Earlier this week, the following article appeared on ninemsn.com.au and in print.
“Queensland workers who claim compensation for injuries suffered on the way to or from work are enjoying an unnecessary and costly “luxury”, an industry body says.
Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland president Nick Behrens wants the Queensland government to scrap journey and recess claims, which last year cost the state’s WorkCover scheme $50 million.
Mr Behrens says the scheme has made premiums paid by employers too high and is “too heavily skewed” towards workers.
He says employers don’t have any control over what happens during commutes and it’s hard to police whether those journeys are solely work-related.
But Queensland Council of Unions president John Battams says Queensland employers have consistently enjoyed either the lowest or second lowest premiums in the country.
Mr Battams says Queensland workers often have to travel long distances on bad roads to get to work, and deserve to be covered.
Attorney-General Jarrod Bleijie is yet to make a decision.”
In GC Law’s opinion, scrapping journey claims would leave many workers vulnerable, particularly those workers who have to travel long distances to and from work, in sometimes what are remote areas, where the risk of having a serious car accident may be higher.
What most people don’t know is that if they’re injured in a car accident going to or from work as a result of the fault of another driver, then not only are they entitled to worker’s compensation, but may also have a claim against the CTP insurer of the vehicle that caused the accident.
If a CTP claim exists and a claim is made, any worker’s compensation benefits paid must be repaid to WorkCover out of the CTP settlement.
This further reduces the financial burden on WorkCover, because they get their money back.
Gavin Mills, Principal
GC LAW
Remember, if you have a work related injury and you need assistance, contact GC Law immediately.
You can use our Free Case Review process to start your claim; once we have assessed your case, we will contact you with a review and advise on the next steps.
Original story source: www.ninemsn.com.au
