March 25, 2024 • 9 min read
How to Lodge Your Workers Comp Claim in 5 Easy Steps
You’ve sustained a workplace injury. Now learn how to lodge a workers compensation claim in NSW, including whom to notify and what to expect.
Navigating the process of lodging a workers compensation claim in New South Wales (NSW) can often prove challenging. As an employee, understanding your rights and the steps you need to take are crucial for a successful claim.
NSW’s workers compensation system aims to support employees who have sustained workplace-related injuries or illnesses. This insurance scheme covers medical expenses, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs, supporting workers on their path to recovery.
Lodge Your Claim in 5 Steps
Step 1: Notify Your Employer
Inform your employer about your injury as soon as possible. Prompt notification streamlines the claims process and helps you access your entitlements faster.
We strongly encourage you to have an early discussion with your employer regarding your intention to lodge a claim. However, if direct communication is not feasible, proceed to Step 2.
Step 2: Notify Relevant Parties
Directly notify icare about your workplace injury and intention to lodge a workers compensation claim through their online portal. icare accepts injury notification and claim lodgement from the following parties:
- Employer
- Injured person
- Authorised representative
Completing the notification form takes about 20-30 minutes, and using a desktop computer is advisable due to the form’s length. The link can be found here.
The form will ask you to upload a Certificate of Capacity (COC), but it is NOT necessary for you to obtain one before submitting the form. You are able to upload a copy of your COC later, after you have consulted with your treating doctor.
Step 3: Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical attention for your injury immediately, ensuring the medical provider knows the injury is work-related. This information would allow them to generate a Certificate of Capacity (COC), which is vital for your claim process.
Adhere to the limitations specified in your COC to ensure a smooth recovery and claim process.
Step 4: Submit the Claim Form and Medical Certificate
Submit the claim form and COC to your employer and the managing insurance company. Ensure you keep copies of all submitted documents for your personal records.
Remember to submit a copy of your COC to icare as well, to accompany your claim lodgment.
Step 5: Await Insurer’s Response
The insurer, upon receiving your claim, will acknowledge it within seven (7) days and decide on liability within 21 days. They may seek additional information or schedule an assessment to ascertain the severity of your injuries and the fitting compensation.
What Happens After Your Claim is Accepted?
Following your claim’s acceptance, you will start receiving benefits for medical expenses and potentially lost wages. Maintaining open communication with your employer and the insurer, while following the recommended treatment and rehabilitation plans, is crucial.
The Role of AusRehab in Your Recovery
Lodging a workers compensation claim in NSW requires a clear understanding of the process and diligent follow-through. With the support of AusRehab, you can navigate this journey more effectively, ensuring you receive the necessary support for a successful recovery.
As your selected workplace rehab provider, AusRehab will be able to develop a personalised treatment and recovery program for you, ensuring you receive the most effective care and support in your work rehab journey.
Our team assists injured workers with:
- Understanding the workers compensation claims process
- Workplace assessment and professional recommendations
- Effective communication with medical professionals, insurers, and employers
- Tailoring rehabilitation plans to support your return to work (RTW) goals
For more information on how we can serve your needs, visit our workplace rehabilitation page.
PLEASE NOTE: We are unable to assist if you are covered under Comcare. We recommend reaching out to Comcare directly for support or exploring other available resources. You can visit Comcare’s official site here for more information.
Understanding your rights and the procedures to follow after a workplace injury in NSW is crucial. In New South Wales (NSW), specific procedures and legal requirements are set by SafeWork NSW to ensure workplace safety and manage incidents effectively. This guide provides an overview of the steps to take if you’re involved in a work-related incident or injury in NSW, emphasising the importance of immediate action, documentation, and compliance with regulations.
FAQs
*The details in this article were correct and current when it was written. However, changes in business practices, policies, and other pertinent areas may have occurred since then. Readers should confirm the current validity of the content on their own.
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