Workers Compensation for Office Workers in Canberra

Office workers, in short

Office jobs might seem low risk, but desk workers are injured too. We help Canberra office workers claim for physical and psychological injuries. 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 Office Workers in Canberra: what you need to know

Office workers commonly suffer repetitive strain injuries, neck and back problems from poor workstation set-up, and slips and trips in offices and car parks.

Psychological injuries from bullying, harassment or excessive workload are also common in office jobs. These claims have their own rules and are often disputed, so strong medical evidence and early advice matter.

Office work injuries we help with

Repetitive strain injuries in the hands, wrists and arms
Neck and back pain from workstation set-up
Slips, trips and falls
Psychological injury from bullying or workload
Injuries on the way to or from work
Injuries at work functions

Office injuries are real injuries

People often assume office jobs are safe, but slips, trips over cables, poorly set-up workstations and heavy file boxes all cause injuries. Office workers also make many psychological injury claims, from bullying, harassment and unreasonable workloads.

Working from home does not take away your cover. If you are injured while doing your job at home, it can still be a workplace injury.

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 office 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.

Watch: office workers

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.

Office workers: FAQs

Can I claim for stress or bullying at work?

You may be able to. Psychological injury claims have specific rules, including exclusions for injuries caused by reasonable management action taken in a reasonable way. Get advice before you lodge.

I work from home. Am I covered?

Possibly. An injury while working from home can be covered if it happened in the course of your work. The details matter, so tell us what happened.

I was injured while working from home. Am I covered?

Often, yes. If the injury happened while you were doing your work, it can be covered. Report it to your employer straight away and record how it happened.

Can I claim for stress at work?

Yes, if it has caused a diagnosed psychological injury and work was a significant cause. Some claims are excluded if the injury came from reasonable management action, so evidence about what happened is important.

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.

Find out where you stand.

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