The purpose of this article is to explain recent changes which have been made with respect to how to lodge or validly lodge a claim for workers’ compensation with WorkCover Queensland.
If you have suffered a serious injury and you are unsure about your rights or options please do not hesitate to contact vbr Lawyers for some preliminary advice and recommendations. All provided at no cost and at no obligation as strict time limits apply.
WorkCover Queensland (and any self-insurer if you work for a self-insurer) is the main or largest insurer for workers compensation in Queensland and by far.
Until recently, an injured worker could commence a claim with WorkCover by visiting his treating doctor or any medical practitioner and the doctor could fax off a worker’s compensation medical certificate to WorkCover and this would start the process. Not anymore.
From 1 July 2025, WorkCover requires an injured worker to do the following:-
- Obtain a worker’s compensation medical certificate from your GP or doctor (same as before)
- Submit a claim form online with WorkCover so you can provide details about the injury, how and where it happened and also so you can provide your personal details including your banking details for payments and reimbursements and also details of your employment
- WorkCover will also ask for your tax file number
You can lodge the claim online, which is probably the easiest approach but you can also lodge the claim by telephone, via email or facsimile, or by post.
How You Can Claim
| Claiming Online | Claiming by Telephone | Claiming by Facsimile |
| The online form can be accessed here: https://ols.workcoverqld.com.au/ols/public/claim/lodgement.wc | 1300 362 128 | 1300 651 387 |
Time Limits
From the date of the injury or event, an injured worker has six months to lodge the claim with WorkCover.
It is best to lodge the claim as soon as possible and not wait several weeks or months and particularly if the injury is serious.
You are able to lodge the claim outside the six-month period; however, you will be required to provide a reasonable excuse for the delay and convince WorkCover to accept the claim out of time.
Other Time Limits
If you have sustained a significant work-related injury or illness and you are likely to incur or suffer losses into the future such as ongoing loss of income and future medical treatment and if there was negligence on the part of your employer or someone else you were working with, you only have three years from the date of injury/event to commence court proceedings otherwise your right to pursue a common law claim for damages will be lost forever.
If you are left with a permanent injury, WorkCover is likely to make you an offer of lump sum compensation.
It is very good idea to get some legal advice about your legal rights and options regarding your situation and especially before you make any decisions whether to accept any lump sum offers from WorkCover or pursue a common law claim for damages.
If you accept a lump sum offer from WorkCover, you may not be able to pursue a common law claim so please seek advice from an experienced personal injury lawyer before you make any decision.
