WorkCover is a work compensation insurer. When you suffer work injuries it is WorkCover who pay your workers compensation benefits and not your employer.
In Australia workers compensation insurance is compulsory. WorkCover offers benefits to both employees and employers. Work compensation protects the employer as they do not have to pay wages or expenses whilst a worker is absent from work recovering.
WorkCover benefits to workers include;
- Wages or salary whilst off work
- Medical and hospital expenses
- Rehabilitation assistance and expenses
- Travel expenses
- Lump sum payment for a permanent work injury
For more information on benefits call our helpline today on 1800 283 339.
WorkCover benefits are statutory benefits. The purpose of WorkCover is to reimburse an injured worker for any losses and expenses arising from a workplace injury.
Outside of WorkCover is common law. If an injury at work resulted from negligence a worker may also be entitled to a worker compensation claim under common law. A common law claim is usually awarded for work injuries or a permanent nature and only when negligence is clearly proven.
The questions or what is an accident, what is an incident and what is negligence are closely related. Accidents do happen and sometimes as a result of an employers or fellow employees’ negligence.
What is Negligence?
Negligence is often defined as a breach in an employers’ duty of care. For example, if an injury was caused by defective equipment or a lack of training this may be considered negligent. Negligence is complex and can only be determined by a lawyer when all the facts have been presented. Even if you think you are partly to blame for your workplace injuries there may still be negligence shared between parties. Never try to determine negligence yourself as this is the job of a lawyer.
It is important to be aware of your statutory rights and non-statutory rights as the laws vary between States and Territories across Australia. Contacting our helpline on 1800 283 339 will put your mind at ease with understanding how to claim and what to claim. Making sure you obtain all your compensation entitlements is important especially when you have future foreseeable losses and expenses to consider.
Important information to remember!
If you are offered a lump sum payment from WorkCover it is important to get a second opinion BEFORE accepting or signing anything. Once you have signed you may lose your common law right to claim. You can call our injury helpline on 1800283339 for free information, advice and a second opinion.
A statutory WorkCover claim does not consider future economic losses and out of pocket expenses. These are only considered under common law. Find out where you stand today by calling our helpline on 1800 283 339 or CLICK HERE to contact us today. Our services are free and you will be connected with an accident lawyer if required for further free legal advice. To read more about what is compensation CLICK HERE.
For more information on what is negligence CLICK HERE or call 1800283339.