Last updated August 03, 2023

10 things you need to know if injured at work

An injury sustained at work can be a stressful time. Recovering from the injury, getting back to work and dealing with the workers compensation insurer is difficult. There are so many unknowns.

An injury that puts you off work is not something most people think about but when it happens to you it can be a terrible time. Having to deal with the injury is one thing but making sure you have income coming in to pay the rent and feed the family is a major concern.

garling and co award winning workers compensation lawyers helping injured workers

If you have an injury at work you should;

Tell your employer as soon as possible that you have sustained an injury.
Record the injury in your employers Register of Injuries, if no such register send the employer an email outlining how the injury occurred.
If you need time off work, see your Doctor and have the doctor complete a WorkCover certificate of capacity.
Give the certificate of capacity to your employer and a copy to the insurer.
Give your employer and the insurer a copy of any bills or accounts for medical treatment so they can be paid or reimbursed to you.
When you consult your Doctor make sure the doctor records in his/her notes that;
1. The injury occurred at work;
2. How the injury occurred and;
3. What area of the body was injured
Take photos, if you can, of where and how you hurt yourself at work.
Record the names and contact details of any witnesses to your injury in case it is disputed later.
Co-operate with the insurer who is required to respond to your claim within 7 days.
Speak to a lawyer who is an Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law if your injury does not resolve completely within a few months.

The Workers compensation laws are complex and you should seek legal advice about your situation as soon as you can, even if it’s just a chat to satisfy yourself ever thing has been done correctly.

There are no legal costs in Workers compensation claims as legal costs are paid on your behalf by Workcover so it won’t costs you anything.

If you would like to discuss your circumstances you can;

Call us on (02) 85181120
Email us at info@garlingandco.com.au
Complete our no obligation FREE CASE ASSESSMENT FORM online.

Matthew Garling

Matthew Garling is an Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law approved by New South Wales Law Society. He is admitted to practice in the Supreme Court of NSW and the High Court of Australia. Matthew is also a member of...

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YKHADZ

00:11 25 Feb 26

I can’t thank Garling & Co lawyers enough!they turned what felt like an impossible situation into a life changing result.After my back injury forced me to stop working, I was terrified about how... I’d support my family.Kerry, Myriel and the team kept me updated every step without me having to chase. If you’re considering a TPD claim and feel like the insurer is making it deliberately hard, do yourself a favour and call these guys first. They know exactly what evidence matters and they fight hard without ever making you feel like just another file.Highly recommend worth every single star!!!Thanks again Kerry, Myriel & the team absolute legends 🙏read more

Howard P.

00:54 23 Feb 26

So thrilled with Garling & Co. Particularly Kerry Byrnes. Right from the first time I called for some advice to our favourable outcome she has had a listening ear, empathy and on the money with all... of her advice. I would gladly recommend their services.read more

Fiona C.

05:55 19 Feb 26

I cannot speak highly enough of my experience with this workers Compensation team. When I first reached out, I was completely overwhelmed and unsure about the process. I hit rock bottom - unable to... return to work, struggling emotionally, and feeling like I had no direction. From the very beginning, the solicitors were nothing short of amazing. They were patient, understanding and incredibly supportive at a time when I needed it most. They took the time to explain every step in a way I could understand, never making me feel rushed or alone. Their professionalism was matched only by their compassion and that combination made all the difference.Throughout the entire journey, I felt heard, respected and genuinely cared for. They fought for me when I didn’t have the strength to fight for myself and thanks to their dedication, I was able to get the outcome I needed to rebuild my life. If you’re unsure, scared or feeling lost like I was, I can confidently say you will be in the best hands with this team. They helped me through one of the hardest chapters of my life, and I am truly grateful. I can’t thank or recommend Garling & Co Lawyers enough.read more

Alyssa F

08:02 31 Dec 25

Matthew Garling and his team have provided incredible support and guidance throughout my MVA damages claim this year, and I can’t thank them enough for making this journey feel like such a breeze.... When I initially engaged Garling & co, I had no understanding of what was ahead. I was anxious and unsure about the process, while also navigating the physical challenges of my injuries. With assurance that my matter was being handled with high level of expertise, professionalism and integrity, I was able to focus on recovery instead. Throughout the process, Matthew and Allison have been honest, straightforward and efficient in all communication; being a supportive buffer in all dealings with the insurer, and consistently committed to a successful outcome. The outcome was excellent, and it is with huge relief and great thanks that I can put this matter behind me. I would highly recommend the services of Garling and co for any injury claims of a similar nature, and I’m forever grateful to Matthew and his team.read more

Richard R.

07:58 02 Dec 25

I needed urgent, clear advice regarding a Workers Compensation claim and "cold-called" Garling & Co.I was put through to Kerry Byrnes, and from that moment, my stress began to lift.I explained my... scenario which was causing me huge anxiety and Kerry listened intently. She provided simple, clear, and authoritative advice on my legal standing, the correct next steps, and what to realistically expect.Crucially, she reassured me that everything I had done to that point was correct.This initial consultation, which I later learned was provided at no cost, gave me perfect guidance and an immense sense of relief.There is truly no price you can put on that level of reassurance and peace of mind from an expert and Kerry delivered both instantly.Should my claim proceed and I need further legal insight, I will choose Kerry and the team at Garling & Co without hesitation.Their focus is clearly on the client and getting the right outcome.I recommend Kerry and the firm 100%.Thank you, Kerry!read more

Graeme M.

04:22 29 Oct 25

Matthew Garling and his team have been excellent in dealing with my case. I am very happy with the result and the process to guide me through everything over the last two years. Most importantly... happy with the payout. Highly recommend if you’re thinking of claiming for an injury caused by another party.read more

Melanie F.

00:20 18 Oct 25

3 years ago, I got injured at work and at first I was denied getting any help from a certain insurance company so I looked up lawyers that could possibly help me getting what I was entitled to and I... am so glad Garling and co took on that responsibility to help me,I still have some way to go but Kerry Byrnes and her team have gone above and beyond for me I am so grateful I had her in my corner,I highly recommend Garling and co I don’t know where I would be now if not for guidance and understanding THANKYOU Kerry and team I am 1 happy customerread more

steve J.

00:38 29 Sep 25

Brilliant Service and I am always kept well informed. Definitely recommend this law firm to anyone seeking compensation lawyers. I really appreciate and thank Matthew and his wonderful team for their... incredible and sincere hard work they have put in for my case in the last couple of years. My family and I are blessed and very satisfied with our outcome. God Bless you Matthew Garling and your team.read more

Mark W.

10:50 17 Sep 25

Garling and Co. are an exceptional outfit. Matthew Garling is a talented lawyer and supported and surrounded by a great team of people including Allison Luck and others. What made Matthew... particularly impressive with my case were his ability to communicate complex legal processes and simplify options for the next steps, his genuine interest in the law, and his passion to seek appropriate compensation on my behalf. He was not ready to settle my case until I was ready to settle the case. I am very grateful to have had Garling and Co. 'in my corner' and would not hesitate to recommend this business to others.read more

Elyce

22:22 06 Sep 25

I never imagined this chapter would close, but it finally has.I cannot thank Joelle enough for the incredible support she gave me during one of the most challenging times in my life.Her... professionalism and genuine care throughout my claim process exceeded all my expectations.Whenever I contacted Garling and Co to speak with Joelle, I was assisted by Lynn. She was always polite, clear, and concise, and consistently showed empathy whenever I called or emailed.read more

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10 things you need to know if injured at work

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