stress of what to do if they cannot return to work. You have rights as an employee, and we will go over these in more detail here to make your workplace personal injury claim a straightforward process.

What to Do if You Have Been Injured at Work

  1. Tell your supervisor or the person in charge at your workplace that you have been injured. Get a workplace injury report written up and be sure to sign it and get it completed. If you are injured to the point of needing hospital treatment, you will need to go to the appropriate medical centre for this.
  2. If you are seeking medical treatment independently, be sure to let your treating physician know that you are being treated for a workplace injury.
  3. Get the necessary paperwork together and take it to your employer or to WorkCover direct and start your application for compensation.
  4. Go to the necessary appointments for your treatment and participate in your rehabilitation.
  5. Seek legal advice if necessary to ensure that your claim for compensation is completed successfully and fully.

Your Rights

Do I have to go to the doctor my employer recommends?

No. If your injuries are sufficiently severe, you’ll need to attend the nearest medical facility – but you’re also entitled to seek treatment from your regular doctor. At no time during the life of your injury can you be made to see a particular doctor or to attend a certain facility. You’re always entitled to seek a second or third opinion and to get treatment from a doctor who you trust.

Do I have to sign an authorisation form which allows my employer to seek information from my medical professional?

No. You are under no obligation to provide authorisation for your employer to speak to your medical professional. Privacy laws protect you, and your employer may try to get you to sign an authority to speak with your doctor directly. You are under no obligation to allow your employer to do this, and if you do not wish this to happen or if you would prefer to allow your employer to speak to your doctor through you, simply don’t sign an authorisation.

Who do I need to lodge my claim through?

Many employers will offer you advice and assistance in getting your claim started. But if you don’t want to deal with the claim yourself, you can lodge this through WorkCover or through legal representation.

When do I need to lodge my claim?

While it’s pertinent that you should lodge your claim as soon as possible if there’s an injury, you do need to make a claim within six months after becoming aware that you have an injury.

Can my employer fire me for making a compensation claim?

No. The laws around workers compensation protect you from being terminated from your employment for a period of twelve months after an injury (if the termination arises from your workplace injury). If you have been fired within a twelve-month period, it’s important that you seek legal advice as we may be able to speak with you about this matter.

What happens if my claim isn’t accepted?

If your claim for compensation is not accepted, please contact us immediately. There are appeals that can be lodged, and we can help you with this. Your injuries are important, and we can help you no matter what stage you are at.

Workers Win In Supreme Court Judgement On The Duty Of Care Owed By Employers

2022-06-28T17:59:07+10:0020/04/2016|Articles, General, Workers Rights|

Workers Win In Supreme Court Judgement On The Duty Of Care Owed By Employers

Written by Noah Mortensen

The Supreme Court of Queensland has ruled that employers owe a significant duty of care towards employees for their fatigue from working long night shifts. Despite the accident occurring far from and well after work, the Court found that employers should be providing a high standard of care towards their worker’s education.

Mr. Harold Kerle was severely injured in an accident occurring in a drive home from his working location in October 2008. Almost three hundred kilometres away from his working location and four hours after his shift ended, Kerle had a motor vehicle accident. The accident occurred as he fell asleep and crossed lanes, colliding with an oncoming vehicle. He suffered personal injury from the accident which required compensation amounting to $1,250,000.

Mr. Kerle showed that he was entitled to sue his employers for being negligent through the Workers’ Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003, which provides for injuries caused by incidents when travelling between work and home. As the car accident was still part of his travel home from work, it was covered by the Worker’s Compensation and Rehabilitation Act 2003.

The Court then examined the facts Mr. Kerle and his expert advice provided. He had been given three consecutive night shifts lasting over 12 hours each, which interrupted his body’s natural rhythm. He was very fatigued as a result of his work, but was not aware of his tiredness at any point, had been a truck driver for many years, and also had a good driving record. Mr. Kerle was not allowed to refuse the shifts given to him.

Having considered all of these elements, the Court decided that the employers for Mr. Kerle owed him a duty of care, and were responsible for the injuries he suffered as a result of the motor vehicle accident. The Court stated that the employer should have provided much better training about fatigue, and its risks, and should be more responsible when giving out shifts. They could have reduced the risk to their workers by providing a bus service, or a resting period and a place to rest for their workers at the end of the shift.

Mr. Kerle’s injuries were ordered to be compensated by the Court, upholding employer’s responsibility to give their employees proper training and care.

If you have been injured while working or on your way to work, you are entitled to compensation. Contact Revolution Law’s team of professionals to discuss how to make a compensation claim for your workplace injury.

What Benefits And Compensation Can I Access While On Work Cover

2022-06-28T18:00:57+10:0011/04/2016|Tips & Tricks, Workers Rights|

What Benefits And Compensation Can I Access While On Work Cover

WorkCover is a form of insurance available for employees that are injured at work or travelling to work. It is a ‘no fault’ scheme so despite who or what caused the injury it allows Queensland workers to make a claim and access benefits in the event that they sustain a work-related injury.

What is considered an injury?

  • Physical injuries including aggravations of pre-existing conditions;
  • Psychiatric or psychological disorders;
  • Diseases; and
  • Death from injury or disease.

What benefits and compensation can I access while on WorkCover?

  •  Weekly compensation for lost wages;
  • Surgical and hospital expenses;
  •  Medicines essential for recovery;
  •  Rehabilitation treatment and equipment; and
  • Travelling expenses for medical treatment, rehabilitation etc.

I have been injured at work what do I now?

  • See your Doctor and obtain a workers’ compensation medical certificate.
  •  Inform your employer and provide them with a copy of the medical certificate.
  •  Lodge your claim with WorkCover. At this stage, we can provide you with a detailed explanation of the process, the best way to approach it and explain what your options are going forward.

Should I call a Lawyer?  

We highly recommend that you do.  At Revolution Law we are the Work Accident Experts and we have achieved excellent results for all of our clients that have been injured in the workplace.  We offer a free initial meeting with zero obligation to sign with us. We are confident in what we offer and believe that our positive client reviews such as Google and Facebook speak for themselves.  If you have any questions about your situation then call us on 07 3416 4999 and speak to one of our friendly Lawyer’s today.

ASK ABOUT YOUR CLAIM TODAY

We offer a free meeting with one of our compensation lawyers on a no-obligation basis. We are confident in our expertise, client rapport, operating policy, and ability to get great results.

call

(07) 3416 4999

email

info@revolutionlaw.com.au

closest office

SPRINGWOOD  |  SLACKS CREEK  |  COOMERA

socials

ASK ABOUT YOUR CLAIM TODAY

We offer a free meeting with one of our compensation lawyers on a no-obligation basis. We are confident in our expertise, client rapport, operating policy, and ability to get great results.

call

(07) 3416 4999

email

info@revolutionlaw.com.au

closest office

SPRINGWOOD  |  SLACKS CREEK  |  COOMERA

socials

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