Workers Compensation
What You Need To Know About Getting Workers Compensation WA-wide
While you’re trying to recover from a work injury, the complexities of WA’s workers’ compensation system can quickly become overwhelming. The rules, forms and medical paperwork often add pressure at a time when you least need it.
LHD Lawyers works with people throughout WA to make sense of the process and make sure you’re accessing your full benefits under WorkCover WA. Our team takes a straightforward, supportive approach, helping you understand your options and feel confident about your next steps.
In this guide
- What Is Workers Compensation in WA?
- Workers Compensation Legislation and Governing Body
- Who Is Eligible to Make a Claim?
- What Can You Claim Under Workers Compensation in WA?
- Workers Compensation Payouts and Settlements in WA
- How to Make a Workers’ Compensation Claim in WA (Step-by-Step)
- Report the injury to your employer.
- See a doctor and get a Certificate of Capacity.
- Complete the WorkCover WA Claim Form.
- Submit the claim to your employer.
- Await the insurer’s decision.
- Keep communication open.
- Common Issues That Can Delay a Workers Compensation Claim
- How Long Do You Have to Make a Claim?
- What Happens After You Lodge Your Claim?
- How LHD Lawyers Can Help
What Is Workers Compensation in WA?
In Western Australia, workers’ compensation exists to help people recover after being hurt or made unwell through their job. It can help cover medical treatment, some of your lost income, and rehabilitation while you get back on your feet.
As lawyers experienced in the WorkCover WA claims process, we can help you understand the system with clear advice and genuine support. Our team focuses on guiding you through your claim so you can make confident choices and focus on getting better.
Workers Compensation Legislation and Governing Body in Western Australia
In Western Australia, workers’ compensation claims are overseen and regulated by WorkCover WA. It’s the organisation that makes sure injured workers receive fair treatment and that claims are managed properly. The process of making a claim can be quite complicated — and that’s before we even get into the territory of potential disputes or delays. An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can be a great asset in navigating these challenges.
Everything sits under the Workers’ Compensation & Injury Management Act 2023 (WA), which sets the rules for how claims are handled and what workers and employers need to do.
Who Is Eligible to Make a Claim?
Most employees in Western Australia are covered under WorkCover WA, including full-time, part-time, casual and apprentice workers, as well as FIFO (fly-in-fly-out) workers. Claims generally apply if you become injured or ill at work or as a result of your job. If you have a pre-existing condition made worse by work, or have psychological injuries linked to stress, bullying or trauma, you may also be eligible to make a claim.
Across Perth’s busy construction sites, Albany’s farming and forestry operations, Bunbury’s ports and manufacturing hubs, Geraldton’s fishing and regional industries, and Joondalup’s hospitals and education centres, workplace accidents are a part of everyday risk. Falls, back injuries, and other physical or psychological conditions can all form the basis of a valid workers’ compensation claim. Our local team in WA can help you understand your rights under the WorkCover WA scheme.
What Can You Claim Under Workers’ Compensation in WA?
Workers’ compensation in Perth and the greater WA state is designed to support your recovery, and you get back to work and normality after an injury. Managed by WorkCover WA, it covers a range of benefits that ease financial stress and make sure you have the treatment, income and rehabilitation support needed to move forward.
| Type of Support | What it Covers | Example |
| Medical & Rehabilitation Expenses | Intended to pay for medical treatment, hospital care, medication and ongoing rehabilitation. | Physiotherapy, surgery or medication approved as part of your claim. |
| Weekly Income Payments | Replaces part of your income while you’re unable to work. | Receiving a percentage of your usual pay during recovery. |
| Lump Sum For Permanent Impairment | Provides a one-off payment for an injury that causes lasting physical or psychological impairment. | A long-term shoulder or back injury that permanently limits movement. |
| Return-to-Work Assistance or Vocational Rehabilitation | Supports your return to suitable work through retraining or workplace adjustments. | Job retraining, modified duties or a structured return-to-work plan arranged by your insurer or employer. |
It’s important to note that rehabilitation plans are often required before a lump sum payment can be discussed.
A separate claim you can make if your work injury or illness is a result of employer negligence is for Common Law Damages. This is different from the standard WA Workers’ Compensation & Injury Management Scheme (no‑fault), and can only be pursued if you’ve sustained a whole-of-person impairment (WPI) of at least 15%. WPI is assessed by an independent medical examiner, and the percentage is a key factor in determining compensation.
For a clearer idea of what you may be entitled to, visit our Workers’ Compensation Payout Guide or speak with one of our lawyers experienced in WorkCover claims in WA.
Workers Compensation Payouts and Settlements in WA
The amount of compensation you can receive depends on the type of injury, how it affects your ability to work and how long recovery takes. Every claim for workers’ compensation in Western Australia is considered individually by the insurer or WorkCover WA, so no two outcomes are the same. With that in mind, it helps to get the right advice before you make any decisions about a settlement or payout. You can also explore our workers’ compensation payout guide for an overview of how compensation works in WA.
| Type of Payment | What It Covers | What to Know |
| Weekly Payments | Provides income support while a worker recovers or is unable to work. | The amount is generally a percentage of usual earnings, depending on medical certificates and recovery progress. |
| Lump Sum Settlement | A one-off payment made when an injury results in a permanent level of impairment. | Eligibility is determined through an approved assessment using WA’s percentage scale for permanent impairment. |
| Common Law / Work Injury Damages Claim | Compensates workers who were injured due to another party’s negligence, such as their employer. | Available only when fault can be proven and specific WorkCover requirements are met. |
Professional advice from a lawyer experienced in WorkCover in WA can help make sure your claim includes all eligible benefits and every option is clearly understood before you make any decisions.
How to Make a Workers’ Compensation Claim in WA (Step-by-Step)
Report the injury to your employer
Let your employer know about the incident as soon as possible so the claim process can begin. Ideally, you should report your injury within 48 hours if possible. They will provide a WorkCover WA Claim Form and explain the next steps.
See a doctor and get a Certificate of Capacity
Visit your GP or treating doctor for an assessment, and let them know it was a work-related accident. They will provide you with a Certificate of Capacity that outlines your injury and capacity for work, which will need to be submitted with your claim.
Complete the WorkCover WA Claim Form
Fill out your WorkCover form carefully, attaching your Certificate of Capacity, and keeping a copy for your own records. This officially starts your workers’ compensation claim in WA.
Submit the claim to your employer
Give the completed form and certificate to your employer, who must forward the claim to their insurer within seven working days.
Await the insurer’s decision
The insurer will then review the claim, medical details and employer report, before making a decision regarding your claim. This is usually within 14 days under WorkCover WA guidelines.
Keep your doctor, employer and the insurer updated about your recovery to help avoid delays. If you have any concerns or questions about this process, our WA workers’ compensation lawyers can help you make informed decisions.
Common Issues That Can Delay a Workers Compensation Claim
Delays in workers’ compensation in Western Australiaare often caused by normal parts of the process rather than something you have done yourself. Missing information, employer response time or insurer review periods can all slow things down, so any delays aren’t necessarily something you need to be concerned about.
Some common examples of delays include:
- An incomplete or incorrect medical certificate
- Disagreements about how the injury occurred
- Waiting for the insurer’s approval or an independent medical assessment.
In the event that your claim is taking longer than expected, LHD Lawyers’ WA team can help clarify what’s happening and explain your options moving forward.
How Long Do You Have to Make a Claim?
Under the WorkCover WA Act 2023, eligible workers have up to 12 months from the date of their injury to make a claim for workers’ compensation. There are some exceptions, such as if you have an injury or illness that’s developed gradually or has only become noticeable later on. However, it’s important to lodge your claim as soon as you’re aware of your injury or illness to make sure you can access the support you need.
Think you may have passed the deadline? Even if some time has passed, it’s still worth exploring your workers’ compensation options. Common law damages can usually be pursued within three years, and our team can explain what applies to your specific situation.
What Happens After You Lodge Your Claim?
After you lodge your claim for workers’ compensation in Western Australia, the insurer reviews your medical certificate, claim form and your employer’s report. During this process, they may contact you or your employer if more information is needed, but keep in mind this is very normal. Under WorkCover WA guidelines, most insurers make a decision within about 14 days of receiving all required documents.
Once an outcome is determined, you’ll be advised if your claim has been accepted, disputed or is pending further assessment. It’s common for insurers to ask for extra details before confirming their decision, and it doesn’t necessarily mean your claim will be rejected. However, if you’re unsure of what your insurer’s decision means, our WA team at LHD Lawyers can explain your options and next steps.
How LHD Lawyers Can Help with Your Claim
At LHD Lawyers, we understand how a work-related injury or illness can leave you stressed, in pain and unsure of what comes next. Our team can help take the pressure off by handling paperwork, speaking with insurers, and guiding you through the WA workers’ comp process so you can focus on getting better.
With years of experience helping injured workers across the state, our team understands how complicated claims can feel, and take the time to explain things clearly and with a compassionate ear to listen. There’s no cost to get started, and under our No Win, No Fee* arrangement, you’ll only pay if your claim is successful. If you’re unsure where to start, reach out for a free consultation to discuss your options.
Still have questions?
Claiming workers’ compensation isn’t something most people have done before, so questions are very common. See some of our most frequently asked questions relevant to superannuation, redundancy and WorkCover in WA for more information.
Original Publish Date: November 6, 2023
Last Updated: December 2, 2025
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