WA Work Accident - Workers Compensation to Cover Wages?

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debz

Member
2 July 2015
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0
1
Hi
My husband crushed his finger at work on the 28th Feb. Workers compensation covered his wages for 10 weeks and then it stopped. He had to in that time have lots of physiotherapy, which improved his finger but not 100%. Our problem now is that he can not get a job. All the jobs he applies for ask "has he ever been on workers compensation?". He puts "yes". After they get the info (work clearance), they say it's not good enough.

The doctor will not give my husband a full clearance stating he has not fully recovered and it could take up to 18 months before he does, the problem being we are not eligible to any help from Centrelink as we are NZ citizens arriving after 2001.

If he hasn't got a full clearance, shouldn't he still be covered by workers compensation? It doesn't make sense to me at all, as this was a work accident. I do not understand how it can be putting us in such hardship. Is there help out there for us?

Thank you.
 

Tim W

Lawyer
LawConnect (LawTap) Verified
28 April 2014
4,913
820
2,894
Sydney
Unless your husband is in a trade union, I think his next move
might have to be a conversation with a lawyer who works in the field of personal injury.
 

Lance

Well-Known Member
31 October 2015
852
123
2,394
Yes, contact an employment lawyer. Keep in mind a lot of personal injury lawyers do a "pay when you win" system. I hope it works out for you, it must be very stressful.
 

Complex16

Well-Known Member
27 July 2016
118
15
454
If he does not have a doctor's certificate stating he it totally fit for work, then technically he is still suffering an impairment and should be receiving WC benefits. Did his employer offer light duties for him to return to after the 10 weeks?