Workers Compensation Lawyers

Workers compensation is a form of insurance payment to employees if they are injured at work or become sick as a result of the work they do. It is designed to cover wages while you are unfit for work, medical and rehabilitation expenses, and in some cases a lump sum for permanent impairment. Employers in each state or territory are required to take out workers' compensation insurance to cover themselves and their employees. Each state and territory has its own workers' compensation regulator and administrator who can assist or provide advice on your workers' compensation case. In NSW, this regulator is SIRA (State Insurance Regulatory Authority).

You are not required to have a lawyer, but legal representation is highly recommended — particularly where a claim is disputed or an insurer denies liability, delays payments, or refuses treatment. An experienced lawyer can challenge those decisions and protect your entitlements. Our legal services are delivered by a team of expert personal injury lawyers, whose experience of court proceedings and knowledge of workers' compensation and personal injury claims will assist in guiding you to the most beneficial resolution. For some, workers' compensation schemes can be straightforward to navigate, while for others, they can be challenging. There can be a significant amount of forms, medical appointments, and interactions with various professionals, including medical and psychological specialists, as well as the NSW workers' compensation authority and insurance companies, to deal with throughout this complex process.

Costs depend on your claim. In many workers compensation matters, funding may be available through the Independent Review Office (IRO). We explain any fees clearly and up front during your initial consultation.

Where your injury was caused by your employer’s negligence and results in a significant level of permanent impairment, you may be able to pursue a common-law work injury damages claim for past and future economic loss, in addition to your statutory benefits.

Various kinds of injuries could form the basis for a workers’ compensation case in NSW if they occur as a result of work, such as: Back-related injuries, including spinal and slipped disc injuries; Arm injuries, including hands and fingers; Leg injuries, including foot or toe injuries; Head, neck, or eye injuries; Brain injuries; Repetitive strain injuries; Construction injuries; Death dependency; Cancer conditions; Heart attacks; Strokes; Fractures; Soft tissue injuries; Chemical and asbestos exposure; Industrial asthma and other lung conditions; Industrial deafness; Infectious conditions; Psychological conditions; Diseases caused by work; Diseases or pre-existing conditions made worse by work; Injuries suffered while receiving medical treatment for a separate work injury.

If you are a worker who has been injured at work or made unwell by your work, you are generally entitled to make a workers compensation claim. This includes physical injuries, psychological injuries, and conditions that develop over time. Contact us to discuss your individual circumstances.

If your claim has been denied or you are in dispute with an insurer, we can help. Our team challenges insurers who deny liability, delay payments, or refuse to cover necessary medical treatment, and manages the dispute process on your behalf.

Yes. Many people are unaware they may be entitled to workers compensation for a psychological injury caused by their work, such as stress, anxiety, depression or PTSD. These claims can be complex, and we can guide you through the process.

You should notify your employer and lodge your claim as soon as possible after your injury. Strict time limits apply to workers compensation and work injury damages claims, so it is best to seek advice early to protect your entitlements.

If you have been injured at work and believe you may require legal representation to be appropriately compensated, you should contact Burke Mead Lawyers. To prepare for a consultation about your work-related personal injury, you will need to write down as much information about the injury, how it happened, etc., as you can.