WorkCover Queensland is Queensland’s primary workers’ compensation insurance company, entrusted to support injured workers to recover and return to work safely. However, there is a growing concern about claims being closed too early, leaving many workers without the support they still need.

Recent reports suggest that insurer staff may be receiving free team lunches that are linked to performance targets for closing claims, raising concerns that these incentives could pressure staff into ending claims prematurely. When claims are closed early, injured workers can be left without access to medical treatment or income support, placing financial stress on them and their families.

Seeking a Review of a WorkCover Decision

When WorkCover makes a decision that impacts your weekly compensation or other benefits, a detailed letter setting out the basis of this decision should be provided to the injured worker. This decision can be formally reviewed by the Workers’ Compensation Regulator, a government body with the authority to overturn the insurer’s decision and reinstate benefits.

Importantly, you only have three months to lodge a review, so seeking advice early is essential.

Lump sum offers  and Understanding your rights

If your injury is considered to be ‘stable and stationary’, your degree of permanent impairment is likely to be assessed by a doctor appointed by WorkCover. After this assessment, you should receive a Notice of Assessment. The document may contain an offer of lump sum compensation, which is determined based on the degree of impairment.

If you accept this sum, then ordinarily this will formally close your claim and see you entitled to no further compensation. There are some exemptions, so it’s very important to get advice before you make a decision on the offer.

If you were injured in negligent circumstances, meaning that your employer may be liable for how you were injured, you have the right to ignore the offer of lump sum compensation contained in the Notice of Assessment, and instead seek damages under a common law claim.

Under a common law claim, you can seek damages for different things, including:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Past loss of income
  • Past loss of superannuation
  • Past expenses
  • Future loss of income (or possible loss)
  • Future loss of superannuation (or possible loss)
  • Future treatment costs
  • Future retraining costs
  • Professional services (i.e. domestic assistance)

Income Protection Insurance Options

If your WorkCover payments are ceased, you may still be eligible for income protection through your superannuation fund.

Our insurance team can conduct a free review of your policy to check your entitlements and ensure that every possible financial support option is explored.

Why Legal Advice is Essential

Getting the right legal advice can make a significant difference in your WorkCover claim. An experienced lawyer can:

  • Review whether WorkCover made a lawful and reasonable decision
  • Gather medical evidence to support your need for ongoing treatment or income support
  • Lodge a review with the Workers’ Compensation Regulator within the required timeframe
  • Assess whether you may be eligible for common law damages

WorkCover decisions can feel overwhelming, but a lawyer can clearly explain your rights, your options, and the best steps to move forward. Having professional guidance helps ensure that you are not navigating a complex system alone and that you receive fair treatment throughout the process.

How Evolve Legal Can Support You

At Evolve Legal, we understand how stressful and unfair it can feel when your WorkCover claim is closed too early. Our personal injury lawyers are dedicated to protecting the rights of injured workers and ensuring that WorkCover decisions are made fairly and lawfully.

With our No Win, No Fee cost structure and no uplift fees, you can pursue justice without upfront legal costs. If your WorkCover claim has been closed prematurely or if you are unsure about your rights, contact Evolve Legal today for a free initial consultation.

Posted in: Latest News, Personal Injury

November 26 2025