Workplace injuries
Everyone has the right to be safe at work. If something goes wrong, you should be covered.
WorkCover is the Victorian workers compensation scheme that provides benefits and compensation to those injured in workplace accidents. If you’ve had been injured or aggravated an injury, or your health has been affected by your workplace, you may be entitled to compensation from WorkCover.
What benefits might I be entitled to?
If you’ve had been injured or aggravated an injury, or your health has been affected by your workplace, you may be entitled to compensation from WorkCover to cover things like:
Medical expenses
Wage replacement
Lump sum payments for your permanent impairment
Domestic care expenses
Travel expenses (for medical appointments)
Compensation for pain and suffering
Polaris has a highly experienced team of personal injury lawyers—we know every corner of the WorkCover system and how to secure everything you're entitled to.
Common questions about WorkCover claims
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If you’ve had been injured or aggravated an injury, or your health has been affected by your workplace, you may be entitled to compensation from WorkCover.
Medical expenses
Wage replacement
Lump sum payments for your permanent impairment
Domestic care expenses
Travel expenses (for medical appointments)
Compensation for pain and suffering
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The first step is to report the injury to your employer and complete a WorkCover claim form. You should also have your doctor complete a WorkCover Medical Certificate for you.
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WorkCover will make decisions about your benefits but they won’t give you legal advice. Without a lawyer acting for you, WorkCover won’t give you all the compensation you deserve.
Our expert workers compensation lawyers will fight to protect your benefits and maximise your compensation.
Don’t know where to start? Unsure if you have a claim? Call Polaris and we’ll set you straight with free initial advice and help with your claim.
Polaris has a highly experienced team of personal injury lawyers – we know every corner of the WorkCover system and know how to get you everything you’re entitled to.
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How do I lodge a WorkCover claim in Victoria?
Report the incident and your injury to your employer.
After you have completed the employee section, give the form to your employer to complete. You can give the form directly to your employer’s WorkCover Agent or Worksafe if necessary.
Go to your local Doctor and get a Worksafe Certificate of Capacity, give this to your employer or the WorkCover Agent.
Chase the Agent for a response if your claim is not accepted within 30 days.
Contact a lawyer to get legal advice about your WorkCover claim to make sure that your rights and entitlements are protected.
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A person who suffers serious permanent injuries as a result of the negligence of their employer can be entitled to compensation for pain and suffering and damages for economic loss, in addition to any benefits they receive under the WorkCover “no fault scheme”. The maximum amount which can be awarded in a Workers Compensation was $741,000 for pain and suffering damages as at July 2024. While every injured person’s circumstances and injuries are different, claims for compensation commonly resolve for $200,000 or more.
Example: An airport security worker was 26 years of age when she injured her knee while attempting to move heavy luggage. She developed severe arthritis in her knee. Treatment and medication did not alleviate her ongoing knee symptoms. Pain and suffering damages were assessed by a Court at $250,000.
Still have questions? Chat with Polaris's free online tool WorkMate to learn more about WorkCover in Victoria.
Why choose us?
With decades of experience in workplace injury law we have the knowledge and insight to get the best outcomes for our clients who have been injured in their workplace.
Our compassionate and understanding team focus on getting you the best possible result, in the shortest possible time with no hidden fees or charges.
Key steps
Key steps in a workers compensation claim
From the initial meeting through to lodging claims, attending medical examinations, and handling insurer decisions, we ensure you understand your rights and options at every stage.
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Step 1. Advice and assessment
We start by reviewing your situation, explaining claim options (impairment benefit or common law), and outlining our No Win, No Fee arrangement.
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Step 2. Investigation
We gather medical records, workplace documents, and other evidence while you focus on recovery. For common law claims, this includes preparing for a serious injury application.
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Step 3. Lodging your claim
When ready, we submit all required forms and evidence. For impairment claims, this usually happens about 12 months after injury. For common law claims, once all info is collected, we file the serious injury application.
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Step 4. Medical examinations
The insurer may require independent medical exams to assess your injuries.
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Step 5. Insurer’s response
You’ll receive a decision. For impairment claims, this comes as a Notice of Entitlement. For common law claims, the insurer may accept, deny, or suspend your application. If you receive a Serious Injury Certificate, you can pursue damages.
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Step 6. Challenging a decision (if necessary)
If you disagree with the insurer’s decision, we’ll guide you through dispute resolution or court proceedings.
Next steps
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Get instant guidance from our chatbot
Try WorkMate, our free and confidential virtual assistant designed to make navigating Workers’ Compensation in Victoria easier. Seek guidance at your own pace, without any pressure, knowing the information comes directly from our team.
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Speak directly with one of our lawyers
Don't know where to start or unsure if you have a claim? Get in touch today by calling 1300 383 825 or emailing us to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our personal injury lawyers to discuss your options.
