Is my work injury ‘severe enough’ to make a WorkCover claim?

Workplace injuries happen more often than many Australians like to admit.

According to the latest data from Safe Work Australia, between 2023 - 2024, 146,700 Australians missed one or more weeks off work due to a workplace injury, that's more than 400 serious claims a day across Australia.

Yet despite these numbers, many people remain reluctant to lodge a WorkCover claim, often uncertain as to whether their injuries qualify, or are ‘serious enough’ to justify making a claim.

If you're unsure about your eligibility for WorkCover, I encourage you to consider these key questions.

Is it harder to do your job after the injury?

One of the clearest indicators that your work injury may be more serious than it initially seemed, is if it’s impacting your ability to perform your job effectively. Whether you work on a construction site, in a warehouse, or in a manufacturing plant, your usual work duties may suddenly feel more difficult.

This change in your work capacity is not only frustrating, but also a key factor in determining whether you should lodge a WorkCover claim.

You may find tasks that once felt routine, now take longer or require considerably more effort. For example, a back strain can make lifting items from the floor more difficult, while a shoulder injury may limit your ability to perform everyday actions like reaching overhead or operating equipment.

Sometimes, your employer may offer you modified duties or reduced hours while you recover. While this can be helpful, it’s also a sign that your injury is impacting your ability to perform your regular role. Modified duties are often temporary, but if your condition doesn’t improve, it could lead to long-term changes in your employment.

If your injury is making it harder to do your job, it’s worth speaking to a legal professional to explore your options. WorkCover supports injured workers, helping them access treatment, rehabilitation, and financial assistance while they recover. 

Has your injury led to time off or lost income?

Whether you have missed a few shifts or have been off work for weeks, any loss of earnings due to a work-related injury is significant. It’s exactly the type of situation WorkCover is designed to assist with.

Even short-term absences can have a strenuous financial impact, especially if you're a casual employee or rely on overtime hours to make ends meet. If your workplace injury has forced you to reduce your hours, take unpaid leave, or stop working altogether, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages.

WorkCover can help by:

• Covering a portion of your lost income while you recover
• Funding reasonable costs of medical treatment and rehabilitation
• Supporting your return to work through modified duties or retraining

Documenting any time off and keeping records of your medical appointments, certificates, and communication with your employer is important. These details go a long way towards supporting your WorkCover claim and ensure you receive compensation that you may be entitled to.

Are you still in pain or need ongoing treatment?

Ongoing symptoms like discomfort, restricted movement, or recurring flare-ups are signs that your body hasn’t fully healed.

While the pain might seem manageable now, the real concern is how the injury could affect your long-term health and ability to work. Pushing through without proper treatment risks worsening the damage and could lead to a longer, more challenging recovery.

WorkCover can help take the pressure off by covering a portion of your treatments and reducing your out-of-pocket costs while you heal. WorkCover can also give you access to support services that can make a real difference in getting you back on your feet. 

Getting help with your work injury claim

If you've been injured at work, our dedicated workers' compensation lawyers are here to help you get back on track so you can focus on getting better.

Use our free claim check tool to find out if you're eligible for a worker's compensation claim, send us a message or call us on 1800 111 222.