Every day, emergency services workers conduct physically demanding and stressful work. If you have been physically injured or suffer from psychological trauma as a result of this dangerous work, immediately seek medical attention. However, it’s important to know that you are likely entitled to claim workers compensation.
We aim to help you learn more about your rights, under Victoria’s WorkCover scheme, if you have been injured while working as a paramedic, police officer, surf lifesaver or other emergency services worker.
Why Emergency Workers Face Higher Risks Than Most
The nature of emergency services work is unpredictable and intense. Whether it’s deescalating a confrontation, conducting a rescue, or completing another physically demanding task under pressure, your work puts you at higher risk than most.
Injuries that are common amongst emergency workers include:
- Back, neck and spinal injuries from heavy lifting or sudden trauma
- Injuries from being assaulted while performing your duties
- Psychological harm such as PTSD, anxiety or depression following traumatic events
- Vehicle injuries sustained while driving to emergencies during a shift
What You’re Entitled to Under WorkCover
Victoria’s WorkCover scheme provides compensation for work-related injuries, regardless of who was at fault. This includes injuries that developed over time. Volunteers, part-time workers, and contractors may also be covered depending on the circumstances.
WorkCover entitlements include:
- Weekly income payments: 95% of your average weekly earnings for the first 13 weeks, then 80%
- Coverage of reasonable medical, hospital and rehabilitation costs
- Transport and ambulance expenses
- Home or vehicle modifications if your injuries require them
- A lump sum payment if your injury qualifies as “serious”
Psychological injuries are also recognised under WorkCover, but they can be more complex to prove without legal support. If your injury claim has been rejected, or you’re unsure if you’re eligible, Carbone Lawyers help you.
Understanding Common Law Claims for Serious Injury
If your injury is the result of negligence, such as an unsafe system of work or lack of proper training, you may be able to sue your employer or another party. This is called a common law claim and allows for additional compensation.
To qualify, you need to show:
- That your injury meets the legal definition of “serious” (typically requires a medically assessed impairment that has long-term effects on your work or daily life), and
- That your employer or a third party was at least partly responsible for what happened.
Compensation through a common law claim may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of future income
- Superannuation contributions lost due to your inability to work
This process requires detailed medical evidence and legal expertise. Our experienced team can advise whether your situation meets the threshold and build the strongest possible case for you.
How the TAC Supports Injured Emergency Workers
If you were injured in a road accident while performing your duties, the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) may also provide compensation. This includes driving to an emergency, travelling between work sites, or being injured while using public transport.
TAC benefits include:
- Medical and rehabilitation costs
- Income support for up to three years (or until retirement age in severe cases)
- A lump sum for permanent impairment
- Help with retraining and return to work support
If another driver was at fault, you may also be entitled to sue for further damages. Carbone Lawyers can handle both your WorkCover and TAC claims together to ensure nothing is missed.
How Carbone Lawyers Fights for Emergency Workers
You’ve already been through enough. When it comes time to lodge a claim or challenge a decision, having the right legal support changes everything. Our services include:
- No-win, no-fee legal services, with no upfront cost to start your claim
- Experience with complex and rejected claims
- Proven success in common law matters
- A respectful, supportive approach to working with emergency workers
Contact Carbone Lawyers Today
Emergency services workers protect our communities. But when you’re injured, it can feel like the system isn’t protecting you. Whether you’re dealing with a new injury, a long-standing claim, or you’re unsure where to begin, Carbone Lawyers is here to help.
Don’t settle for less. Get legal advice from the experienced team at Carbone Lawyers. Call 1800 369 888 for a free assessment.
