Workers’ Voice study has released a new practical resource, “Four Phases of a Workers’ Compensation Claim“, designed to help injured workers, employers, and practitioners better understand the workers’ compensation process.
We know that workers’ compensation systems can feel overwhelming and frustrating especially when you’re already dealing with the impact of a workplace injury or illness. This resource is designed to help make the process easier to understand by providing a clear, plain-language overview of how a workers’ compensation claim generally unfolds.
The information shared here is intended as a general guide only. Every claim is different. If you can, we encourage seeking support early to help you navigate your claim and understand your options.
This overview was developed with the guidance and insight of the Workers’ Voice lived experience advisory group to whom we are deeply grateful.
Complete Four Phases guide
One document covering all four phases from start to finish.
In Australia, about 500,000 people are injured at work every year, and many thousands more develop an illness or disease due to their work. If you think your injury or illness is due to work, you may be able to make a workers’ compensation claim for treatment costs, wage replacement, and return-to-work services.
Just like personal injury insurance is required for a motor vehicle, employers are required to have insurance to support workers who are injured at work.
Download Phase 1 PDFOnce you submit your workers’ compensation claim to your employer, it’s passed on to an insurer (also called a claims agent). The insurer is responsible for deciding whether to accept or reject your claim.
Download Phase 2 PDFOnce a claim is accepted, a range of benefits and services support the injured worker’s recovery and safe return to work. A claims manager coordinates these processes, and this stage can last anywhere from a few days to several years depending on the injury.
There are generally two types of claims: medical-only claims, where the worker can continue working with modified duties, and time-loss claims, where compensation includes both medical expenses and a proportion of lost wages.
Download Phase 3 PDFMost claims finish once the injured worker has recovered enough to return to work and no longer needs support for medical treatment or income payments. You can also return to work while still receiving treatment or rehabilitation — this is normal and supported under the system.
A small number of workers with serious or long-term injuries stay on the workers’ compensation system until they reach retirement age.
Download Phase 4 PDF