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Workers Compensation Lawyers in Sydney and NSW

Our team is dedicated to helping seriously injured in the workplace claim the workers compensation they deserve. Our expert workers compensation lawyers are Accredited Specialists in Personal Injury Law and have over 20 years of experience. In Sydney and across NSW, Garling and Co is the trusted choice for injured workers.

 

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Industry Experts

Industry Experts

We’re industry experts with over 20 years of experience.

No Win No Fee

No Win No Fee

You won’t be required to pay any fees until we win your case.

5 star client rating icon

5-Star Client Rating

You’ll receive outstanding service. We maintain a 5-star client rating.

Free Case Assessments

Free Case Assessments

We provide confidential, free case assessments.

Industry Experts

Industry Experts

We’re industry experts with over 20 years of experience.

No Win No Fee

No Win No Fee

You won’t be required to pay any fees until we win your case.

We specialise in Workers Compensation Claims

Garling & Co are accredited experts in personal injury law. As a boutique firm in Sydney, we take the time to understand your unique situation and genuinely care about helping you through it. With all of our lawyers being accredited specialists in personal injury law, we offer a depth of knowledge and experience that ensures you’re in expert hands. We’re proud to be rated 4.9 stars on Google by over 148 of our clients, read more about our client reviews and success stories.

We know the complexities of NSW workers’ compensation laws and are here to help you maximise your benefits. Our comprehensive support throughout your claims process includes:

  • Documentation preparation: We ensure all required documents are accurately completed and submitted on time, so you don’t have to worry about the paperwork.
  • Evidence gathering: We collect medical reports, witness statements, and other key documents to support your claim.
  • Settlement negotiation: We work hard to negotiate the best possible outcome for you.
  • Client representation: We represent you at mediation sessions, tribunal hearings, and other legal proceedings.
  • Additional Entitlements: We identify all benefits you may be entitled to, including lump sum compensation and other payments.

Refer to our Compensation Payouts page for more details on the compensation we have secured for our seriously injured clients.

Am I Eligible to Claim Workers Compensation?

The NSW Workers’ Compensation system is designed to support employees who are injured at work or suffer from a work related illnesses. Examples of workplace injuries and experiences that may qualify include:

  • Physical Injuries: These include, but are not limited to, sprains, fractures, breaks, dislocations and burns.
  • Repetitive Strain Injuries: Common examples of conditions experienced at work due to repetitive tasks include carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis.
  • Psychological Conditions: Stress, anxiety, and depression are all mental health conditions that can be experienced in the workplace.
  • Work-Related Illnesses: Diseases or conditions, such as Dust Diseases, that are due to exposure to harmful substances in the workplace.

The information provided are general examples, it is not an exhaustive list. For the best advice for your specific situation you should speak to a lawyer who is an Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury Law. They can provide you with specific advice tailored to your situation on how best to pursue a claim.

Types of Workers’ Compensation Cases We Handle in Sydney & NSW


1. New Compensation Claims


We support new clients by filing claims, preparing documents, collating evidence and making sure that all claims meet the legal requirements. Processes and documents involved in the process include:

  • Incident Report: This report is a detailed account of what caused the injury. It needs to include the location the incident took place, the date and time as well any pertinent circumstances.
  • Medical Reports: These are the documents from healthcare providers that treat you following your injury. They include details such as the type of injury or illness, any treatments received as well as your prognosis.
  • Witness Statements: Any relevant information that witnesses, including co-workers, can provide should be in the form of a statement.
  • Claim Form: Complete and submit the official workers’ compensation claim form.
  • Employer’s Report: Your employer will produce a report accounting for the accident and may reference relevant workplace occupational health and safety procedures and policies.

2. Existing Claims and Disputes


The main processes and documents we assist with include –

  • Mediation Documents: Document preparation prior to mediation. This includes but is not limited to the case summary, evidence, and proposed settlement terms.
  • Settlement Agreements: Drafting settlement agreements, ensuring they reflect the best possible outcome for our clients.
  • Tribunal Submissions: Preparing and submitting the required documents prior to tribunal hearings. These documents include evidence, witness statements and relevant legal arguments.
  • Correspondence: Ongoing communication with all relevant parties, while negotiating, to achieve dispute resolution.

3. Additional Amounts


We are experts in identifying if clients are entitled to additional payments. Such payments include lump sum compensation for permanent impairment or other benefits. The documents and processes involved in the process may include:

  • Permanent Impairment Assessment: This assessment by a qualified medical professional is to determine the extent of permanent impairment.
  • Supporting Evidence: This includes all documents that support the claim, such as doctors and other medical reports, any expert opinions, and all relevant financial documents.
  • Review and Appeals: This will only apply when a claim has been denied or the amount awarded is not insufficient. Garling and Co will manage the review and appeals process, including preparing and submitting the necessary documents.

What Workers Compensation Payouts and Benefits Can I Claim in NSW?

If you’ve suffered a work-related injury or illness, you may be entitled to weekly payments, medical expenses, lump sum compensation for permanent impairment, or a work injury damages claim. The table below outlines the key workers’ compensation benefits available in NSW:

Workers Compensation Payments NSW

Type of Benefit Details
Medical Expenses All reasonable and necessary medical costs related to your injury or illness are covered by workers’ compensation. This includes medical expenses such as GP and specialist consultations, hospital treatment, surgery, medications, rehabilitation therapies, and essential equipment like crutches or prosthetics.
Weekly Payments Weekly payments for lost wages are paid when you are unable to work, or only able to work reduced hours. The amount paid and how long they are paid varies greatly, considering the severity of the injury or illness and the worker’s capacity to return to work.

There are two main types of weekly payments:

Total Incapacity: Payments for workers who are completely unable to work due to their injury.
Partial Incapacity: Payments for workers who can return to work at reduced hours or in a different role, resulting in a loss of income.

Lump Sum Compensation Workers who suffer permanent impairment caused by injury or illness may be entitled to a lump sum payment. The amount is determined by the degree of impairment, assessed by a qualified medical professional. This compensates you for the long-term impact of the injury.
Work Injury Damages  If your injury was caused by your employer’s negligence, you may be entitled to a work injury damages claim. This provides a lump sum for past and future loss of earnings, subject to meeting impairment thresholds and proving negligence.
Other Entitlements May include domestic assistance (support with cleaning, gardening, and daily household tasks), travel expenses (to attend medical appointments and treatments), and death benefits for dependants if a worker dies due to a work-related injury or illness.

To learn more about your entitlements and view payout amounts, see our Workers’ Compensation Payout Guide.

Check Your Claim Online

We offer a personalised Claim Eligibility Check for clients wanting to see if they are eligible for compensation. This tool provides an immediate response advising if your case is outside our area of expertise.

Important Note: Garling and Co only manage enquiries in New South Wales (NSW) and only handle serious injury enquiries. If your case is not a serious injury or is outside of NSW, we suggest you contact your local Law Society, as some operate a Lawyer referral service.

Key Organisations for Workers’ Compensation in NSW

Organisation Role How Garling & Co Assist
icare Provides workers in NSW with financial support, medical treatment, and rehabilitation services after a workplace injury or illness. Treatment Coordination: Medical treatments and rehabilitation services through their network of healthcare providers.
Ongoing Support: Ensuring icare continues to meet client needs throughout recovery.
SafeWork NSW The state’s workplace safety regulator. Responsible for licensing, investigating incidents, and enforcing health and safety laws. Report Incidents: Helping clients report workplace incidents with all necessary information.
Investigations: Working with SafeWork NSW during investigations to gather evidence and provide legal representation.
SIRA Regulates insurance schemes and addresses complaints about insurers in NSW. Filing Complaints: Preparing documentation and outlining issues in detail.
Mediation & Resolution: Representing clients during mediation sessions with SIRA.
Appeals: Assisting with appeals if complaints are not resolved satisfactorily.
PIC (Personal Injury Commission) Resolves disputes in both workers’ compensation claims and motor accident claims. Filing Applications: For dispute resolution and/or medical disputes.
Detailed Submissions: Preparing submissions on behalf of injured clients.
Representation: Acting for clients in mediations and dispute resolution proceedings.

By working closely with these key organisations, we ensure that our clients receive the best possible support and representation in their workers’ compensation claims.

Why Should I Choose Garling & Co Lawyers if im in Sydney & NSW?

At Garling & Co Lawyers, we treat our clients with respect and support them through this difficult process. Our lawyers are accredited specialists in personal injury law, with extensive experience in workers’ compensation who are dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for our clients. Here are some key reasons to choose us:

  • Proven Success: We have a strong track record of successfully handling workers’ compensation cases, ensuring our clients receive the compensation they deserve.  Click here to see our 5 star Google Reviews and Compensation Payout Case Studies.
  • Client-First Approach: We prioritise your needs and work tirelessly to provide personalised and compassionate legal support.
  • Award-Winning Service: We have received back-to-back wins in the 2023 and 2024 Client Choice Awards in both law and related services and personal injury law firm >$30 million. This is a testament to our commitment to the clients we represent.
  • Highly Skilled Lawyers: All our lawyers are highly skilled, trained, and recognised as Accredited Specialists in Personal Injury Law who consistently achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients
  • Serious Injury Speciality:  We are a small firm with a team dedicated to helping those who are seriously injured on their road to recovery. We are serious lawyers for serious injury cases.

By choosing Garling & Co, you can trust that you are in capable hands, with a team dedicated to fighting for your rights and ensuring you receive the best possible support and compensation.

We Win Our Clients the Workers Compensation Payments They Deserve

At Garling & Co, we offer highly experienced accredited specialists in personal injury law. Our team has an in-depth understanding of the complexities of personal injury law and the tools to navigate the system to our clients’ best advantage.

We maintain long-term relationships with top experts and counsel to build the strongest possible cases for our clients. Our transparent relationships with clients are supported by a fixed fee cost agreement, ensuring no hourly charges that prolong cases unnecessarily.

From the outset, we provide an estimated timeline and potential value for your case. While this is not an exact science, our knowledge allows us to fight for what our clients deserve. We keep our clients informed at every stage and support their decisions after reviewing the facts together. We work in partnership to achieve the best outcome for each client.

Our boutique size means we take the time to personally invest in every case we handle. Many of our clients come to us after working with larger firms, seeking the dedicated attention and expertise we provide. If we represent you, you can be confident that we’ll fight for you with determination and care until the result is achieved.

Claims Case Studies

Would you like assistance with your claim?

Complete our free, no obligation confidential case assessment form and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.

Alternatively, we are available to talk by phone and email. Please contact our experienced accredited specialist personal injury lawyers to find out how we can help.

No Win No Fee

You won’t be required to pay any fees until we win your case.

Industry Experts

We’re industry experts with over 20 years of experience.

Maximum Compensation

Our team of expert injury lawyers will help you get maximum compensation.

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
Anonymous 1.
22:02 04 Sep 25
I was referred to Garling & Co Lawyers, after previously retaining another law firm who failed to progress my matter for a period verging on three years.This was extremely frustrating and damaging,... causing me a lot of unnecessary stress and unreasonable delays. After my first conference with Matthew, he understood the challenges that I had faced and that I wanted to resolve my matter with the defendant reasonably and in a timely manner.My matter was resolved at mediation and during the process, Matthew and Dallas Morgan (barrister), professionally communicated the procedure to me and they negotiated a reasonable settlement, that I was comfortable in accepting.Thank you to Matthew and Allison for being patient with me during the most challenging time of my life. I can now move on with my life and heal. Had I not retained Garling & Co Lawyers, I highly doubt my matter would ever have been resolved.read more
Sammy R.
01:07 04 Sep 25
Garling and Co have been the best lawyers. Kerry and Matthew have worked and been working on my case for a long time now. They have worked so hard and fought for my case every step of the way. They... are highly experienced in what they do, and are compassionate at the same time. I highly recommend this firm. My life changed in an instant when I was hit by a car, I will be forever grateful for the help they've given me. 10/10read more
Donelle L.
20:37 11 Aug 25
So very happy with the service Garling has provided with both of my claims from the start to the end cannot thank them enough Mathew and the team are the best
Rachel J
01:46 09 Aug 25
The level of service that Garling & Co provides is truely unmatched.Thank you to both Matthew and Allison for your professionalism & dedication throughout my journey of being a client.Matthew... provided me with genuine, factual and straightforward advice throughout the process and this made things easy to understand and put any uncertainty I had to rest. A complicated process ran smoothly and I always felt supported, knew where things were at and that I was in good hands.The communication at Garling & Co is exceptional. Every question I had, whether by email or phone was responded to in a timely manner and at every stage I was confident Matthew would be guiding me through the next steps - which he did, until my case was finalised.Thank you for upholding clients dignity and respect, these are values people like me need in such critical times of their lives. As a client, it is clear these values shine through. You provided me with a safe space where I was able to focus on my day to day challenges caused by my injuries, while you took care of the legal aspect on my behalf.Lastly, I’m grateful for your commitment to the work that you do and the care that you provide to people who find themselves in unfortunate circumstances beyond their control. And thank you so much for the very positive outcome that I received.read more
Ros P.
07:12 29 Jun 25
Staff polite, clear and concise. Explained well in a logistical manner. Overall a great service.
Chris G
01:25 23 Jun 25
My experience with Garling & Co has been a positive one throughout the claims process. Matthew, Emily, Emma and Rebecca have been responsive, understanding and supportive during my ongoing recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I make a worker’s compensation claim?

If you have sustained an injury in the course of employment, you must undertake the following steps:

Step 1.    Notify the employer of the injury as soon as possible
Step 2.    Record the injury in the employer’s register of injuries
Step 3.    Obtain a Work Cover Medical Certificate of Capacity from your general practitioner or hospital
Step 4.    Notify the insurer of the injury (get the insurer’s details from your employer who must provide the name when requested)
Step 5.    Ensure that the Work Cover Certificate of Capacity and all Medical bills or expenses are given to the employer and a copy to the insurer

Once the scheme agent/insurer has been notified of an injury, the following will occur:

  • The insurer will contact the worker and employer;
  • The insurer will review the claim and commence provisional liability payments which must start within 7 days of receiving notification of the injury

If the insurer has a reasonable excuse not to commence provisional liability payments, the insurer must notify the worker within 7 days of receiving the notification of injury.

A claim form is only required if:

  • The insurer has a reasonable excuse not to commence provisional liability payments
  • Weekly payments exceed the 12-week provisional liability period
  • Provisional expenses exceed $7500, and there is not sufficient information to determine ongoing liability
  • The injury has been notified, but there is insufficient information to determine liability

2. Is there a time limit for making a worker’s compensation claim?

A claim for Workers Compensation should be made as soon as possible following an injury or otherwise within 6 months of the injury, accident, or death.

If there is a failure to claim within 6 months and that failure is the result of ignorance, common mistake, or absence from the State, then a claim for workers compensation can still be made.

If the claim is not made within 3 years of the date of injury, accident, or death, then the claim cannot be made unless the injury resulted in the death or serious injury of the worker.

3. How can I claim workers compensation?

Claiming for workers compensation is quite simple.

If you believe you were injured while at work, then to claim compensation, you need to see your general practitioner and obtain a WorkCover Certificate of Capacity. The form that your doctor completes certifies that you have sustained an injury in the course of your employment, the type of injury, and whether you are unfit or partially fit for work. This certificate needs to submit to your employer. Your employer is then required to forward a copy to the workers compensation insurer to commences your claim.

4. What can I claim under workers compensation?

Once you have provided a copy of the medical certificate to your employer, the insurer will decide within 7 days if they accept your claim. Once the claim has is accepted, the insurer can pay compensation in the form of:

  • Weekly payments of compensation for loss of income.
  • Payment of all medical expenses.
  • Lump sum compensation for permanent impairment.
  • Potential claim for damages if the negligence of your employer caused your injury.

If the claim gets declined, they need to provide written notice of the reasons why it has been declined and provide a copy of any documents they rely upon in making that decision. This is called a S.78 Notice.

5. Do I need to pay legal costs in workers compensation claims?

The simple answer is no. The NSW Government has adopted a legal aid type scheme known as ILARS. This service pays for all legal costs associated with making a worker’s compensation claim. Your lawyer will make an application to ILARS for funding to pay for your legal costs.

More Faqs

Find out more about Workers Compensation

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