Workplace accidents and injuries can occur unexpectedly, leaving employees with physical, emotional, and financial challenges. The New South Wales (NSW) workers compensation scheme provides a safety net for workers who sustain work-related injuries, providing medical treatment and financial assistance. In this article, we explore a real-life example of a successful NSW workers compensation claim, highlighting the process and benefits of the scheme.
Our client was a 55-year-old spare parts worker for a leading car parts store in Sydney. He loved his job and had been with the company for over five years. Unfortunately, while fetching some stock during a busy period, he tripped and fell down a set of stairs injuring his knee and arm.
He immediately informed his supervisor about the accident and sought medical attention from his general practitioner. Promptly reporting the incident and seeking medical treatment is crucial in any workers compensation claim, as it establishes a clear timeline and medical evidence of the injury.
Following the accident, our client’s employer initiated the process for a workers compensation claim by notifying their insurer. The insurance provider assigned a case manager who worked closely with our client and his treating healthcare professionals to assess the extent of his injuries and develop a rehabilitation plan. His knee injury required physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and a series of specialist consultations to aid in his recovery.
During his rehabilitation period, our client was unable to work. Fortunately, we were able to assist him in getting weekly wage benefits to ensure he could manage his financial obligations while focusing on recovery. Once he was able to, we helped to co-ordinate his return to work. The insurer will generally work closely with your employer, medical professionals, and vocational experts to develop and implement a return-to-work plan. The plan can involve adjusting work duties and providing necessary workplace modifications to accommodate any physical limitations.
Additionally, our client qualified for a lump sum claim as his physical injuries resulted in a degree of impairment greater than 10% whole person impairment.