WorkCover Claims - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Common questions about WorkCover & TAC consultation:

How much does it cost?

You pay your WorkCover Consultant NO FEE until your claim is settled. And when it is settled, you are guaranteed that the majority of the compensation goes to you. A WorkCover Consultant is also much less expensive than a lawyer.

Will my income continue while my claim is being processed?

Your WorkCover Consultant makes sure that income keeps coming into your life and you get the weekly entitlements that are included in your WorkCover claim.

How else can a WorkCover Consultant help me?

A WorkCover Consultant can help you from the date the accident happened, making sure you have all your ‘boxes ticked’ so that your claim will be accepted. Your Consultant will handle every little detail, every certificate and form, to make sure your case is a success.

How does the WorkCover claiming process work?

Firstly, your claim has to be accepted by WorkCover. Then WorkCover employs their ‘agent’ (an insurance company) to deal with your claim. These agents make the process challenging for you because it is in their interests to make sure that your claim is legitimate. The insurance company actively works to MINIMIZE the amount you get – that is where we come in – we work to get you the MAXIMUM amount you’re entitled to.

Why is the WorkCover process so complicated?

In the past, because there have been many ‘false claims’, WorkCover has tightened the process to make it harder for people to claim. As a result the process takes longer than it used to and is much more difficult. That is why it’s important to have all your forms properly collated and filled out.

How does my WorkCover claim affect my employer?

Your employer pays a premium to their insurance company to insure against WorkCover claims – so they are insured for all work injuries.

Will my WorkCover claim be accepted straightaway?

In most cases YES - if yours is a clear-cut case. But if there is doubt, they will send you to a doctor for further proof. A WorkCover consultant will help you with collating every piece of information you need to support your WorkCover claim.

How long will it take for my WorkCover claim to be settled?

An average time for a WorkCover case to be settled can take anywhere from 18 months to 3 years. But a WorkCover consultant can help you speed up this process quite considerably.

I have to attend a meeting at the Australian Compensation Conciliation Service (ACCS). Can you help me with this?

A WorkCover consultant can attend the conciliation process at the Australian Compensation Conciliation Service (ACCS) with you. This meeting is an attempt between parties to resolve a dispute, granted that it is a 'genuine dispute'. This meeting takes place either after a claim is denied or where a claimant is already successful but agreement cannot be reached over the claim amount or conditions attached. At this point a legal practitioner cannot represent you, but you can be accompanied by your WorkCover Consultant in a moral support capacity.

What if my claim is still denied after conciliation?

If your claim is still denied after conciliation, it is vital that an accredited Legal Practitioner (personal injury lawyer) be engaged immediately to redress the issue. This is very important. Our network of solicitors and personal injury lawyers can be accessed immediately to eliminate any risks causing the claim to fail. During the entire process your WorkCover Consultant will assist you in obtaining and gathering all relevant information and documentation you require.

Do I need a lawyer?

Not always, but if one is required your WorkCover Consultant can also appoint and instruct an accredited personal injury lawyer on your behalf. Your Consultant ensures that the accredited lawyer he appoints is just as passionate, just as committed and just as dedicated as he is to best assist you with your work injury.

What kind of lawyer do I need?

To get the most out of your WorkCover claim you need to make sure that your personal injury lawyer is a specialised WorkCover ‘accredited’ personal injury lawyer. Your WorkCover Consultant will only refer you to an ‘accredited’ lawyer – a legal professional who is qualified and experienced in handling WorkCover claims.

 

If you have any further questions please call Gus Elbelah on (03) 9309 1012.