Workers Compensation Issues

reidy197
Community Member

Hi everyone, this is the first time I am posting (or speaking about it) and am just wondering if anyone has been through as similar situation and is able to give me some tips or advice.

Heres some background info, back in February last year I injured myself at work and am currently going through a workers comp claim for the injury, from feb to july I was allowed to work modified duties and still earn a wage to support myself but in July last year my employers insurance company denied the claim and within a couple hours I got call saying i could no longer worker and would have to repeatedly call in sick or if i wanted to work sign a document saying they had no liability and that I was 100% fit for all duties (which I wasn't and still arnt). Because I wasn't able to work I was forced to move back in with my parents, after the claim was denied I got lawyers involved to dispute the liability but have since been 'bullied' as everything the insurance company has done takes a minimum of a month and everything is being dragged along, this caused my anxiety to worsen and made me fall into and out of depression, which caused my uni studies to suffer and made my issues get worse.

The main question I have is has anyone else experienced something similar and whether or not I should inform my lawyers and add it to the claim or where to go from here, im just really not sure what to do.

Thank you in advance to anyone that is able to help.

3 Replies 3

white knight
Community Champion
Community Champion

Hi, welcome

I have had claims in the distant padt, thankfully my injuries healed. I also have experience in the WC field in employment

Yes, always inform your lawyer of everything. But I think as far as things being dragged out, most vlaims continue for up to 10 years before settlement. The reasons are- it gives the injured time to recover exposing their true long term level of disability and the process is very slow anyway.

Essentially, you questions are of a legal nature so it is difficult to answer, also every case is different.

I hope that helps

TonyWK

They still havent made a decision on liability, even though under the workers comp act their time frame is 6 weeks of something all they have to do in that 6 weeks is make contact saying they havent made a decision then they can take as long as they like 😕

geoff
Champion Alumni
Champion Alumni

Hi Reidy, I wouldn't be signing anything until your lawyer has seen the document, if you have then ask your solicitor and it depends on which State you are in.

Copy and paste these links, one at a time, they may be able to help you.

www.ohsrep.org.au/faqs/ohs...workers-/workers-compensation-what-are-your-rights

www.fairwork.gov.au/about.../employer-obligations-during-workers-compensation

Let me know if you are still unsure.

Geoff.