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WA Workers Compensation Claims
WA WorkCover Eligibility Check
WA workers compensation can provide income, medical and lump-sum compensation under the Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023.
WA modernised its workers compensation scheme with the Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023. Run through approved private insurers and regulated by WorkCover WA. Common-law damages are available where employer negligence caused a serious injury (15%+ whole-person impairment threshold).
- Statutory benefits via approved insurers
- Common-law damages at 15%+ WPI threshold
- Includes psychological injury claims
- Regulated by WorkCover WA
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Plain-English guides to the compensation schemes in each Australian state and territory.
Western Australia workers compensation, explained
WA workers compensation is run through a privatised insurer model, regulated by WorkCover WA. The Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023 (commenced July 2024) consolidated and modernised the scheme. Workers receive statutory benefits including weekly income support, medical expenses, and lump-sum permanent impairment compensation. Common-law damages are available subject to a 15% whole-person impairment threshold.
What WA workers comp pays
- Weekly payments: Based on pre-injury average weekly earnings, capped at the prescribed maximum, with a step-down rate over time.
- Medical and rehabilitation: Reasonable and necessary treatment, including specialist, surgery, physio, equipment.
- Permanent impairment lump sum: Based on whole-person impairment percentage assessed under AMA Guides.
- Common-law damages: At 15%+ WPI threshold, past and future economic loss, future care and pain and suffering.
Cities and regions covered
Perth metropolitan, Fremantle, Joondalup, Mandurah, Rockingham, Bunbury, Geraldton, Albany, Kalgoorlie and the Goldfields, the Pilbara, the Kimberley, and regional WA.
WA workers compensation FAQs
Plain-English answers about WA workers comp under the 2023 Act.
Reviewed by CompoCheck Editorial Team · Last updated
How do I lodge a workers compensation claim in WA?
Notify your employer of the injury as soon as practical. See your GP and obtain a First Certificate of Capacity. Lodge a Workers Compensation Claim Form with your employer, who must forward it to their workers comp insurer within 5 working days. The insurer must respond within 14 days.
What changed under the 2023 WA Act?
The Workers Compensation and Injury Management Act 2023 modernised WA workers comp. Key changes include consolidated legislation (replacing the older 1981 Act), updated weekly payment caps, clearer dispute resolution pathways, and modernised common-law access provisions. Most existing case law and benefit principles remain.
When can I pursue common-law damages in WA?
WA requires 15% whole-person impairment (assessed under the AMA Guides) to access common-law damages. The injury must be caused by employer negligence. Common-law damages can include past and future economic loss, future care, and pain and suffering, often substantially exceeding statutory benefits.
How are weekly payments calculated in WA?
Weekly payments are based on your pre-injury average weekly earnings, capped at the prescribed maximum amount. The percentage rate steps down over time if you remain incapacitated, with the precise schedule set out in the 2023 Act. A lawyer can calculate your specific entitlements.
How long do I have to make a WA workers comp claim?
Lodge within 12 months of the injury. Late claims may proceed with reasons. Common-law damages have a 3-year limitation period from the date the right to claim arises (typically the date of medical assessment of impairment).
How your WA WorkCover claim gets handled
Enquiries you submit are sent to the advertising law firm for Western Australia and your claim type.
- 01
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Answer a few simple questions about your injury. No legal jargon, just the facts.
- 02
Your enquiry goes to an advertising law firm
Your enquiry goes to a law firm that advertises on CompoCheck for your state and claim type.
- 03
The firm contacts you
The firm can discuss your situation with you directly. Whether you go further is up to you.
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