Updated 13 November 2026. General information for people in Australia, not advice about your situation.
Tell your employer in writing, as soon as you can. Every state scheme has notice rules and some time limits are short. A text or email with the date, what happened and the injury is a good start.
Step 1: get it seen and recorded
See a doctor and tell them it happened at work. Ask for a certificate of capacity. It says what you can and can't do and for how long. Keep a copy of every one. Make sure the incident goes into the workplace injury register.
Step 2: lodge the claim
Each state and territory runs its own scheme. The forms differ but the bones are the same: a claim form, the certificate of capacity and details of the incident, given to your employer or their insurer. Federal government and some national employers are under Comcare instead.
Step 3: keep a paper trail
- A diary of symptoms, appointments and days off.
- Receipts for medication, travel and treatment.
- Every letter from the insurer, with the date you got it.
- Names of anyone who saw it happen.
When the claim stalls or gets knocked back
Insurers have set times to decide claims and must give written reasons if they say no. Every scheme has a free dispute or conciliation step. Many also let you seek lump sum compensation for permanent impairment or, where someone was negligent, common law damages. These have their own thresholds and time limits, so get advice before you accept a settlement or sign anything.
Don't forget
- Injured on the road? That's usually a separate transport accident or CTP claim, with its own deadlines.
- Injured and then sacked? Look at the 21-day rule straight away.
- Income protection or TPD cover through your super can sometimes be claimed alongside workers comp.
Quick answers
Do I need a lawyer to make a workers compensation claim?
No. You can lodge the claim yourself. Advice helps most when the claim is disputed, payments stop or you are offered a lump sum or settlement.
Is there a time limit for workers compensation in Australia?
Yes. Every state scheme has notice and claim time limits and some are short. Report the injury to your employer in writing as soon as possible.