Workplace safety in Australia is a serious matter that isn’t to be neglected. Australian society bears the huge burden of cost, loved ones must care for the injured employee, and employers lose valuable labour.
Although Australia is, in general, safer than many other countries when it comes to occupational health and safety, it’s still a danger that costs billions of dollars every year.
Just have a look at some of the statistics on workplace-related injuries in Victoria from Safe Work Australia:
- A cost of $14.6 billion for injury and disease;
- Accounts for 23.5% of Australia’s injury costs;
- 21.8% of cases representing 24.9% of Australia’s workforce are reported are in Victoria;
- One case costs $126,500 on average.
If you’ve experienced an injury at work, here are a few things you need to know.
1. Ensure You Receive Medical Attention
If you’re injured at work, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Workplaces must have first aid kits on hand and they should always be fully stocked with plasters and bandages to deal with cuts and swelling. In serious injury cases, hospitalisation may be necessary. Ensure you receive the medical attention you need to have the best prospect of healing and recovery. Don’t rush your recovery, follow the medical advice given. The last thing you want to do is harm your best chances of full recovery.
2. Lodge a Workcover Compensation Claim
As soon as possible after the incident, you’ll need to fill out a Workcover compensation claim. It’s best to do this immediately because the details regarding the incident ought to be fresh in your mind. More accurate claims may lead to more successful compensation claims.
To ensure that you’re filling out the form properly, consult a personal injury lawyer.
3. Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer
Injury is no joke, so you’ll want to ensure that you’re receiving what you’re entitled to when filing workplace injury claims. That’s where personal injury lawyers such as Pentana Stanton can help. Our expert lawyers are accustomed to workplace injury cases in Victoria and can help you complete and submit all required forms as well as representing you in cases where employers or employees choose to dispute your claim.
4. Keep all Medical Receipts and Documents
If your injury requires you to visit your GP periodically, you should always document and keep records of all receipts. This allows your personal injury lawyer to better serve you and to prepare a more thorough compensation claim. In cases of dispute, all medical appointments and treatments stemming from the injury will need to be reviewed and thus it’s in your best interest to come prepared.
5. Obtain a Fair and Just Resolution
Submitting a claim and receiving compensation is not always a straightforward affair. There are many factors that may be relevant, depending on your case, so a thorough analysis of all factors can help ensure that your compensation claim is complete and accurate.
Once you’ve submitted your claim, it’s possible that disputes may arise. Retaining a lawyer can help to put your mind at ease knowing that legal experts can represent you during litigation cases in order to achieve a more favourable outcome.
Pentana Stanton Personal Injury Lawyers
Don’t take your chances when it comes to personal injury in the workplace. Come visit us at Pentana Stanton and ask us about our “No Win No Fee” availability for personal injury claims.
