Why A Detailed Incident Report Is Essential for Maximising Lump Sum Payments

The single biggest determinant of the size of WorkCover lump sum payments is the degree to which your employer could have prevented the accident. What might have seemed an obvious accident to you may have been completely preventable. This oversight costs Queensland workers dearly.

On average, the difference between an incident deemed a complete accident and one that was preventable is substantial. According to WorkCover's own annual report for 2022-23, the difference was between $14,678 and $167,456. These figures underscore the critical importance of accurately determining the preventability of your accident.

Here's How the Report Is Created

Our comprehensive service begins with a thorough phone interview, where we delve into the specifics of your workplace accident. We aim to understand exactly how the incident occurred, scrutinizing every factor — from the weather conditions to the work practices in place at the time of the accident.

Our goal is to uncover any breaches of safety regulations and determine if the incident was reasonably foreseeable. By reconstructing the event and its context, we create a narrative akin to having CCTV footage of the incident. This involves asking critical questions about the safety culture of your workplace, including the frequency and content of toolbox talks, any changes implemented as a result of the accident, and whether there were any prior concerns raised that went unaddressed.

We will also go through your medical treatment history and potential long term diagnosis of your injury and its impact on your ability to continue to work at the same level you were pre-accident.

The culmination of our investigation is a detailed incident and medical report that paints a clear picture of the circumstances surrounding your accident. This report is an invaluable tool in your quest to secure the correct WorkCover lump sum entitlements. It can also be utilized by other professionals assisting you. It also gives you options and recommendations for preparing for any upcoming medical assessments.

Ready to move on?

The foundation for our detailed incident report is Form 178A — that's the starting point for a journey that involves many critical players, each with a significant role in determining your lump sum payment.  You can continue to get started with that right now.

However you might still  be unsure.

You might be pondering several questions right now: "Why can't a lawyer handle this for me? Why isn't my union stepping in to help? Can't my employer manage all of this? It seems like your involvement might be unnecessary."

These are valid concerns, and you're right to consider all your options. However, each choice you make in navigating your WorkCover claim can significantly impact the outcome.

If you're curious about why relying solely on lawyers, unions, or employers might not be in your best interest and why our specialized involvement is crucial, click here. Understanding the unique benefits we offer and the potential costs of not engaging with us could be the most valuable decision you make for your claim.

We're here at this crucial stage to clarify any doubts and illuminate the path forward, ensuring you feel confident and informed about the next steps in your lump sum application. Understanding your options is key, and we're committed to guiding you toward the most beneficial outcome.

Best regards,

Chief Investigator

Workcover Claims - Procedural Compliance Department