What is the maximum payout for workers compensation in NSW?

Experiencing an injury at work can be a traumatic experience. Workers compensation is here to support you while you recover. But what exactly can you expect?

Regardless of how serious the injury, experiencing a work-related accident can be a traumatic experience in any case. The question is, how are you going to move on from this? And what is your life going to look like? Fortunately, there’s something called workers compensation to support you while you recover and get back on your feet. Here’s what it entails and what you may be able to expect.

What is workers compensation?

Workers compensation is compulsory business insurance that aims to support workers who get injured on the job. Together with your employer, the insurer is meant to develop an action plan to financially support you during your recovery and get you to a place where you’re able to return to work.

In most Australian states, workers compensation insurance is known as WorkCover, however, in New South Wales WorkCover was split into three different entities in 2015.

How does it work?

Of course, if you do happen to hurt yourself on the job – by your own doing or someone else’s – it’s imperative that you first take care of the injury before you do anything else. Once all potential hazards have been eliminated and the shock has worn off, you can start thinking about the next steps to take, including how to claim workers compensation. 

If your boss wasn’t on-site when the incident occurred, you should make sure to catch them up as soon as possible. As your employer, they’re required to report your injury to the insurer within 48 hours. Once the claim application has been lodged, you should start receiving provisional payments within seven days. These can last for up to 12 weeks and cover up to $10,000 in medical treatment cost until the insurer has made a decision on your case.

The good news is that even if your claim should not get approved, you won’t have to pay any of the provisional benefits already received back. If your claim is approved, your employer should work closely with the insurer to make sure you receive what you need to get back on your feet in the form of weekly payments and medical benefits. What’s more, they should also create a personalised return-to-work plan that takes into account your recovery timeline as recommended by your doctors. 

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