Workers Compensation – Your Rights – Lawyers Sydney – NSW
Workers Compensation Your Rights
At Walker Law Group, we are passionate about ensuring that injured workers are able to claim the compensation that they deserve. A workplace accident can have detrimental effects on every aspect of your life. If you have been injured in the workplace, it is imperative that you contact one of our experienced workers compensation lawyers to find out if you can make a claim. Strict time limits do apply for making these types of claims, so it is important that you take the first step and contact us as soon as possible.
Walker Law Group has over 20 years of experience. Our lawyers have an in-depth understanding of how the New South Wales Workers Compensation Scheme operates and can use this knowledge to give you the best chance of receiving compensation for your injury. What’s more is we are WIRO approved lawyers, meaning you will not have to pay a cent for our legal services. To find out more, contact us now on 1300 363 013 or at enquiry@walkerlawgroup.com.au.
What are worker’s rights to compensation?
If you are working for somebody else, then there is a good chance that you have a right to workers compensation. If you are paid a wage and you are injured in the course of your work, then it is highly likely that you can make a claim for workers compensation. The best way to find out if you are eligible is to contact Walker Law Group and speak with one of our highly trained lawyers.
In New South Wales, all employers are required to hold valid Worker’s Compensation insurance for all employees. If in the process of attempting to make a claim you have not been able to identify your employer’s insurance or you have found out that they are uninsured, you may still be able to make a claim.
In these cases, you claim would be processed through ‘icare’ who act as the nominal insurer for uninsured claims. Icare will conduct investigations to determine whether you are eligible to make a claim under their policy.
Workers Compensation Your Rights – Do time limits apply?
Time limits do apply for claims for workers compensation. Any workplace accident or injury should be reported to your employer within 30 days of its occurrence. Furthermore, a claim should be initiated within a six month period of the date of the accident or injury. If the accident results in a death, then a claim should be lodged within a six month period of the date of death.
There are some exceptions to these limitation periods. To find out if your circumstances come under an exception to this limit, contact an experienced lawyer at Walker Law Group.
Nature of injuries suffered by workers
The nature of injuries commonly suffered by workers can be separated into two main categories:
- injuries and musculoskeletal disorders; and
- diseases
Injuries and musculoskeletal disorders
This category includes injuries to joints, ligaments, muscles, nerves, tendons, the neck or the back. The most common injuries in this category are traumatic joint/ligament and muscle/tendon injury, connective tissues issues, wounds, lacerations, amputations, internal organ damage, fractures, burns and intracranial injuries.
Diseases
This category covers a wide range of different injuries including mental disorders and diseases of various systems. Examples of these disorders and diseases are anxiety, depression, respiratory system diseases, cancer and skin diseases.
Types of industries
Safe Work Australia has identified a number of industries, which experience the most workplace accident and injury. These are as follows:
- Accommodation and food services
- Agriculture, forestry and fishing
- Construction
- Health and community services
- Manufacturing
- Transport and storage
What is WIRO?
The Workers Compensation Independent Review Office, more commonly known as WIRO assists participants in the workers compensation system with their rights and obligations as set out by the Workers Compensation legislation and regulation. WIRO serves several statutory functions as set out in the Workplace Injury Management and Workers Compensation Act 1998. These functions include the following:
- Dealing with complaints made to the Officer; and
- Reviewing work capacity decisions; and
- Inquiring into and reporting to the Minister on such matters arising with the operation of the Workers Compensation Acts; and
- Encouraging the establishment of complaint resolution processes by both insurers and employers; and
- Any other function under the Workers Compensation Acts or any other Act.
At Walker Law Group, we are WIRO approved lawyers. This means that you can access free, independent legal advice from one of our lawyers.
How does WIRO assist you?
Walker Law Group can apply for grants of funding for legal assistance from WIRO. WIRO will advise of the outcome of your application for a grant of legal assistance within 5 working days of your application. WIRO has established the Independent Legal Assistance and Review Service, also known as ILARS. ILARS provides grants to workers who have had a disagreement with insurers regarding their workers compensation entitlements. These grants are used in the provision of free, independent legal advice.
This means that WIRO will cover your legal expenses. Unlike a no win, no fee scenario, you will not be liable to pay our fees in the unlikely event that we are unsuccessful with your case. Contact Walker Law Group to find out whether WIRO will grant you the funding to pursue your claim.
Why you need Walker Law Group on your side
If you want to give yourself the best chance of a successful workers compensation claim, then look no further, Walker Law Group is the firm for you. Our lawyers aim to provide innovative, efficient and responsive legal services to our clients. We have over 20 years of experience battling the big insurance companies and know how they will assess your claim. Our knowledge and experience will be a priceless asset to your case.
If you have been injured at work and need to make a claim, contact Walker Law Group Compensation Lawyers for specialised legal advice. WIRO may cover your legal costs, so by contacting us, you have nothing to lose! Contact Walker Law Group now on 1300 363 013 or at enquiry@walkerlawgroup.com.au.
