r/WorkcoverVic

Hi everyone,

I’m wondering if anyone has had experience with a Victorian WorkCover claim involving a workplace psychological injury where Certificates of Capacity were completed retrospectively for a period more than 90 days before the date of examination.

My understanding is that worksafe/insurer has discretion to accept retrospective certificates where the certifier provides special reasons.

My special reasons are: both my psychiatrist and psychologist said I was too unwell to make a W/C claim and to use accrued sick leave instead. While on sick leave I was made redundant so I didn’t know (nor did GP) that I still needed to get Certificates on of capacity seems there was no RTW process. I have her medical certificates and clinical notes for the whole period but not COC’s. I was only just made aware by a lawuer that I was entitled to workcover despite being made redundant!

I’d really like to hear from anyone who has actually been through this:

If the reason was that you didn’t know you needed ongoing Certificates of Capacity, was that accepted?

What clinical notes or other evidence did your GP rely for on for the retrospective period?

I’d also be interested in anyone who has had a Victorian WorkCover claim accepted for Adjustment Disorder, due to workplace injury. How challenging was this to prove? What did it end up requiring?

Is it worth it? Im not interested in claiming past this month. I would rather just try and get compensation for previous months where possible so once it’s either denied or accepted, I can just move it on.

Thanks in advance!

The whole process can be pretty draining, especially when you’re already trying to recover and still have work, appointments and paperwork to deal with. For me, I think uncertainty would be the hardest part. You don’t always know what’s happening next, and it can feel like you’re constantly chasing updates.

Would be good to hear what other people found difficult and how they got through it.

My GP of 10 years just told me today that he can no longer treat me for my WorkCover claim. He said the administrative burden, unpaid paperwork, and endless dispute letters from the insurer are taking up too much of his practice time.

Now I’m scrambling to find a new GP in Melbourne who is actually taking on new WorkCover patients and willing to sign off on monthly Certificates of Capacity. Has anyone else run into this issue?

Just wondering what the experience was like and what to expect if you've gone through it?

Just wondering what the experience was like and what to expect if you've gone through it?

Hi all

I recently lodged a claim against a past employer for a well documented psychological injury that still affects me to this day.

I was not aware how brutal the process would be, not aware of the very tight deadlines. I now figure I should have engaged a lawyer before lodging.

Has anyone here dealt with a similar claim? Can anyone recommend a law firm or lawyer that Specialises in this field?

I am completely overwhelmed, I have well organised supporting information, however the IME, the private investigator, and the tight deadlines have my head spinning.

Any advice greatly appreciated!

Got my first IME letter in the mail today for an appointment next month arranged by the WorkCover insurer. Honestly feeling pretty anxious about it after hearing some horror stories. Any tips from people who have been through the process in Melbourne? Should I bring my own notes or medical history files?

My left shoulder WorkCover claim was accepted and I had surgery. While waiting for surgery, I was still doing some truck-loading duties but had restrictions on my left arm, so I was relying heavily on my right arm.

(First IME rejected it based on insurance paperwork I disagreed and the send me to another IME)

The right shoulder pain developed gradually, with no single injury. My GP documented “overuse and offsetting left side” in January 2026, and another certificate in February said the right shoulder pain was “due to overuse.” Imaging later showed bursitis and a 4×4mm partial-thickness supraspinatus tear.

The IME examined both shoulders and visited my workplace but concluded the right shoulder was degenerative/unrelated to work. The insurer is now planning to reject it.

I have work records, loading messages and video evidence showing the duties I was doing.

Do I have a reasonable chance at WorkSafe conciliation, and how much weight is usually given to the earlier GP records and work evidence versus the IME opinion?

I got addressed as having a 40% WPI at an Independent Impairment Assessment Gallagher Bassett sent me to. I was also deemed as being stable and this was in December 2025. I have reached 130 weeks this month and I was already told in March that I can go beyond the 130 weeks because of the 40% and they moved me to the tail team department within GB. I can now get 3 month certificates. What is the process now? In March they said "As discussed, your claim has undergone the legislative second entitlement review and your claim will be continuing post 130 weeks until a further review has been completed. Your entitlements to ongoing weekly payments is subject to further review within the next two years."

What is the further review and do they happen every two years for as long as I'm on this?

I was deemed as stable but I have something similar to long COVID so I'm not sure if GB will treat me differently because of that.

Thanks!

Hi I was just wondering how long people have waited to receive their lump sum payout for impairment benefits? I know online it says they have 14 days to make payment from when they receive the signed document back but it’s been weeks past that. Is it normal?

WorkCover podiatry appointment

My recovery plan includes orthotics, laser and strength exercises. Today my podiatrist measured my feet and the appointment ended in 20 minutes, with no other treatment( like teaching exercise etc) I was asked to come back next time to collect the orthotics.

The clinic’s website says the standard appointment length for this service is 30 minutes, but I only got 20 minutes. And I couldn’t find any specific time frame in regards to Workcover ‘subsequent consultation’.

Is 20 minutes normal for each ongoing appointment, or should the appointment be 30 minutes?

Hey everyone,
I’m hoping to get some insight from people who’ve gone through a Common Law claim under WorkCover in Victoria, especially for psychological injury.

Late last year I had an occupational violence incident while working on paediatric ward - a parent became hostile and aggressive, and I ended up with an acute stress response that developed into a longer‑term psychological injury. My WorkCover claim was initially rejected, and I had several months off before returning gradually.

Conciliation has now finished and I’ve received my Outcome Certificate. EML still won’t accept liability, but the conciliation process itself is finalised and full entitlements received.

I’m now looking at whether to pursue a Common Law claim. What I’m seeking from it is:
- recognition of the harm caused by the incident
- pain and suffering compensation
- acknowledgement of the long‑term psychological impact
- closure, because the incident has affected my work and life more than I expected

For anyone who’s been through this:
- How long did your Common Law process take?
- What should I expect in terms of IMEs, timelines, and negotiations?
- Anything you wish you’d known before starting?

Not looking for legal advice - just hoping to hear from people who’ve been through the process and can share their experience.

Thanks in advance.

I recently had my claim transferred to a new case manager, and it feels like I've had to start from scratch. I've been going over the same timeline, treatment history, and previous approvals again, even though it's all part of the claim already. It's made me wonder how much of a difference a new case manager can actually make and whether the experience is usually better, worse, or just different depending on who you get.

Posting on behalf of someone else. Her Workcover claim for a back injury and associated mental health issues was accepted 3 weeks ago, with medical and psychology services covered, and weekly wage awarded. She has been reimbursed for medical and psych, but the weekly payments have not come through yet. How long does this usually take?

Hey All,

I have an approved claim for MH injury, have been seeing a psych online billed to work cover. Great at the start but do not feel like treatment is aligned and there isn’t enough time being spent on the experiences that led to my injury and how they translate into barriers to RTW.

Wanting to know if anyone has any recommendations of an individual or clinic that deals with work cover clients who have been exposed to trauma in the work place. Also prefer a no gap provider.

Thanks!!