How Does Workers’ Compensation Work in South Australia?

A workplace injury can affect far more than just your health. Time off work, medical appointments and uncertainty about income can quickly become overwhelming, especially if you’re not sure what your rights are or where to turn. 

This article explains how workers’ compensation works in South Australia, what steps you need to take after a workplace injury, and when it may be helpful to speak with an experienced workcover claim lawyer or workcover solicitor. 

Workers’ Compensation in South Australia – An Overview 

Workers’ compensation in South Australia operates under the Return to Work scheme, which provides financial and practical support to workers who suffer an injury or illness because of their employment. 

The scheme is administered by ReturnToWorkSA and is designed to support injured workers through recovery and, where possible, a safe return to work. 

Depending on your circumstances, you may be entitled to: 

• Weekly income support if you are unable to work or have reduced capacity 

• Payment of reasonable medical, treatment and rehabilitation expenses 

• Return-to-work assistance and workplace modifications 

• Lump sum compensation in some cases 

Importantly, workers’ compensation is a no-fault scheme, meaning you do not need to prove your employer did anything wrong to make a claim. 

Step 1: Report Your Workplace Injury 

If you are injured at work or develop an injury over time, you should notify your employer as soon as possible. 

This includes: 

• Sudden injuries (such as a fall or machinery incident) 

• Gradual injuries (such as repetitive strain or psychological injury) 

Prompt reporting helps protect your entitlements and reduces the risk of disputes later in the process. 

Step 2: Obtain a Work Capacity Certificate 

You will need to see a doctor and explain that your injury or condition is work-related. If the doctor agrees, they will issue a Work Capacity Certificate, which outlines: 

• Your diagnosis 

• Your capacity to work (full duties, modified duties or no work) 

• Recommended treatment and recovery timeframes 

This certificate is essential to your WorkCover claim and must be kept current throughout your recovery. 

Step 3: Lodging a Workers’ Compensation Claim 

Your employer should provide you with a Return to Work Injury Claim Form, which is lodged together with your medical certificate. 

While many claims proceed smoothly, errors or missing information can cause delays or lead to disputes. For this reason, some workers choose to speak with a workcover solicitor early to ensure their claim is properly prepared and submitted. 

Step 4: Claim Assessment and Payments 

Once your claim is lodged, the insurer will assess whether it is accepted. In some cases, provisional payments may be made while the assessment is underway. 

If your claim is accepted, you may receive: 

• Weekly payments if you cannot work or can only work limited hours 

• Payment of approved medical treatment and rehabilitation costs 

• A permanent impairment payment, where your injury results in permanent impairment assessed under the legislation 

Permanent impairment payments are generally made as a lump sum and are separate from weekly income support. Eligibility depends on the nature and severity of your injury and requires a formal medical assessment. 

If your claim is rejected, or your payments are reduced or stopped, you are not without options. 

What Happens If a WorkCover Claim Is Disputed? 

Disputes can arise for many reasons. Insurers may argue that: 

• Your injury is not work-related 

• Your condition is pre-existing 

• You have capacity to return to work earlier than advised 

These situations can be stressful and financially damaging. A workcover claim lawyer can help you understand your rights, gather medical evidence, and challenge unfair decisions through the appropriate review or appeal process. 

How Long Can Workers’ Compensation Payments Last? 

In South Australia, weekly payments are generally subject to time limits and depend on factors such as: 

• Your work capacity 

• The severity of your injury 

• Whether your injury is assessed as “serious” under the legislation 

Understanding these limits early is important, particularly if your injury is likely to have long-term consequences. 

Do You Need a WorkCover Claim Lawyer? 

You are not required to have legal representation to make a workers’ compensation claim. However, many people choose to engage a workcover solicitor if: 

• Their claim has been rejected 

• Payments have been reduced or discontinued 

• They are being pressured to return to work too soon 

• They are unsure about their long-term entitlements 

Early legal advice can often prevent problems from escalating and help ensure you receive the full benefits you are entitled to under the law. 

We’re Here to Help 

At TGB Lawyers, we understand how stressful a workplace injury can be. Our experienced workcover claim lawyers assist injured workers across South Australia, providing clear advice, practical guidance and strong representation when it matters most. 

If you’ve been injured at work, or are having issues with a workers’ compensation claim, contact TGB Lawyers for a free initial consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights and take the next step with confidence. 

📞 Call us on (08) 8212 1077 or
💻 Get in touch online to speak with a workcover claim lawyer today.