WorkCover Queensland (WCQ) will assess your permanent impairment after you have returned to work after they consider your injury has stabilised or after they believe your symptoms are no longer related to the accident. This will probably occur about twelve (12) months after the accident.
A Notice of Assessment will then issue from them to you expressing their determination of your bodily impairment as a percentage. Based on this percentage, they will offer you a “lump sum” payment. At that point, you have the following options:-
Accept the “lump sum” they offer; or
Proceed with a lawsuit process that will typically yield you far higher compensation than the “lump sum” provided negligence, i.e. that there was something defective concerning the system of work.
In cases of severe injury, you can do both. This depends on the impairment assessed. Contact us immediately if you receive a WorkCover Notice of Assessment.
It would be best if you did NOT accept any lump sum offer of compensation from WorkCover without discussing that with Workers Compensation Lawyers, as you will risk the loss of significant compensation rights.