Frequently Asked Questions
If you’ve been injured at work on the Gold Coast or anywhere in Queensland, it’s normal to feel uncertain about what to do next. You may be unsure whether your matter qualifies for a claim, how it could affect your future, or where to even start.
The workers' compensation process can feel complex and full of red tape, especially when you’re already dealing with the impact of an injury. Seeking legal guidance early can make things clearer and help you avoid missing an opportunity to make a claim because you didn't understand the process.
We’ve answered some of the most common questions we hear from injured workers here. If you have any questions at all, reach out for a free chat about your matter. We are always happy to help.
You must notify your employer and lodge a claim with WorkCover Queensland or your employer’s insurer. The insurer reviews medical evidence and other information to decide if the claim is accepted. In addition to workers’ compensation, injured workers may be able to make other claims under personal injury law depending on how the injury occurred, including:
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Common law claims for negligence (e.g. unsafe workplace)
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Motor vehicle accident claims if injured while driving for work
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Public liability claims if injured at another business or property
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Superannuation and TPD claims if the injury causes permanent incapacity
Strict time limits apply for all personal injury claims, so it’s important to seek legal advice early from an experienced injury lawyer.
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Workers can claim for physical injuries, psychological injuries, aggravations of pre-existing conditions and illnesses caused by work. Injuries from workplace accidents, exposure or gradual onset can also be included. Claims must show the injury is work-related and required medical treatment or resulted in lost wages. Personal injury compensation for workplace accidents may also be accessed through other methods, such as public liability insurance or superannuation.
Insurers usually require a Work Capacity Certificate, detailed medical evidence, incident reports and payslips. Evidence of how the injury occurred, your need for medical treatment, and the impact on your ability to work is essential. Working with experienced personal injury lawyers will make the process easier, as they will help you to gather the correct information and submit it in a timely manner.
In some cases, you may be able to claim compensation for injuries that happened while travelling to or from work, or between jobs. This includes motor vehicle accidents in some situations. The pathway for seeking compensation will depend on whether your injury is covered by a CTP insurance accident claim or WorkCover. If you need advice on your circumstances, our Gold Coast compensation lawyers can assist.
Timeframes vary depending on the injury and complexity. Some claims resolve in a few weeks; others take months, especially if ongoing medical treatment or future medical expenses are involved. These factors will determine how much compensation you will receive, but gathering medical and other evidence required can take a lot of time to legally validate.
Longer processes may also have larger legal fees attached when you claim personal injury compensation, but they can also result in an outcome that better covers your future expenses.
You must lodge your claim as soon as possible and no later than six months from the date of injury. Strict time limits apply, so it’s best to get free initial advice from an experienced workers' compensation lawyer to protect your legal rights. If you have passed the time limits, it may still be worth getting advice, because common law claims have a 3 year time limit in Queensland.
We do not charge uplift fees, even though under Queensland law, Personal Injury firms are entitled to apply an 'uplift' fee of up to 25% on their professional fees if the case achieves a successful outcome. While this is a common practice across the industry, unlike many Personal Injury law firms in Queensland, we’ve chosen not to apply this uplift, keeping our pricing transparent and predictable for clients.
In addition, Queensland legislation limits a Personal Injury firm’s professional fee to a maximum of 50% of the client’s net settlement amount (that is, after statutory refunds such as Medicare, WorkCover and Centrelink, as well as disbursements, have been paid). To ensure our clients receive the fairest possible outcome, we cap our professional fees at just 35% of the net settlement amount, well below the legal maximum. This approach means you understand your fees from the outset, retain more of your compensation and can move forward with greater financial peace of mind.
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Get clear advice from a trusted Gold Coast workers compensation lawyer.
Injuries at work can happen anywhere – on a busy worksite, behind a desk, in a warehouse or out on the commute to work. If this has happened to you, Gold Coast workers' compensation lawyer Howard Biddle can assist. He helps clients in every industry, including healthcare, transport and construction workers, with WorkCover and common law claims, with a focus on delivering advice about compensation law in a simple, transparent manner.
You’ll get clear information about your rights and how the claims process works, helping you decide on the best way forward. If you choose to proceed, you’ll have full support from start to finish - so you can focus on recovery. If you’re considering a workers’ compensation claim or simply want an honest conversation about your options, get in touch. Your first consultation is free - and obligation‑free.
Get the support you need from a trusted Gold Coast workers compensation lawyer.
If a workplace injury has affected you, we are ready to help you secure eligible compensation. You'll get the advice you need from a skilled Queensland workers' compensation lawyer - who will stay by your side throughout the entire process.
Speak directly with an expert workers' compensation lawyer
Clear advice with no confusing legal talk
Personalised support tailored to your claim and recovery needs
Getting early advice after a work-related injury is a good idea, even if you are not sure if you want to go ahead, because time limits do apply.
“Everything was explained clearly and I felt supported the entire way.”
– Michelle T., Southport
“They helped me get back on my feet after my accident. No stress, no
confusion — just results.”
– Jason W., Logan
“Highly recommend! Professional, responsive, and genuinely cared about the outcome.”
– Michelle T., Southport