News
Case review: Comcare ordered to pay for massage treatment for injured worker
In this Comcare workers’ compensation case, we look at a decision of the Administrative Review Tribunal to set aside a decision of Comcare Australia to cease payments to the injured worker, Dr Kumar, for continued massage therapy.
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Appealing a workers’ compensation decision by WorkCover Queensland
Fortunately, there are mechanisms in place to seek a review of adverse worker’s compensation decisions. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to seek a review of a decision about a workers' compensation claim with WorkCover Queensland.
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Psychological injury claims under the Comcare workers’ compensation scheme
This blog looks at how the Comcare workers’ compensation scheme deals with claims by workers who suffer from mental and psychological injuries. But what exactly constitutes a "mental injury" for the purposes of Comcare?
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A guide to the complaints process with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA)
The Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA) is an independent dispute resolution service that assists consumers and small businesses in resolving complaints related to financial products and services.
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Court determines convicted sexual assault perpetrator not liable to pay to compensation to victim
In a significant decision in November 2024, the NSW Supreme Court has said that it is not a given that a perpetrator criminally convicted of sexual offences will automatically be liable to pay the abuse victim common law damages.
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Queensland Court finds aged care provider responsible for sexual assault of their employee
Blue Care, an aged care and retirement living provider, has been found liable to pay one of their workers, Madison Gilmour, $240,000.00 in worker’s compensation as a result of her suffering significant PTSD due to being sexually assaulted by a resident in a hostel that housed predominately men with mental health issues.
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How to appeal a rejected TPD claim
Navigating the world of Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) claims can be daunting, especially when your claim is rejected. Knowing how to effectively appeal a rejected TPD claim (or any other adverse finding) is important for people unable to return to work after injury or illness.
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Case review: Tribunal accepts two injured worker’s Comcare claims but rejects a third claim
In this case review, Ms Quirk, who worked as a data processer for Services Australia (Medicare division), claimed Comcare workers’ compensation for three different injuries - carpel tunnel syndrome (CTS), tennis elbow (epicondylitis) and De Quervain’s disease. Compensation for two of the injuries was initially declined by Comcare, and the third injury was initially accepted but subsequently, payments were ceased.
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How to maximise your chances of a successful TPD claim
TPD insurance provides financial assistance if you're unable to work due to illness or injury. However, the TPD claims process can be complex and stressful, especially when you're already facing health challenges. This blog provides practical tips to help you maximise your chances of successfully applying for a TPD benefit.
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Administrative Review Tribunal replaces Administrative Appeals Tribunal
In 2022, the Australian federal government recognised the need to effect a major overhaul of the system of review of administrative decisions in Australia. On 14 October 2024, the Administrative Review Tribunal (AAT) ceased to exist and was replaced by the Administrative Review Tribunal (ART).
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Rejected Comcare Claim After Ankle Injury - Case Review
In this Comcare case review, we look at a decision of the AAT to uphold a decision by Australia Post Corporation (a self-insurer for worker’s compensation) to reject her application for Comcare worker’s compensation.
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Loss of wages in Comcare claims - how are they calculated?
If you’re injured at work and covered by the Comcare scheme (the federal workers’ compensation scheme), you’ll be entitled to a range of benefits, for example, weekly payments and costs of medical treatment. In this article, we have a close look at how weekly benefits (loss of wages) are calculated.
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