What Is the Time Limit in Queensland to Claim Accident Compensation?
Time limits apply to all personal injury claims in Queensland. As these time limits are strict and can affect the outcome of your claim, it’s extremely important to understand the time limits that apply to your claim for compensation and commence the claim process as soon as possible.
At Accident Law, our car injury and work accident compensation lawyers are here to help and with our no win no fee guarantee, you have nothing to lose by having us assess your case to determine whether you are due compensation for your injuries. From our Brisbane and Gold Coast offices, we have helped countless Queenslanders get the compensation they are due for their accident injuries and our lawyers, solicitors and support teams have a wealth of experience working with personal injury claim cases like yours.
What Time Limits Apply to My Compensation Claim?
Whether you are filing a compensation claim as a result of sustaining injuries in a motor vehicle accident (e.g. car, motorbike or truck) or a work accident, strict time limits apply to your compensation claim. It cannot be stressed enough just how important it is to lodge your accident compensation claim as soon as possible. We’ve broken down some key elements below regarding time limits. Click the +/- to expand each section.
For personal injury claims, the category under which car and motor vehicle accident claims fall, claims for compensation must be commenced within three years from the date the injuries were sustained. However, this doesn’t mean that you should wait to contact a car accident claim lawyer to start preparing your claim for compensation. Especially if you have sustained serious injuries and are unable to work.
Different time limits apply to workers compensation claim cases in Queensland. Generally, a claim for workers compensation is only considered valid if lodged within six months. ‘Six months’ usually refers to the date the injury was sustained but, according to the WCR Act definition, is the day on which the worker is assessed by a medical practitioner.
It is important to note that if a claim is lodged more than 20 working days (4 weeks) after the injury was sustained, WorkCover’s liability to pay work injury compensation is limited to 20 business days before the application lodgement date. WorkCover Queensland is the government-owned statutory body which provides workers’ compensation insurance in Queensland. It is mandatory for all employers in Queensland to hold an accident insurance policy with WorkCover.
If you have been injured at work or you were involved in an accident and your injuries are not yet apparent, it is imperative that you report the injury or accident to your employer or supervisor and have it officially recorded. It is a legal requirement that all workplace injuries are recorded and this will help to get the best possible outcome for your workers compensation claim case. As will having an experienced work accident compensation lawyer assist you with your claim.
The paperwork with compensation claims, whether a workers compensation claim or a claim for truck accident compensation, is complex and it helps to have an expert assist you with the forms to ensure they are completed correctly. We do all the paperwork for our clients to ensure fast and correct processing for you.
What Happens if I Don’t Make My Compensation Claim Within the Time Limits?
If you don’t lodge a claim for compensation within the designated time limits, you must provide good reasons why you should be allowed to proceed with your claim. You should also note that there may be issues with finalising your claim.
However, if you have missed the time limits you have nothing to lose by contacting us and having one of our car injury or work accident compensation claim lawyers assess your case. There may be extenuating circumstances which enable you to proceed with the claim despite exceeding the time limits. Should you choose Accident Law to assist with your claim for workplace accident compensation, you’ll be covered by our no win no fee guarantee as well as the ‘50/50’ rule.
Accident Law No Win No Fee Guarantee
You really have nothing to lose with our no win no fee guarantee. When we take on your case we pay for all outlays and associated claim expenses, meaning we get you access to the help you need quickly.
You are also covered by Queensland legislation, so if our fees were to somehow exceed the compensation amount, then we are obligated to reduce them. This means you can confidently pursue a legal claim without being left out of pocket.How Much Compensation Will I Receive?
The amount of compensation you receive will be determined by calculating the monetary value of your injuries and their impact on your quality of life. Therefore, it’s tailored to your individual circumstances.
Our compensation calculator can show the very basic (but not full) amounts of compensation. Or try our 30 Second Compensation Checker to see if you can make a claim. However, it’s best to speak with one of our Lawyers (there is no cost for this) to get a better idea about your claim.Accident Law No Win No Fee Guarantee
You really have nothing to lose with our no win no fee guarantee. When we take on your case we pay for all outlays and associated claim expenses, meaning we get you access to the help you need quickly.
You are also covered by Queensland legislation, so if our fees were to somehow exceed the compensation amount, then we are obligated to reduce them. This means you can confidently pursue a legal claim without being left out of pocket.How Much Compensation Will I Receive?
The amount of compensation you receive will be determined by calculating the monetary value of your injuries and their impact on your quality of life. Therefore, it’s tailored to your individual circumstances.
Our compensation calculator can show the very basic (but not full) amounts of compensation. Or try our 30 Second Compensation Checker to see if you can make a claim. However, it’s best to speak with one of our Lawyers (there is no cost for this) to get a better idea about your claim.I Have Heard That There Is a 6-month Time Limit with Some Cases. Is That True?
Yes. The six-month timeframe applies to workers compensation claims (see above). However, you should still contact us if more than six months have passed since your injuries occurred as we may still be able to assist you with your claim for compensation.
What Happens if My Injury Occurred Over a Period Of Time? Do Time Limits Still Apply?
Yes. Time limits are still strict for injuries that occur over a period of time, for example, Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs) such as tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. It can be difficult to determine when such injuries occurred, but our work injury compensation lawyers have extensive experience with RSIs and can refer you to medical specialists.
While you may have missed the time limits, contact us as soon as possible if you feel you may have a claim. One of our accredited and experienced work accident compensation lawyers will be able to provide you with professional advice regarding time limits and your right to claim workers compensation.
30 Second Compensation Claim Checker
The Accident Law 30 Second Compensation Claim Checker will quickly assess if you may be able to make a compensation claim. One of our experienced Lawyers will then provide you with a free claim assessment by Email/SMS or Phone. This will also help you estimate just how much compensation you may be due for your claim. Again all at no cost, just click below.
Is It True That Workers Compensation Claims Have Only 20 Days to Bring Appeals?
Yes. The time limits in workers compensation claim cases are very strict and many cases only allow 20 days to bring an appeal. This is why it is so important that work injury claims are commenced as soon as possible and managed by an experienced lawyer specialising in work accident claims.
Contact Accident Law to Assess and Start Your Claim as Soon as Possible
Due to the strict time limits that apply to motor vehicle (car, motorbike and truck) and work accident claims for compensation, it is imperative to have your case assessed by an accredited lawyer as soon as possible.
If you have been injured in a road accident or at work and believe you have the right to claim compensation, call Accident Law on 07 5531 4444 or complete our contact form at the footer of every page and we’ll get back to you.
Accident Law - Queensland's Injury Experts
- Been injured in a motor vehicle accident, a workplace accident, or a road accident? Accident Law is the compensation lawyers Brisbane & Gold Coast clients trust to get the outcome they deserve.
- Since 1983 we have worked alongside our clients to help them get the compensation they are owed from car and motor vehicle accidents and workplace accidents.
- Queensland specialised and accredited injury and accident specialists are on hand to help get you the most compensation and get your health back to top form