Workers Compensation for Healthcare Workers in Canberra

Healthcare workers, in short

Nurses, aged care and disability workers, and hospital staff are often injured while caring for others. We help healthcare workers across Canberra claim what they are entitled to. United Legal is a Canberra firm based in Fyshwick. We work on a No Win, No Fee basis and your first conversation is free.

Workers Compensation for Healthcare Workers in Canberra: what you need to know

Healthcare work is physically and emotionally demanding. Lifting and moving patients, long shifts on your feet, and dealing with distressed or aggressive patients all take a toll, and injuries in hospitals, aged care and disability support are common.

Whether you work at a public hospital, a private clinic, an aged care home or in disability support, you are usually covered by workers compensation from your first day of work, including if you are casual or part-time.

Common healthcare work injuries

Back and shoulder injuries from lifting and transferring patients
Needlestick and infection exposure
Assaults by patients or visitors
Slips on wet floors
Psychological injury from trauma, bullying or workload
Repetitive strain injuries

Why healthcare injuries are often under-reported

Nurses, carers and support workers often keep working through pain because rosters are short and patients need them. Small back or shoulder strains from transfers can build up into a serious injury that ends a career. Report every incident, even minor ones, so there is a record if it gets worse.

Psychological injuries are also common in healthcare: from occupational violence, traumatic deaths, bullying or unreasonable workloads. These claims are assessed differently from physical injuries and insurers often dispute them, so early medical evidence from your GP and a psychologist is important.

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 healthcare workers 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.

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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.

Healthcare workers: FAQs

I was assaulted by a patient. Can I claim?

Yes. Injuries from an assault at work, including psychological injury, are covered by workers compensation. Report it, see a doctor, and keep a record of what happened. You may also be eligible for other support.

I am an agency nurse. Who do I claim against?

Usually the agency that employs and pays you. In some cases the hospital or facility where you were working may also be responsible for a common law claim if their negligence caused the injury.

I hurt my back over months of lifting patients, not in one incident. Can I claim?

Yes. Injuries that develop gradually from repeated tasks are covered. Your doctor needs to link the injury to your work duties, and a record of the patient handling you did helps.

Does my claim go through my hospital or an insurer?

ACT public sector workers are covered by the ACT Government's own scheme, while private hospitals, aged care and disability providers have private insurers. We know both and will tell you which applies.

How much does a workers compensation lawyer cost?

We run these claims on a No Win, No Fee basis. Your first conversation is free, there are no upfront fees, and if your claim is not successful you do not pay our professional fees. You get a written costs agreement before we start.

Is there a time limit?

Report your injury straight away and claim as soon as you can. Late claims can be refused, and common law claims have strict time limits.

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