How Do I Make a WorkCover Claim in Victoria?

Whether you work in construction, retail, hospitality, healthcare, logistics, manufacturing or an office environment, workplace injuries can happen suddenly or develop slowly over time. From back strains and broken bones to stress, anxiety, and repetitive strain injuries, thousands of Victorian workers rely on the WorkCover system each year for medical treatment, income support and rehabilitation.

But many people aren’t sure how to actually make a WorkCover claim — what steps to take, what forms to fill out, what time limits apply and what to do if their employer or insurer pushes back. If you’re in Melbourne or anywhere in Victoria, this guide will walk you through the entire process in a clear, professional but relatable way so you know exactly how to protect your rights and secure the support you’re entitled to.

By the end of this article, you’ll understand how WorkCover works, how to lodge a claim, what evidence you need, what to expect from the insurer and when to seek legal support. This is your comprehensive, step-by-step guide to making a WorkCover claim in Victoria.

Table of Contents

• 1. What Is WorkCover in Victoria?
• 2. Am I Eligible to Make a WorkCover Claim?
• 3. Step 1 — Report the Injury to Your Employer
• 4. Step 2 — Seek Medical Treatment and Get a Certificate of Capacity
• 5. Step 3 — Complete the Worker’s Injury Claim Form
• 6. Step 4 — Submit the Claim Form to Your Employer or Insurer
• 7. Step 5 — What Your Employer Must Do
• 6. What Happens After the Insurer Receives Your Claim?
• 9. Making a WorkCover Claim for Psychological Injury
• 10. Evidence That Helps Strengthen Your Claim
• 11. Common Mistakes to Avoid
• 12. What If My WorkCover Claim Is Disputed or Rejected?
• 13. When Should I Speak to a WorkCover Lawyer?
• 14. Final Thoughts — Where to Get Help

1. What Is WorkCover in Victoria?

WorkCover is Victoria’s workplace injury insurance scheme. It provides financial support and medical treatment to workers who are injured at work or develop work-related illnesses. The goal is to help you recover, return to work where possible and ensure you’re not financially disadvantaged because of a workplace injury.

WorkCover can provide:

• weekly payments if you cannot work
• medical, hospital, physiotherapy and specialist costs
• travel expenses for medical appointments
• return-to-work support
• a lump sum “impairment benefit” for permanent injuries
• a common law claim in some cases if employer negligence contributed

But before you can access any of these benefits, you need to correctly lodge a WorkCover claim.

2. Am I Eligible to Make a WorkCover Claim?

You may be eligible to lodge a WorkCover claim if:

• you were injured at work
• your work duties contributed to your injury
• your employment worsened a pre-existing condition
• you developed a psychological injury because of work
• you were injured during work-related travel
• you developed a disease or condition due to work exposure

Full-time, part-time, casual, labour-hire, apprentices and trainees are all covered. Some contractors and volunteers may also qualify depending on the circumstances.

3. Step 1 — Report the Injury to Your Employer

Before you can lodge a WorkCover claim, you must tell your employer about the injury. The law says you must report it “as soon as practicable”, which generally means within 30 days, but sooner is always better.

You can report your injury by:

• telling your manager or supervisor
• sending an email to HR
• filling out an incident report form
• recording it in the injury register

You should include:

• date, time and location of injury
• how it happened
• witnesses
• your symptoms

Reporting early helps avoid disputes later and strengthens your claim.

4. Step 2 — Seek Medical Treatment and Get a Certificate of Capacity

The next step is to see a doctor. This step is essential because it provides medical evidence that supports your claim.

When you see the doctor, explain clearly that your injury is work-related. The doctor will examine you and may issue a Certificate of Capacity.

This certificate outlines:

• your diagnosis
• whether you have capacity or limited capacity for work
• your work restrictions
• whether you need time off

You must include this certificate if you are claiming weekly payments for lost income.

5. Step 3 — Complete the Worker’s Injury Claim Form

This is the official form required to lodge your WorkCover claim. You can get it from:

• your employer
• your GP clinic
• your union
• WorkSafe Victoria’s website or offices

The form asks for:

• your personal details
• your employer’s details
• a description of the incident
• your injury and symptoms
• time away from work
• your doctor’s details

Be honest, clear and consistent. Avoid guessing details — inconsistencies are one of the biggest reasons claims are delayed or questioned.

6. Step 4 — Submit the Claim Form to Your Employer or Insurer

Once the form is complete, you usually submit it to your employer. They must forward it to their WorkCover insurer within 10 days. If your employer refuses, you can send it directly to the insurer yourself.

Always keep a copy of the form and take a photo of the date you submitted it.

7. Step 5 — What Your Employer Must Do

Your employer has legal obligations once they receive your claim. They must:

• accept the form
• record the date they received it
• forward it to the insurer within 10 days
• cooperate with requests from the insurer
• support you in returning to work with modified duties where possible

If an employer tries to block or delay your claim, this is unlawful — and you should seek legal advice immediately.

8. What Happens After the Insurer Receives Your Claim?

Once the insurer receives your claim, they begin an assessment process. This can involve:

• reviewing medical reports
• requesting more information from you or your employer
• speaking to witnesses
• arranging an independent medical examination
• reviewing your capacity for work

The insurer generally has 28 days to decide if they will accept or reject your claim. They may approve some benefits (like medical expenses) but reject others (like weekly payments). You will receive a written notice explaining their decision.

If your claim is accepted, you can begin receiving benefits such as:

• medical treatment costs
• weekly payments
• travel expenses
• rehabilitation support

9. Making a WorkCover Claim for Psychological Injury

Psychological injuries are real, valid and increasingly common. These include:

• anxiety
• depression
• PTSD
• stress-related disorders
• burnout

To lodge a WorkCover claim for psychological injury, you must:

• report the symptoms to your employer
• see a GP or psychologist
• obtain a Certificate of Capacity
• explain the workplace events that caused or worsened your condition

These claims can be more complex, and insurers examine them closely. If there is any dispute, legal advice is strongly recommended.

10. Evidence That Helps Strengthen Your Claim

The stronger your evidence, the smoother your claim process will be. Useful evidence includes:

• medical records and certificates
• incident reports
• emails or messages showing unsafe conditions
• witness statements
• photos or videos of hazards
• past injury reports (for aggravation claims)

Keep everything organised — WorkCover decisions often turn on details.

11. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• delaying reporting the injury
• not seeing a doctor early
• filling out forms incorrectly
• assuming your employer lodged the claim
• not keeping copies of documents
• underestimating psychological symptoms
• agreeing to insurer decisions you don’t understand

Avoiding these mistakes helps ensure your claim stays on track.

12. What If My WorkCover Claim Is Disputed or Rejected?

If the insurer rejects your claim or only accepts part of it, you are not out of options. Many rejected WorkCover claims are overturned after review.

Your rejection letter will explain the reasons. Common grounds include:

• the insurer disputes the injury is work-related
• they believe the injury is pre-existing
• they argue the injury was not reported properly
• they believe you are fit for work

You usually have options to challenge these decisions. Because strict time limits apply, seek legal advice promptly.

13. When Should I Speak to a WorkCover Lawyer?

You should speak to a WorkCover lawyer if:

• you’re unsure how to lodge the claim
• your employer is uncooperative
• your claim is denied or delayed
• you develop a psychological injury
• you require surgery or long-term treatment
• your payments stop unexpectedly
• you believe negligence contributed to your injury

A good lawyer can:

• explain the process clearly
• prepare your claim form correctly
• communicate with the insurer on your behalf
• represent you in disputes
• pursue lump sum compensation if eligible

14. Final Thoughts — Where to Get Help

Making a WorkCover claim in Victoria can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re dealing with pain, stress or uncertainty. But by following the correct steps, keeping good records and reporting everything early, you put yourself in the best position to receive the support you’re entitled to.

If you’re unsure about anything — whether your form is correct, whether your employer is acting fairly, or whether the insurer’s decision is lawful — it’s wise to get expert advice.

For clear guidance and WorkCover support, contact Hymans Legal.

Hymans Legal specialises in WorkCover, compensation and workplace injury claims across Melbourne and Victoria. Their experienced team can help you lodge your claim, deal with insurers and protect your legal rights at every stage.

Phone: 1300 667 116

You don’t have to face the WorkCover system alone — reach out for professional support today.