Injured on a construction site? You may be entitled to claim more than you think. What Compensation Can Construction Workers Claim After an Injury?
A serious injury on a construction site or trade job can turn your life upside down. Our Melbourne construction accident lawyers help you manage the workers’ compensation system, understand your entitlements, and access the support you need to recover.
If your WorkCover claim is accepted, you may be eligible for:
- Weekly payments to replace lost income while you recover
- Medical, hospital and rehabilitation expenses
- Lump sum compensation for a permanent impairment
- Payments for pain, suffering or reduced earning capacity
- Death benefits for dependants in the event of a work-related fatality
Depending on your situation, you may also have rights to common law damages, public liability compensation, or total and permanent disability (TPD) benefits through your superannuation.
Construction and trade injuries often involve multiple parties and complex circumstances, so it’s important to understand every option available to you. For clear advice about your entitlements and next steps, contact Prime Injury Lawyers on 1300 718 203 for a free claim assessment.
Free Claim Check Process 3 Simple Steps
1.
Submit the Claim Check Form
Fill out our easy and straightforward claim check form by providing your personal details. Briefly describe your legal needs and the situation you’re facing. This information will help us better understand your case.
2.
Receive a Phone Call or Email
Our legal team will carefully review the details you provided in the form. Expect prompt communication from us, either through a phone call or email, seeking any additional information required for a thorough assessment.
3.
Schedule a Formal Discussion
Upon confirming the viability of your case for a legal claim, we will coordinate with you to arrange a formal meeting. This meeting, scheduled at your convenience, will allow us to discuss your case in detail and outline the necessary steps for proceeding with the legal action.
Case Studies – WorkCover
WorkCover Common Law claim for a young carpenter after a serious workplace accident causes life changing injuries
Steve, a young carpenter, suffered life-changing injuries when a heavy steel beam crushed his dominant right hand and right foot during demolition works on a construction site. The accident resulted in catastrophic crush injuries to multiple fingers, including the partial amputation of his little finger, extensive tendon, nerve and artery damage, and a fractured great toe. He was left with permanent loss of function in his dominant hand.
The ongoing effects of the injury have significantly impacted every aspect of Steve’s life. He continues to experience pain, weakness, reduced grip strength, stiffness, altered sensation and difficulty performing everyday activities such as dressing, cooking, driving and household tasks. The injury also forced him to give up many of the recreational activities he once enjoyed, including motor bike riding, camping and golf. His injuries are permanent and he is unable to return to his pre-injury occupation as a carpenter or undertake a wide range of alternative occupations requiring manual dexterity or sustained use of his dominant hand.
Prime Injury Lawyers worked closely with Steve and his treating specialists to obtain comprehensive evidence demonstrating the full extent of his injuries and their long-term impact on his earning capacity, independence and quality of life. Through careful preparation of his WorkCover common law claim, we were able to successfully pursue a Common Law Damages claim where he received nearly $1 million in compensation.
FAQs Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I’m injured on a construction site in Victoria?
If you’ve suffered a personal injury on a construction site, report it to your employer immediately and get medical treatment. Keep witness statements, any available surveillance footage and records of medical bills or lost wages. Lodging an injury claim under WorkCover is the first step to claim compensation for your injuries. Our experienced construction accident lawyers in Melbourne can guide you through the legal process and ensure your rights are fully protected.
Can construction workers claim compensation for silica dust exposure?
Yes. Construction workers exposed to silica dust who later develop a related illness may be entitled to financial compensation through WorkCover, TPD or a public liability claim. These claims can cover future medical expenses, lost income and emotional distress. Because these cases can be complex and evidence-heavy, it’s crucial to work with personal injury lawyers in Melbourne who understand injury law, medical testing and the legal system governing occupational diseases.
Does the severity of my injury affect how much compensation I can claim?
Yes. The severity and long-term effects of your personal injury determine the level of financial compensation you may receive. Serious injuries such as spinal injuries, broken bones, brain injury or psychological trauma can result in higher payouts, including common law damages or TPD benefits. Our personal injury law firm helps you assess the full impact of your injury, from medical and rehabilitation costs to future earning capacity and ongoing care needs.
What if my employer or someone else’s negligence caused my accident?
If your construction site injury occurred because of your employer’s or another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to seek compensation beyond WorkCover. This could include a public liability claim or a personal injury claim for pain, suffering and economic loss. Our experienced lawyers investigate worksite conditions, equipment safety, and third-party involvement to identify who’s responsible and help you recover compensation through the legal system.
Can subcontractors or casual workers make a WorkCover claim?
Yes. Even if you’re a subcontractor or casual worker, you may still qualify to claim compensation under WorkCover. Depending on your situation, you could also pursue a common law claim, public liability or superannuation TPD benefit. Our dedicated team of personal injury lawyers in Melbourne assess your eligibility and guide you through the whole process, ensuring you get the fair compensation you deserve.
Can I make other legal claims besides WorkCover?
Possibly. Depending on the type of claim, you may also be able to pursue:
- Common law damages (if an employer’s negligence caused the injury)
- A public liability claim (if the accident happened in a public or private place)
- Superannuation or TPD benefits (if the injury prevents future work)
- A TAC claim (if injured while driving or on the road)
Our experienced lawyers assess your specific circumstances and pursue every available path to maximum compensation, covering medical expenses, lost wages and future medical care.
What evidence do I need to support a construction injury claim?
Strong evidence helps ensure a successful outcome. This may include witness statements, medical reports, photographs and incident records. Supporting documents such as surveillance footage, financial records, and correspondence from insurers can also help your case. Our legal team helps gather and organise evidence, deal with insurers, and manage any legal claims efficiently from our Melbourne office, for clients across Victoria.
How can an experienced construction accident lawyer help?
Our personal injury lawyers handle every step of your claim, from initial paperwork to negotiations and disputes. We explain your legal rights, handle medical negligence issues if relevant, and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for life-altering injuries. Working on a no-win, no-fee basis, our law firm alleviates the stress of the lengthy process, allowing you to focus on recovery while we fight for your fair outcome. Get in touch today to speak with our construction accident lawyers in Melbourne for a free claim assessment.
Submit Your Free Claim Check Now
You'll Receive A Phone Call Or Email From Our Team Promptly