FAQs

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Answer

If you have a work-related injury and need to be paid compensation for either the time you are off work or need your medical expenses paid your employer should notify the insurance company within 2 days of you telling them about your injury. Your employer MUST notify the insurance company within 2 days if you will be away from your normal duties for 7 or more calendar days continuously (this is called a "significant injury") after becoming aware of your injury.

Your employer's insurance company is obliged to begin weekly compensation payments within 7 days of being notified of your injury, except if there is a reasonable excuse not to do so, such as when there is insufficient medical information or the injury is not work related. If the insurance company has made a decision to not start your payments they must tell you of that decision and the reasons for it, in writing.

These payments, called "provisional liability payments" can be made for up to 12 weeks and are designed to reduce the impact of injury and illness. They do not mean an admission of liability by the insurance company or employer. In the same way, a claim for medical expenses compensation up to $5000 may be accepted provisionally.

If you are going to be off work for more than 7 days, ask your doctor and employer about suitable duties and participate in the plan to help you get back to work. You must make all reasonable efforts to return to work as soon as possible.

Weekly compensation is payable either:

• at the usual times that your employer pays wages, or
• at fortnightly or shorter intervals.

Your employer and your employer's insurance company will decide who should pay you. Often, it is easier for your employer to continue paying you and to be reimbursed by their insurance company. In some instances, the insurance company may pay you directly.

Make a note of the notification/claim number and quote it on all documents sent to your employer and your employer's insurance company.

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Last modified: Tuesday, 15-Nov-2005 20:37:33 EST