The NSW workers compensation scheme is complex. However, there is a legal aid type scheme to help injured workers in NSW obtain legal assistance, in order to understand their rights and entitlements. This means you do not pay legal fees. The scheme is administered by the Workers Compensation Independent Review Office (WIRO).
We routinely obtain funding from WIRO to represent NSW workers compensation clients to:
- Investigate claims for weekly benefits, medical treatment or permanent impairment;
- Dispute insurer decisions where liability is denied, treatment is declined or where entitlements are ceased; and
- Commence proceedings at the NSW Workers Compensation Commission.
Obtaining Legal Assistance
WIRO funding covers your legal fees as well as things such as expert reports and clinical records. In order to access this funding, simply contact us to book an initial consultation. In that consultation, we will discuss important facts such as:
- When you were injured and how.
- Whether you have already made a workers compensation claim in relation to your injury, and if so, what was the outcome.
- What assistance you require.
Once we have identified the nature of your claim, and providing we consider you have some prospects of success, we make an application on your behalf to WIRO. The aim of the scheme is to ensure all NSW workers are fully appraised of their rights and entitlements following a workplace injury.
Entitlements
An injured worker may be eligible for all or some of the following payments:
- Weekly benefits
- Medical or related treatment
- Occupational rehabilitation services
- Travel expenses to attend appointments for medical and other treatment
- Lump sums for permanent impairment
- Damages under general law
- When the injury results in the death of the worker, the dependent family members may be eligible for death benefits and/or funeral expenses
elringtons can help you
Because of the legal aid type scheme for injured works in NSW, it will cost you nothing to speak to us. We have represented clients to:
- Establish liability for injuries;
- Dispute denial of medical treatment;
- Dispute cessation of weekly benefits;
- Obtain expert opinions about injuries;
- Obtain permanent impairment assessments; and
- Obtain lump sum compensation following a death of a family member.
We understand the impact a workplace injury has on your life: physically, emotionally, and financially. We use this knowledge to build rapport with our client. Matthew Bridger and Tom Maling represent clients in NSW workers compensation matter.
Matt Bridger has over 25 years’ experience helping injured NSW workers. His experience enables him to provide expert and timely advice to assist injured workers. Tom Maling, who trained as a Registered Nurse and uses his health knowledge to understand your injury experience and advocate on your behalf. Tom also has a particular interest in working with client’s who have received a psychological injury at work.
Please do not hesitate to contact Matt Bridger or Tom Maling to discuss your circumstances.
Further reading
elringtons lawyers regularly provide legal advice in relation to a range of compensation matters. Please contact our Litigation and Dispute Resolution Team for more information or to make an appointment call (02) 6206 1300
