Workers Compensation Lawyers Sydney – IRO Lawyers
Workers Compensation Lawyers Sydney – IRO Lawyers at Walker Law Group, we are experts in the area of workers compensation claims. With over 20 years of experience, we have developed a thorough understanding of the New South Wales Worker’s Compensation Scheme and the way that insurance companies assess workers compensation claims. Below you will find a summary of recent statistics on workers insurance claims including the trends in claims and the age, industry and occupation distribution of claimants. You will also find crucial information on your right to make a worker’s compensation claim and time limits that apply.
The NSW Work Cover Statistical Bulletin
The New South Wales government releases the Work Cover statistical bulletin with the aim of increasing community awareness of workplace injuries. It contains information including statistics and trend analysis and is a handy tool for businesses to use in planning their occupational health and safety policy and hazard prevention strategy. The most recent of these bulletins was published for 2013/2014. Statistics regarding the incidence, type of injury and consequences of employment injuries are outlined below.
Firstly, an employment injury includes the following categories:
- Workplace injuries including injuries that take place during working hours, during work breaks and on the road during work hours;
- Occupational diseases including those contracted or aggravated during the course of employment; and
- Other work related injuries including any injuries that have occurred out of the work place, but still in the course of employment. This may include commuting accidents on public transport.
Statistics
Trend from 2012/2013 to 2013/2014
In the 2013/2014 financial year, there were over 31,126 major employment injuries. This was a decrease of 10% from the number of major employment injuries, which took place in the previous financial year. 3,337 of these injuries resulted in temporary disability; an 11% decrease from the previous year. 2,501 of the major employment injuries resulted in permanent disability. This was a decrease of 3% from the 2012/2013 statistics.
As can be seen from the above statistics, there has been a decrease, across the board for the number of major employment injuries that took place from 2012/2013 to 2013/2014. This suggests that there were some improvements made in occupational health and safety in the New South Wales workplaces over the year.
Just over 80% of all injuries sustained in 2013/2014 resulted in less than six month’s time lost. While 8% of the injuries resulted in permanent disability.
Total gross incurred cost
The total gross incurred cost of the above employment industries (taking place in 2013/2014) was $541 million. This was a decrease of only 4% from the costs in 2012/2013. As mentioned previously, there was a decrease of 10% in the number of major employment injuries in the same time period. This indicates that the payouts for these injuries have actually increased.
Age Distribution
The largest proportion of injuries was experienced by those aged between 50-54 years, while the highest incidence rate was for people between 60- 64 years of age.
Industry distribution
The industries, which experience the higher number of employment industries in New South Wales are as follows:
- Mining
- Agriculture, forestry and fishing
- Transport, postal and warehousing
- Manufacturing
- Public Administration and safety
- Construction
- Other services
- Health care and social assistance
- Arts and recreation services
Of the above industries, the health care and social assistance industry had the highest number of employment injuries. This was closely followed by manufacturing and construction.
The industries with the lowest incidence of employment industries are media and telecommunications, financial and insurance services and real estate services.
Occupation distribution
In 2013/2014, labourers had the highest number of employment injuries at 7,182 cases. The incidence rate was also high with an average of 23.9 injuries per 1000 labourers. The gross incurred costs of these injuries were $141 million.
The highest incidence rate occupation was machinery operators and drivers, at 24.9 injuries per 1000 employees.
On the other end of the spectrum, clerical and administrative workers had the lowest rate of injuries at 1,315 injuries in 2013/2014.
Your right to claim
Each state and territory of Australia has its own set of laws regarding workers compensation. New South Wales law requires all employers to have mandatory workers compensation insurance cover for their employees. This scheme includes compensation in several forms including weekly payments, lump sum payment and payment for medical expenses.
The scheme covers a wide range of injuries that may occur during the course of employment. To find out if you have a viable claim under the scheme, you should contact Walker Law Group who will assess the chances of success for your claim.
Time limits
In workers compensation cases, time is of the essence. It is important to be aware of the time limits that exist for worker’s compensation claims. In most cases, you must notify your employer of your injury within 30 days of the injury occurring. There are further time limits that apply to each stage of your claim. Our accredited specialists can guide you through this process to ensure that you do not miss any of these critical deadlines.
Why you must contact Walker Law Group
When you make a claim with an insurer, they will assess your claim using the information and evidence provided by yourself and their client. What they will not do is provide you with legal advice. Seeking independent legal advice will be a priceless investment for your workers compensation claim. The solicitors at Walkers Law Group are accredited specialists in the area of workers compensation. This means that they have the specialised knowledge and years of experience, which will ensure that you get the most successful result from your claim.
By engaging our law firm, you will have the best chances of the most favourable remedy for your injury claim. Our solicitors will review the insurers decision; identify possible areas of dispute and ultimately maximise your entitlement to the greatest degree.
If you have been injured at work and need to make a claim, contact Walker Law Group Compensation Lawyers for specialised legal advice.
IRO cover all of our costs, you have nothing to lose and nothing to pay! Contact us now on 1300 363 013 or at enquiries@walkerlawgroup.com.au.
