Carbone Lawyers aim to provide guidance and clarify who is eligible for WorkCover in Victoria, including the WorkCover claim requirements, ensuring you are well-informed and confident in pursuing your claim.

Understanding WorkCover Claim Eligibility and Requirements in Victoria

If you’ve been injured or become ill at work, the last thing you want to be worrying about is WorkCover claim eligibility and requirements. With many years of experience in WorkCover and personal injury claims, the team at Carbone Lawyers are ready to guide you through this process. 

What is WorkCover in Victoria?

WorkCover in Victoria is a safety net offering insurance coverage for injured workers or those who become ill due to their employment. All Victorian employers must secure WorkCover insurance, so every employee is protected and safeguarded against financial burdens stemming from work-related injuries.

Who is Eligible for WorkCover in Victoria?

WorkCover claim eligibility is not limited by the type of employment contract you have, including full-time, part-time, and casual employees, and in some circumstances, sub-contractors. 

The key criteria for eligibility include sustaining a workplace injury or illness, being classified as a “worker” under the Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2013, and having your employment “in connection to Victoria”. 

It’s important to remember that WorkCover is a no-fault scheme. This means that compensation can be claimed regardless of who was at fault for the injury, provided you meet the above criteria.

WorkCover Claim Requirements

To lodge a WorkCover claim, you must first:

• Report the Injury: Inform your employer about the injury within 30 days of becoming aware of the injury. Despite this requirement, you can still potentially make a claim if you are outside the 30-day window.
• Seek Medical Advice: Consult with a doctor for an injury assessment, certificate of capacity (this is essential for claims seeking weekly payments), and to obtain the necessary treatment.
• Lodge the Claim: Submit a WorkCover claim form.

Regardless of how far along the claim process you are, a law firm that specialises in Personal Injury law and WorkCover claims can help you achieve a better result. Reach out to the team at Carbone Lawyers for a free claim assessment and to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

You are best placed getting a lawyer involved from early on. At Carbone Lawyers, we will even assist you with lodging your primary WorkCover claim form, taking the stress out of the situation for you, so you can focus on your injuries and recovery and let us do the rest for you. 

A Hypothetical Example

Imagine you’re a warehouse worker who has suffered a back injury due to lifting heavy boxes. After reporting the injury to your employer, contact the Carbone Lawyers team who will help you collect the necessary evidence and prepare your claim. 

You visit your GP, who provides you with a WorkCover certificate of capacity. With this documentation, your lawyer helps you lodge a WorkCover claim to cover your medical expenses and lost wages during your recovery period. You’re able to focus on getting better without worrying about financial burdens or complicated claims. We will also provide you with advice early on about Common Law entitlements so there are no nasty surprises down the line. 

What Benefits Does WorkCover Offer?

Under WorkCover, you may be entitled to various benefits, including:

• Compensation for lost wages at a percentage of your pre-injury earnings.
• Payment of medical and related expenses.
• A lump sum for permanent impairment, eligible no sooner than 12 months post-injury.
• If you have suffered a “serious injury”, and someone else was at fault for your injuries, lump sum compensation for pain and suffering and past and future economic loss (loss of wages/income). 

Contact Carbone Lawyers Today

If you’re uncertain about your eligibility for a WorkCover claim or need guidance on the claim process in Victoria, don’t hesitate to reach out to Carbone Lawyers. Our team of experienced legal professionals are ready to provide you with the support and advice you need to navigate the WorkCover scheme successfully.