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I've been injured at work. What do I need to know?

You're not alone. Understand your rights, know your options and find support — wherever you live.

Find the help you need Ask a question Share Your Story

01Pick what's happeningChoose the situation that sounds like yours.
02Read a simple explanationPlain English. No jargon.
03Choose your state or schemeRules differ — we show the ones that apply to you.
04Find supportFree services, regulators and advice near you.

Start with what's happening for you

Pick the one that sounds closest. You can always explore more below.

My payments have stoppedWhy it happens, how to challenge it, and money help in the meantime.Get started I can't return to workSuitable duties, retraining, and longer-term options like TPD.Get started My claim was rejectedHow reviews work, and the time limits you need to know.Get started I need legal helpWhen to get advice, free legal services, and how costs work.Get started

Start here

All situations

You don't need to know the legal words. Pick the situation closest to yours.

I've been injured at work. What happens next?

The first steps: tell your employer, see a doctor, get a certificate and lodge a claim.

Read the plain-English guide

My WorkCover payments have stopped.

Why weekly payments stop or reduce, what you can do, and other financial help that may exist.

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I cannot return to work.

Suitable duties, return-to-work plans, retraining, and what happens if you can never go back.

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My injury may be permanent.

Permanent impairment assessments, maximum medical improvement, and lump-sum options.

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My workers' compensation claim has been rejected.

Why claims are rejected, how to ask for a review, and the time limits that apply.

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My medical treatment has been denied.

Treatment approvals, second opinions, independent medical examinations and disputes.

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What is Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) insurance?

A lump-sum benefit often included in your superannuation — separate from WorkCover.

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Can I access income protection through my superannuation?

Income protection inside super, waiting periods, and how it interacts with WorkCover payments.

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Am I entitled to a lump-sum compensation payment?

Statutory lump sums, common law damages, and settlement — how they differ.

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What happens if I suffer another injury?

New injuries, aggravations of existing conditions, and secondary (consequential) injuries.

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Do I need a lawyer?

When legal help is useful, free options, and how legal costs work.

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Where can I find support in my state?

Regulators, free legal services, advocacy groups, mental health and financial help near you.

Read the plain-English guide

National coverage

Australia has 11 workers' compensation systems.

Your rights depend on where you work and who employs you. Choose your state, territory or Commonwealth scheme to see payments, thresholds, disputes and free help.

Compare all schemes See the state fairness scorecard

NSWState Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) VICWorkSafe Victoria QLDWorkers' Compensation Regulator (Office of Industrial Relations) WAWorkCover WA SAReturnToWorkSA TASWorkSafe Tasmania ACTWorkSafe ACT NTNT WorkSafe CommonwealthComcare

Topics

Browse information by topic

01Workers' CompensationHow claims work, how to lodge, weekly payments, medical treatment, return to work and when benefits stop.02Permanent Impairment and Common LawPermanent impairment assessments, lump sums, negligence, common law claims, thresholds and the legal process.03TPD and Superannuation InsuranceTPD insurance, income protection, insurance held through super, eligibility and how to investigate entitlements.04Financial AssistanceCentrelink, the Disability Support Pension, hardship assistance and other help when you lose your income.05Medical Treatment and RehabilitationMedical assessments, treatment approvals, rehabilitation, independent medical examinations and ongoing injuries.06Mental Health and Psychological InjuriesWorkplace psychological injuries, PTSD, depression, anxiety, bullying and accessing support.07Legal Rights and DisputesRejected claims, insurer decisions, reviews, dispute resolution, legal representation and time limits.

Story spotlight

You're not alone.

Real experiences from injured workers will appear here once they've been reviewed.

Share Your Story

Your experience could be the first to help another injured worker.

Got a decision letter?Enter the date and see how many days you have to challenge it, in plain English.Check my deadline Injured Workers StoriesReal experiences shared without names — what's working and what needs to improve, state by state.Read workers' stories

Support directory

Find free and independent help near you

Regulators, legal services, mental health support, financial counsellors and advocacy groups — filtered to your state.

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Our principle

One country. One fair minimum standard.

An injured worker's postcode should not decide whether they can access a reasonable minimum level of protection and support. We're independent — we don't represent insurers, employers or any law firm.