Disagree With a WorkCover Decision? Talk to Us.
We Explain the Decision and Your Review Options, Free. If You Need Legal Advice, We Put You in Touch With a Compensation Lawyer.
When Should You Talk to a Lawyer?
Most claims never need one. It can help when:
- ✓You disagree with a decision about your claim or payments
- ✓Your claim has been rejected
- ✓You want advice on a lump sum or work injury damages
- ✓Your injury looks likely to be permanent
- ✓Your weekly payments have been reduced or stopped
Our help is free
No cost to call us
We explain the decision and your options before you decide anything.
Legal costs
Usually not yours
Most WorkCover disputes qualify for IRO funding, which usually means the legal costs aren't yours. The lawyer explains their terms before you agree to anything.
Response
We call you back
If a time limit on your letter is close, tell us and we call you back first.
Types of Claims We Can Help With
If you disagree with a decision, we explain what each review step needs, and put you in touch with a compensation lawyer if you need legal advice. These are the decisions people most often ask us about.
Rejected Claims
If the insurer denies your claim, you can ask for the decision to be reviewed. A compensation lawyer can advise on the review and, if needed, take it to the Personal Injury Commission.
Weekly Payments and Expenses
If your weekly payments don't look right or medical expenses aren't being paid, we help you ask the insurer to check. If you still disagree, a lawyer can check you're receiving your full entitlements.
Permanent Impairment Claims
If your injury has left you with a lasting impairment, you may be entitled to a lump sum payment. A lawyer can advise on the timing of the impairment assessment and the claim.
Section 66 Lump Sum Claims
Lump sum compensation for permanent impairment under Section 66 of the Workers Compensation Act 1987 (NSW): more than 10% whole person impairment for a physical injury, or 15% or more for a primary psychological injury. A lawyer can advise on the claim.
Work Capacity Decisions
If a work capacity decision reduces your payments or changes the work you're expected to do, and you disagree, you can ask for a review. A lawyer can advise on the next step.
Treatment Disputes
If the insurer declines medical treatment your doctor has recommended — including surgery planned by an orthopaedic surgeon — you can ask for a review, and a lawyer can advise on what each review step needs.
We can also put you in touch with a lawyer for TPD (Total and Permanent Disability) insurance claims — the lump-sum payout most Australians have through their super fund. TPD is separate from WorkCover but often relevant when an injury leaves someone permanently unable to work. For the full picture, read our TPD claims guide or see our TPD claim assistance service.
How a Compensation Lawyer Helps
Independent legal advice when a decision needs reviewing, so you know your rights and the support the scheme provides.
What to Expect from the Legal Process
Legal processes can feel intimidating, but a good lawyer makes it straightforward. Here's what typically happens when you engage a WorkCover lawyer.
1. First Consultation
You'll speak with a compensation lawyer about your situation — your injury, your claim, and what's been happening. They'll give you an honest assessment of your options and whether a dispute is worth pursuing, and explain their terms before you agree to anything.
2. Case Assessment
The lawyer will review your medical records, your claim file, and any correspondence with your insurer or employer. This gives them a complete picture of your case and the strength of your position.
3. Internal Review and Talking With the Insurer
A dispute can often be resolved through an internal review, or by talking it through with the insurer, before it needs to go further. Your lawyer speaks with the insurer for you and sets out the medical picture and the facts of your claim.
4. Personal Injury Commission (If Needed)
If the dispute isn't resolved, your lawyer can take the matter to the Personal Injury Commission. This is an independent tribunal that hears WorkCover disputes and makes binding decisions. Your lawyer represents you through the entire process.
How IRO Funding Works
You shouldn't have to worry about legal fees when you're already dealing with an injury. Most WorkCover disputes qualify for IRO funding, which usually means the legal costs aren't yours.
Here's what that means in practice:
- ✓Talking to us is free, and we explain your options before you decide anything.
- ✓The Independent Review Office (IRO) gives free, independent help to injured workers.
- ✓If you need a lawyer, they can apply to IRO for an ILARS grant to fund their costs, including the medical-legal reports they arrange.
- ✓Work injury damages claims sit outside ILARS. The lawyer explains their own fee terms before you agree to anything.
Our help
Free
Talking to us costs nothing, and we explain your options first.
Legal costs
Usually not yours
Most WorkCover disputes qualify for IRO funding.
Talking to us is free. Send the form or call, and we'll get back to you fast.
When You Might Not Need a Lawyer
We believe in being honest with you. Not every WorkCover situation requires legal intervention. If your claim is progressing smoothly, you might not need a lawyer right now.
You probably don't need a lawyer if:
- ✓Your claim has been accepted and your payments are correct
- ✓Your employer is accommodating your return to work
- ✓Your treatment is being approved without issues
- ✓You're recovering well and expect to return to full duties
However, if things change — if your payments are reduced, your claim is disputed, or you develop a permanent impairment — don't hesitate to get in touch. We're here whenever you need us, and our help is free.
WorkCover Lawyer FAQs
WorkCover Compensation Lawyers Across Sydney
We put injured workers in touch with compensation lawyers right across the Sydney metro. Pick the area closest to home or work.
Your suburb not listed? We help workers right across NSW and Canberra. Call (02) 7238 7379 and we'll explain your options. Our help is free.
Claim disputed? Talk to us first.
We explain the decision and your review options, and put you in touch with a compensation lawyer if you need one. Our help is free.
Call (02) 7238 7379