What is WorkCover Queensland?
WorkCover Queensland is the main workers' compensation insurer in the state. Every Queensland employer is required to hold a WorkCover policy (or be approved to self-insure). This means that if you're injured at work or develop a work-related illness, you're almost certainly covered — regardless of whether you're full-time, part-time, casual, or in some cases, a contractor.
The scheme is "no-fault," which means you can claim even if the injury was partly your own fault. You don't need to prove negligence to access basic entitlements.
What can you claim?
A successful WorkCover claim can provide:
- Weekly payments — income replacement while you're unable to work, usually a percentage of your pre-injury earnings
- Medical and hospital treatment — doctors, specialists, surgery, medication, physio, psychology
- Rehabilitation support — help getting back to work when you're ready, including retraining if needed
- Travel expenses — reasonable costs of travelling to medical appointments
- Lump sum compensation — for permanent impairment, based on the assessed degree of your injury
Beyond statutory benefits, if your employer was negligent, you may also be entitled to common law damages — which can be substantially higher.
Step-by-step: The claim process
1. Get medical treatment
See your doctor as soon as possible after the injury. Be specific about what happened, when, where, and how it's affecting you. Ask for a WorkCover medical certificate — this is the form that initiates your claim. Without it, WorkCover can't process anything.
2. Report to your employer
Tell your employer about the injury in writing. Keep a copy. Your employer is legally required to forward your claim to their insurer — if they don't, you can lodge directly with WorkCover Queensland.
3. Lodge the claim
Claims can be lodged online through WorkCover Queensland, by phone, or by post. You'll need your medical certificate, your employer's details, and a description of the injury. The more detail you provide upfront, the smoother the process.
4. Wait for a decision (20 business days)
WorkCover has 20 business days to accept or reject your claim once they have all the information they need. During this time they may request additional documents, medical records, or arrange an independent medical examination (IME). This is normal, but delays often happen here if information is incomplete.
5. Receive your entitlements
If accepted, weekly payments and medical support begin. Your treating doctor and WorkCover will work together on a return-to-work plan when you're ready. You have the right to be involved in this planning.
6. If rejected — dispute options
If your claim is rejected, don't panic. You have the right to challenge the decision. See our claim rejected guide for what to do next.
Important time limits
While the legislation allows WorkCover claims within certain timeframes, there are practical reasons to act quickly. Weekly payments can generally only be backdated 20 business days from when your claim is lodged. Medical evidence is also stronger when it's gathered close to the time of injury. The sooner you act, the stronger your position.
When do you need a lawyer?
Straightforward claims that are accepted quickly may not need legal involvement. But we strongly recommend getting legal advice if:
- Your claim has been rejected or you've been asked for an IME
- Your weekly payments have been stopped or reduced
- You're being pressured to return to work before you're medically ready
- Your injury is serious and may involve permanent impairment
- You're considering whether a common law damages claim is possible
- You've been offered a lump sum and aren't sure if it's fair
In all these situations, having a specialist WorkCover lawyer can make a significant difference to the outcome.