Emergency services, in short
Police, paramedics, firefighters and other emergency workers face risks every shift. We help emergency services workers claim for physical injuries and PTSD. United Legal is a Canberra firm based in Fyshwick. We work on a No Win, No Fee basis and your first conversation is free.
Emergency Services Injury: what you need to know
Emergency services workers are injured responding to accidents, fires, violence and medical emergencies. Many also develop post-traumatic stress disorder or other psychological injuries after repeated exposure to traumatic events.
Psychological injuries can build up over years rather than coming from one incident. That does not stop you from claiming, but these claims need careful medical evidence, so it helps to get advice early.
Claims we help emergency workers with
- Injuries during rescues, arrests and call-outs
- Vehicle accidents while responding
- Manual handling injuries from lifting patients and equipment
- PTSD, depression and anxiety from traumatic exposure
- Burns and smoke inhalation
- Hearing loss
Physical and psychological injuries on the job
Emergency work means lifting patients in awkward spaces, driving at speed, entering damaged buildings and dealing with violent people. Knee, back and shoulder injuries are common, and so are injuries from vehicle crashes during call-outs.
Psychological injury is just as real. Paramedics, police and firefighters see things most people never will. PTSD, depression and anxiety can appear after a single event or after years of exposure, and they are compensable injuries. You do not have to be off work to start a claim, and getting treatment early often leads to better outcomes.
What workers compensation can pay
Under the Workers Compensation Act 1951 (ACT) you do not have to prove anyone was at fault. You can usually claim weekly payments while you cannot work, medical and rehabilitation costs, and a lump sum for permanent impairment. If your employer or someone else was negligent, a common law claim for damages may be worth much more.
Read more about workers compensation claims.
Evidence that helps your claim
You do not need to have everything before you call us, but these records make a workers compensation claim stronger. Keep copies of anything you have:
- Your claim form and the date you reported the injury
- Certificates of capacity from your doctor
- Payslips and tax returns showing your earnings
- Incident reports, photos and witness names
- Emails or messages about your injury or duties
How much could a emergency services claim be worth?
Every claim is different. The amount depends on what you earned before the injury, how long you cannot work, your medical needs, your level of permanent impairment, and whether a common law claim is available. We give you an honest estimate once we understand your situation, and we prepare every claim to get its full value rather than settling early.
Why people choose United Legal
- Three lawyers on every case. Your claim is checked by more than one experienced lawyer, start to finish.
- A local Canberra firm since 2004. We know the ACT schemes, insurers, doctors and courts.
- No Win, No Fee. No upfront costs, and you get a written costs agreement before we start.
- Serious injury experience. Our results include a $20m+ settlement and a $1.4m workers compensation claim.
Watch: emergency services
What to do now
- Report the injury to your employer as soon as you can, and make sure it is recorded.
- See a doctor and ask for a workers compensation certificate of capacity.
- Lodge your claim form with your employer, and keep copies of everything.
- Get advice before you sign anything from the insurer or agree to a settlement.
Emergency services: FAQs
Can I claim for PTSD that built up over many years?
Will making a claim affect my career?
Which scheme covers me?
Can volunteers claim?
How much does a workers compensation lawyer cost?
Is there a time limit?
Find out where you stand.
Free claim check · No Win, No Fee