How to claim workers compensation in NSW

Confirm the work connection early

• Write down when the injury happened, who saw it, what task was being performed, and when the employer was told.
• For gradual injuries, identify the work duties, dates, body part or psychological symptoms, and any non-work factors the insurer may later raise.
• Keep incident reports, emails, rosters, photos, CCTV references, toolbox notes, and witness names before they disappear.

Get the Certificate of Capacity right

• The certificate should describe the work-related condition, current capacity, treatment needs, and restrictions in practical terms.
• If the certificate is vague, insurers may treat the file as a capacity dispute rather than a straightforward claim.
• Ask the doctor to record whether duties, hours, lifting, driving, sitting, travel, concentration, or psychological triggers are restricted.

Lodge the claim and keep proof of lodgement

• Do not rely only on a verbal report. Keep written proof that the employer, insurer, or claims agent has been notified.
• If the employer is slow to act, ask for the insurer or claims agent details and send the certificate and claim information directly.
• Keep copies of the claim form, certificate, medical invoices, payslips, rosters, and the first insurer acknowledgement.

Watch provisional liability and early decisions

• Provisional payments can help while the insurer investigates, but provisional liability is not the same as final acceptance.
• If the insurer issues a reasonable excuse, section 78 notice, or work capacity decision, respond to the reason given, not just the outcome.
• The first few weeks often decide whether the file stays simple or becomes a long dispute about causation, capacity, or treatment.

Common questions