Workers Compensation Lawyers in Sydney and NSW

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 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 document 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?

Workers who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses are entitled to benefits under NSW workers’ compensation laws.  These benefits include medical expenses, financial support and compensation.  The types of payouts and benefits available:

Medical Expenses

All reasonable and necessary medical costs related to the injury or illness are covered by workers compensation. This includes:

• Doctor Visits: General practitioners, consultants and specialists.
• Hospitalisation: Costs for hospital stays and surgeries.
• Medications: Both prescription and over-the-counter medications as prescribed by your doctor. 
• Rehabilitation: Therapies such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other types of rehabilitation.
• Medical Equipment: Such as crutches, wheelchairs, and 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, that results 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. This is determined by the degree of permanent impairment which is assessed by a qualified medical professional. This is compensation for the long-term impact of the injury on the worker’s life.

Other Entitlements

Other forms of compensation a worker may be entitled to, in addition to the above, include: 

• Domestic Assistance: Payments for household tasks such as cleaning, gardening, and domestic tasks that the worker cannot do, due to the injury.
• Travel Expenses: Travel costs to attend medical appointments and treatments.
• Death Benefits: The dependents of a worker who dies, as a result of a work-related injury or illness are entitled to compensation.

Insurance companies and their employees won’t tell you everything you need to know to get all the compensation you’re entitled to. You need to fight back by arming yourself with all the knowledge you can. Read this 6-point guide which will help you understand your rights and entitlements under Workers’ Compensation legislation when making a successful claim for work injury compensation or damages.

Check Your Claim Online

Garling and Co offer a 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

icare

Injured workers in New South Wales receive service and support from icare. Garling & Co assist clients in preparing and submitting claims to icare, importantly ensuring all documentation is completed accurately.

• Treatment Coordination: Medical treatments and rehabilitation services through their network of healthcare providers.
• Ongoing Support: Garling & Co provide ongoing support to clients, ensuring that icare continues to meet their needs throughout the recovery process.

For more detailed information, you can refer to our blog on the icare PIAWE Review and Remediation Program or visit the icare NSW.

SafeWork NSW

The state’s workplace safety regulator is SafeWork NSW.  It is responsible for licensing, investigating incidents, and enforcing health and safety laws. Garling & Co obtain information from SafeWork NSW including:

• Report Incidents: They assist clients in reporting workplace incidents to SafeWork NSW, ensuring that all necessary information is provided.
• Investigations: Garling & Co work with SafeWork NSW during investigations to gather evidence and provide legal representation for their clients.

For more information, you can visit SafeWork NSW.

SIRA

SIRA (State Insurance Regulatory Authority) regulates insurance schemes and addresses complaints about insurers in New South Wales. Garling & Co play a crucial role in navigating the complaints process with SIRA:

• Filing Complaints: If a client has a complaint about their insurer, Garling & Co assist in filing a formal complaint with SIRA. This includes preparing the necessary documentation and outlining the issues in detail.
• Mediation and Resolution: They represent clients during mediation sessions with SIRA, working to resolve disputes and ensure fair treatment.
• Appeals: If a complaint is not resolved to the client’s satisfaction, Garling & Co can assist with the appeals process, providing legal representation and support throughout.

For further information visit the SIRA website. 

PIC

Personal Injury Commission (PIC) resolves disputes in both Workers compensation claims and Motor Accident claims. Garling and Co help our injured clients navigate this process with the commission including;

• Filing Applications for Disputes resolution and/or medical disputes
• Making detail submissions on behalf of injured clients
• Representing clients and mediations
• Representing clients at dispute resolution proceedings

For further information visit PIC.

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

Why Should I Choose Garling & Co Lawyers 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.

We are a boutique firm, so unfortunately we are unable to take on every client. If we do take you on, you can be assured that we are committed to fighting for you until we achieve the result you deserve.