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How to submit a WorkCover claim in Queensland

Maurice Blackburn WorkCover lawyer with his client and the client's dog

At Maurice Blackburn, our experienced Queensland worker’s compensation lawyers understand that being injured at work can be overwhelming. With decades of handling Queensland-based WorkCover claims, we provide expert guidance through the process with a commitment to securing your rightful compensation. Our No Win, No Fee policy means you only pay legal fees if we win your case.

Expert WorkCover lawyers supporting injured workers in Queensland

If you've been injured at work in Queensland, you need experienced legal support to navigate the WorkCover system effectively. Our team are experts in understanding Queensland's workers' compensation laws and how to protect your rights.

Who can claim workers’ compensation?

You may be eligible if you are:

  • Injured during the course of your regular work
  • Injured on your way to or from work
  • Injured during a break from work
  • A dependent of a person who dies during the course of their work, on a break from work, or on their way to or from work
  • A sub-contractor or sole-trader

A step-by-step guide to making your workers’ compensation claim in QLD:

  1. 1. Report your injury

    Report the injury to your employer as soon as possible after it occurs.

  2. 2. Get medical treatment

    See your doctor for a work capacity certificate.

  3. 3. Lodge your claim

    • Online or over the phone through WorkCover Queensland.
    • Directly with the insurer if your employer is self-insured.
  4. 4. Keep records

    maintain copies of all documents and note when you submit them.

  5. 5. Track progress

    the insurer has 20 business days to accept or reject your claim for statutory benefits.

Types of claims we handle

From minor injuries to serious accidents, we help workers claim compensation for all types of workplace injuries, including:

  • Trauma injuries
  • Repetitive strain injuries
  • Aggravations of pre-existing conditions
  • Conditions that develop over time or later in life

Our workplace illness lawyers assist workers with claims for diseases caused by workplace exposures, including:

  • Mesothelioma and asbestos-related conditions
  • Silicosis
  • Occupational cancers
  • Industrial asthma and respiratory conditions
  • Q-fever

Workplace injuries are not just physical. We work to support injury claims for mental and psychological health conditions. Our workplace psychological injury lawyers can help with work-related mental health claims.

Coverage includes injuries that occur:

  • Travelling between home and work
  • Travelling to work-related training
  • Travelling to medical treatments for existing WorkCover claims
  • Travelling between multiple jobs
  • Work-related travel locally, interstate, or internationally

Common law claims

If your accident was caused by employer negligence, you may be eligible to claim common law damages for:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Past and future income loss
  • Past and future superannuation loss
  • Medical and rehabilitation expenses
  • Care and assistance costs

search Any questions? Check out our FAQ.

Your WorkCover entitlements

Weekly payments

First six months: 85% of your normal weekly earnings

Between six months to two years: 75% of your usual net weekly earnings

After two years: varies depending on injury severity

Medical or like expenses cover

  • Medical, surgical, and hospital expenses
  • Travel expenses
  • Rehabilitation treatment
  • Medication costs
  • Return to work support
  • Lump sum compensation for permanent impairment

If you receive an offer of permanent impairment compensation, you should immediately seek legal advice as strict timeframes apply.

Our lawyers will work with you through every step of the process

Take the first step towards justice and support. Our team of dedicated WorkCover lawyers are here to listen to your story and provide expert legal assistance and support.

Contact us today for a confidential, no-obligation consultation.

Need to speak to us sooner? Call us on 1800 111 222


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Client-focused support

Contact our expert WorkCover team

Most workers are covered by WorkCover. If you work for the Australian government or some national companies, you could be covered by Comcare. If your employer is on this list of Comcare scheme employers, select Comcare.

Why Maurice Blackburn for your WorkCover claim?

Our Queensland team has extensive experience in workers' compensation law and a proven track record of successful claims. We offer:

Proven expertise in WorkCover claims

With decades of experience handling Queensland WorkCover claims, we understand the system's complexities and how to maximise your entitlements.

Client-focused support

We provide compassionate, personalised support throughout your claim, ensuring you understand your rights and options at every stage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

A work capacity certificate plays a vital role in workers' compensation claims. It outlines your injury or illness, work capabilities, treatment required and if you need time off work.

When you need a workers’ compensation medical certificate or work capacity certificate

You must obtain a certificate if:

  • You're claiming weekly compensation payments
  • You cannot perform your regular work duties
  • You’re claiming medical or treatment expenses

Obtaining and managing your work capacity certificate

Medical practitioners, treating doctors, surgeons, or psychiatrists can issue these certificates and will typically:

  • Assess your condition and work capacity
  • Assess what treatment you need to recover as best you can
  • Collaborate with return-to-work coordinators, rehabilitation providers, and WorkSafe

 

No. You have the right to see your own doctor.

Your employer cannot legally terminate your employment because of a WorkCover claim. In Queensland, specific protections prevent termination within the first 12 months of injury if the reason for termination is due to your injury.

You have three months to request a review through the workers' compensation regulator. We recommend seeking legal advice before lodging your review application.

Yes. You can claim for:

  • Aggravations of pre-existing injuries
  • Recurrences of previous injuries
  • Conditions that have developed over time

If denied, you can request a review of the claim and provide additional evidence if needed. An experienced CTP lawyer can help review of your claim and provide advice on disputing a denied claim. 

Injured at work?

Use our free online claim check tool and find out in minutes if you're eligible for workers' compensation.

If you get stuck, we can check if you have a claim over the phone

Office locations

We’re here to help. Get in touch with your local office.

Select your state below

We have lawyers who specialise in a range of legal claims who travel to Australian Capital Territory. If you need a lawyer in Canberra or elsewhere in Australian Capital Territory, please call us on 1800 675 346.

We have lawyers who specialise in a range of legal claims who travel to Tasmania. If you need a lawyer in Hobart, Launceston or elsewhere in Tasmania, please call us on 1800 675 346.