If you've suffered an injury in Bendigo, Victoria, there are several types of claims you can make depending on the circumstances:

WorkCover Claims

To file a WorkCover claim:

1. Report Your Injury: Inform your employer immediately about the injury you've sustained at work. It's crucial to report the incident as soon as possible to initiate the claims process.
2. Obtain a Medical Certificate: After reporting the injury, seek medical attention from your usual doctor or a medical professional. In Victoria, this medical document is known as a certificate of capacity and should outline the extent of your injury and any necessary medical treatment.
3. Lodge a WorkCover Claim Form: Complete and submit a WorkCover claim form to your employer or, if necessary, directly to WorkSafe Victoria. This form officially initiates your claim process and provides details about your injury, medical treatment, and work-related circumstances.

Impairment Benefit Claim

Once your injury is stable, you can make an Impairment Benefit claim. This is a no-fault claim that doesn't require proving fault or negligence.

• Stability Assessment: Your injury is considered stable when you've completed all necessary medical treatments and have reached a point of maximum medical improvement.
• Minimum Impairment Levels: To qualify for compensation through the Impairment Benefit process, your level of impairment must meet specific thresholds based on medical assessments. These thresholds vary depending on the type and severity of your injury.

Common Law Claim

A Common Law claim starts by applying to the Victorian WorkCover Authority (VWA) to establish a serious injury. You'll need to demonstrate serious impairment or loss due to the injury.

• Application Process: Apply to the VWA to establish that you've suffered a serious injury, either by meeting certain impairment thresholds or obtaining a serious injury certificate.
• Legal Representation: Seek legal representation to assist you in navigating the application process and preparing your case for a Common Law claim.
• Evidence of Serious Injury: You'll need to provide evidence demonstrating the severity of your injury, such as medical records, expert assessments, and documentation of the impact on your daily life and ability to work.

TAC Claims

For transport accident-related injuries:

• Contact the TAC: Get in touch with the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) to lodge your claim within the specified timeframe, typically within 12 months of the accident or when the injury becomes evident.
• Assessment of Impairment: If you've sustained a permanent injury as a result of the accident, your level of impairment will be assessed by qualified medical specialists to determine eligibility for compensation.

Public Liability Claims

To pursue a public liability claim:

• Establish Negligence: Provide evidence to establish that your injury was caused by the negligence of another party. This may involve gathering witness statements, accident reports, and other relevant documentation.
• Claim Compensation: Seek compensation for various losses, including medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. The severity of your injury, as assessed by medical guidelines, will determine the amount of compensation you're entitled to receive.

These detailed steps provide a comprehensive overview of the process for filing various personal injury claims in Bendigo. For personalised legal advice and assistance tailored to your specific situation, contact a public liability claim lawyer.

The turnaround time for injury claims in Bendigo, Victoria varies based on the type of claim you file and the unique details of your case. It's crucial to reach out to a personal injury lawyer promptly to review your injury situation and initiate your claim process.

Yes, you can lodge a WorkCover or TAC claim without a lawyer in Bendigo. However, to pursue legal action, you'll need representation.

For WorkCover claims, having a lawyer to navigate the process and advocate for your rights can significantly impact your claim's outcome. They can assist with compensation negotiations and decisions regarding medical treatments.

Similarly, for TAC claims, engaging a personal injury lawyer is crucial. They'll handle negotiations with the TAC and ensure your claim is properly represented, starting with lodging a 'serious injury' application.

When it comes to public liability claims, seeking guidance from a lawyer is essential. They'll help you navigate the claim process, ensuring you receive the full compensation you're entitled to, rather than settling for what the insurer initially offers.

No, Redlich’s Work Injury Lawyers in Bendigo do not operate on a contingency basis. This practice is not permitted under Victorian law.

Contingency fees, calculated as a percentage of your compensation, are not allowed for personal injury cases in Victoria. At Redlich’s, we operate on a No Win No Fee basis. This means we won't charge you any professional fees if your claim is unsuccessful. Additionally, we do not charge uplift fees. Uplift fees are additional charges imposed by some No Win No Fee firms to cover the risk of non-payment in unsuccessful claims, potentially increasing legal costs by up to 25%. Redlich’s aim is to keep costs low so you can retain the majority of your compensation.