See the latest awards we have won on our Industry Awards page here

Search

WIRO

WIRO’s primary function is to help resolve work capacity dispute complaints quickly, fairly and justly.

If you have a work capacity dispute with the insurer and WorkCover has reviewed the matter and confirmed the insurer’s decision then you can appeal the matter to WIRO who will review the decision.

Free Claim Check
5 star client rating icon

5-Star Client

Rating

Free Case Assessments

Free Case
Assessments

Industry Experts

Industry Experts: 20+ years of experience

No Win No Fee

No Win No Fee Guaranteed

5 star client rating icon

5-Star Client

Rating

Free Case Assessments

Free Case
Assessments

Industry Experts

Industry Experts: 20+ years of experience

No Win No Fee

No Win No Fee Guaranteed

What is WIRO?

WIRO has also established the Independent Legal Assistance and Review Service (ILARS) this service was established to provide free and independent legal advice to injured workers. Your lawyer obtains approval from ILARS for funding to proceed with your claim, much like legal aid.

The NSW Government established the Workers Compensation Independent Review Office (WIRO) in 2012.

WIRO’s primary function is to assist workers with complaints and disputes with insurers quickly, fairly, and justly.

You should contact WIRO on 13 9476 or https://wiro.nsw.gov.au/contact-us for any assistance in dealing with the insurance company handling your claim.

WIRO has also established the Independent Legal Assistance and Review Service (ILARS. This service provides free and independent legal advice to injured workers. Your lawyer obtains approval from ILARS for funding to proceed with your claim, much like legal aid.

How are legal costs paid under the workers compensation system?

If a dispute arises with the insurer and you require the assistance of a Lawyer to lodge an Application in the Workers Compensation Commission, then your Lawyer will seek funding for payment of their legal costs and disbursements from the Workers Compensation Independent Review Officer (WIRO).

Within WIRO, there is a legal funding service known as the Independent Legal Assistance & Review Service (ILARS).  ILARS provides funding for payment of legal costs and disbursements if you can establish that you have a reasonably arguable case.

Your Lawyer will apply to ILARS for payment of legal costs and disbursements so you can proceed with your claim.

Who can assist me with a work capacity dispute?

Your lawyer can provide legal assistance to challenge a work capacity decision and will obtain funding to pay your legal costs from WIRO.

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.

Keith H.
20:51 23 Apr 24
After my case stalled with another firm, I decided to give Matthew Garling a call. He took my case and not only won, but achieved an outcome that far exceeded my expectations. This firm is the best... in the business in my opinion and I wouldn't hesitate to recommend them to anyone.read more
Anthony T.
00:50 16 Apr 24
Thank you Matthew and his team who guided me through the legal process, a truly positive experience with total professionalism.
Mikaele N.
03:01 15 Apr 24
Garling &Co Lawyers were awesome, I called every compensation law firm and was told that I couldn't claim for compensation.The whole experience and process was simple and stress free.Mr Matthew... Garling and Allison deserve an accolades for the very best in client service. I would highly recommend their service to anyone.read more
Tamara L.
02:10 15 Apr 24
I want to thank Garling & Co so much for all the help they have given me and helped with my claim. We got the win last week and it was the best news I have gotten considering how much my life has... been turned upside down the past 2 years. Emma and Rebecca have been incredible to work with and explained everything from the start even when I had hesitation to go ahead regarding how much everything would cost or how fair it could go or even if I had a chance, but they explained everything thoroughly, so I understood it all. Thank you for making this process seamlessly easy and helping me get the win it will make things a little easy for me that's for sure financial thank you for all your help I cannot recommend you and your services enough. Thank you again.read more
Sigrid W.
05:01 11 Apr 24
Utter professionalism from first phone call to final settlement. It was a pleasure to be represented by a firm that actually cares for their clients. From office staff, to paralegal and solicitor... Rebecca, Emma and Matthew thank you for your support and expertise throughout my claim. No wonder your firm has won many awards. I'm extremely happy with my outcome and can confidently recommend your firm.read more
BJ S.
01:09 09 Apr 24
Highly recommend Matthew & Allison at Garling and Co ! Quick response ! helpful every step of the way ! If you want the best compensation lawyer, Matthew @ Garling and co is the bestDoesn’t waste... time. Very informative ! excellent guidance! They get the job done ✅Website is perfect guide5 Star ⭐️ is not enoughI’m so grateful to Matthew, Allison and team for my outcome so far !Thank you 😊 Garling and co are awesome 👏 🤩read more
Jaimie K.
06:11 02 Apr 24
Have had a rollercoaster ride with Garling and Co over the several years we have been battling the system that injured workers are faced with. The wheels of progress are slow within this system.... However Garling and co have always stood by me. Calls are returned and matters are always followed up in a timely manner.read more
Tyson Langanke (Five Star W.
00:30 02 Apr 24
I cannot recommend Matthew highly enough for anyone seeking a compensation lawyer. From the moment I reached out, Matthew went above and beyond to ensure that I felt supported and informed throughout... the entire process. No question was too simple for him, and he patiently took the time to explain every step we were taking, alleviating any stress or confusion I had.He not only provided expert legal guidance but also ensured that I fully understood the intricacies of my case. His clear communication made me feel confident and reassured during what could have been a daunting experience.Thanks to Matthew's exceptional expertise and personalized approach, I was able to navigate the complexities of my compensation claim with ease. His professionalism and genuine concern for my well-being truly set him apart.read more
Shaylee C.
09:54 27 Mar 24
I recently had the pleasure of working with Garling and Co on my case, and I must say that their service was truly outstanding. From the initial consultation to the resolution of my case, they... displayed unwavering dedication and professionalism.The outcome of my case exceeded my expectations, and I am incredibly grateful for the hard work and diligence exhibited by Garling and Co. I have no hesitation in recommending this law firm to my family and friends, knowing that they will receive the same level of exceptional service.- Traceyread more
Simona M.
05:11 26 Mar 24
Emma and Rebecca have looked after my husband's workers compensation claim over the last 3 years now. We have had positive outcomes from these claims and are now pursuing a work injury damages claim.... They have been amazing to deal with. They are genuine and empathetic over what has been a very stressful time for myself and my family over these last 3 years. Nothing is ever too much for Emma and Rebecca and they are always available to communicate with. We would highly recommend Garling and Co! Thank you Emma and Rebecca.read more

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What happens at a Workers Compensation Commission telephone conference?

Once an Application to Resolve a Dispute is lodged with the Workers Compensation Commission, the insurer has 28 days to lodge a reply. Once the Reply is received, the Workers Compensation Commission will appoint a date and time for a telephone conference.

The telephone conference will take place in your lawyers office.

The telephone conference is between the injured person, their lawyer, the insurance company representative or their lawyer and an independent Arbitrator appointed by the Workers Compensation Commission.

Your Lawyer will do most, if not all of the talking during the telephone conference.

You are however required to attend either in person (preferable) or on the telephone.

At the telephone conference the Arbitrator will discuss the following:

  • The likelihood of settlement
  • That all parties understand the process
  • Whether the parties can agree on any of the issues in the proceedings
  • Any legal or other issue that must be determined before the matter can proceed further
  • Whether the matter is to be listed for an Arbitration date or referred to an independent doctor for assessment

If the matter is unable to be resolved at the telephone conference and the matter is ready to proceed, the Arbitrator will arrange a Conciliation Conference/Arbitration Hearing. This usually occurs approximately 2 to 3 months following the telephone conference.

If an agreement is reached at the telephone conference then the matter is finalised by signing the paperwork to record the agreement.

The telephone conference usually takes between 15 to 45 minutes

2. What is the Workers Compensation Commission of NSW?

The Workers Compensation Commission resolves workers compensation disputes between injured workers and employers.

The Workers Compensation Commission is an independent statutory tribunal implemented by the Workplace Injury Management and Workers Compensation Act 1998.

The Workers Compensation Commission is a dispute resolution system and its objectives are to provide a transparent, independent forum for the fair, just, timely and cost effective resolution of workers compensation disputes in New South Wales.

The Commission deals with disputes between injured workers and their employer/workers compensation insurer in relation to the benefits provided to injured workers under the Workers Compensation Act 1987. Disputes may arise about the following:

  • Payment of medical and hospital expenses
  • Liability for permanent impairment compensation
  • How much permanent impairment compensation should be paid
  • The provision of suitable duties following a work injury
  • Compensation for domestic assistance
  • Compensation for damage to personal property
  • Compensation for the death of a worker
More Faqs

Find out more about Workers Compensation

Google Rating
4.9