Australia’s leading Workers Compensation Claims Management Advisors
In Australia’s dynamic business environment, managing workers’ compensation claims can be challenging for employers. Ensuring a fair and efficient claims process that aligns with the legal requirements helps protect your organisation while fostering a safe and fair workplace.
We handle Workers’ Compensation matters for companies nationwide across various industries. Our innovative service is one of a kind. It lifts the burden for senior management while ensuring a safe and fair work environment that also keeps your WorkCover premiums as low as possible.
Our workers’ compensation management services include general management and pre and post-claim management, with Hentys being brought in at any stage in the process.
Commonwealth Government Workers’ Compensation Schemes
We offer specialised advice on the following Commonwealth Government workers’ compensation schemes:
Comcare
Comcare operates under the Safety, Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1988 (SRC Act) and provides workers’ compensation coverage for:
- Commonwealth Government employees – If you are employed by a Commonwealth agency and have suffered a workplace injury or illness, we can assist with your claim, rehabilitation process, and any disputes that may arise.
We do not provide advice for:
- Employees of corporations granted a licence to self-insure under Comcare.
- Australian Defence Force members who served before 1 July 2004 (covered under separate military schemes).
Seacare
Seacare operates under the Seafarers Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 1992 and provides workers’ compensation for certain seafarers who are injured while working. We have extensive experience advising seafarers on their rights under this scheme, assisting with claims, disputes, and ensuring fair compensation.
State and Territory Workers’ Compensation Schemes
Henty Lawyers provides comprehensive legal support for workers’ compensation claims across all state and territory schemes in Australia. We can assist with claims, disputes, employer obligations, and appeals under the following jurisdictions:
- Australian Capital Territory – WorkSafe ACT
- Queensland – WorkSafeQueensland
- New South Wales – SafeWork NSW
- Northern Territory – NT WorkSafe
- South Australia – ReturnToWorkSA
- Tasmania – Worksafe Tasmania
- Victoria – Worksafe Victoria
- Western Australia – WorkCover WA
Whether you are navigating a workplace injury claim, dealing with a compensation dispute, or need guidance on rehabilitation and return-to-work obligations, our experienced legal team is here to assist.
Our Key Services in Workers’ Compensation Management for Employers
Workers Compensation Claims Management Guidance
When an injury notification or Worker’s Compensation claim is received, an employer must respond appropriately to maintain compliance and reduce risk. Our experienced team can assist with all the necessary claims management documentation for your business, ensuring that every step of the claim meets any required legal requirements. This can be from the initial receipt of the injury notification to the ongoing management of complex claims.
Hentys specialise in employer advocacy with WorkSafe Victoria’s agents, known as insurers, to ensure that the employer’s interests, concerns for safety and other risks are heard and considered by the insurer at all stages of a claim.
This proactive approach helps employers streamline the claims process, minimise disruptions, assist with return to work obligations, balance employment obligations and responsibilities, and maintain focus on business operations, risk minimisation, health and safety.
Challenging an Employer’s Liability
We regularly facilitate Microsoft Teams Conferences to discuss concerns regarding an employer’s liability with insurer’s at all stages of a claim, including where a claim has already been accepted.
Liability is often a concern where employers suspect dishonesty with an employee’s capacity to return to work. Hentys’ speciality includes the management of forensic investigations into the activities of injured workers under legal professional privilege. We work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year to assist with forensic surveillance that is often conducted when people least expect it to provide the evidence required for fraud prosecutions, decisions on employment of a worker, and to assist with obtaining refunds of insurance premiums and expenses unfairly paid.
Managing Return to Work Obligations
Ensuring that a Worker’s return to work is risk free for both the worker, the business and other staff are the paramount considerations when assisting employees return to work.
At Hentys we understand that balancing worker’s compensation laws with employment law is tricky and carries significant consequences if not done correctly, and have structured our business to assist employers every step of the way.
We assist employers with advice and guidance in arranging various case conferences with medical professionals, the employer and the worker to assess a worker’s physical and/or psychological capacity to perform the inherent requirements of their role through Psychological Capacity Assessments (PCA), and Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCE).
Our guidance includes, but is not limited to, script writing, meeting invitations, advices on alternative roles and risks, and termination letters.
Advice on Notices of Termination and Appeal Processes
Understanding the legal nuances around termination notices in workers’ compensation cases is essential for employers, especially when dealing with claims affecting workplace dynamics and ensuring compliance with state and territory-specific workers’ compensation legislation.
If a dispute arises regarding a claim, our legal team provides strategic advice on the appeal process, helping employers across Australia navigate the complexities of appeals with confidence and clear guidance.
Representation at Hearings, Conciliations, Arbitrations, and Trials
Legal proceedings related to workers’ compensation can be daunting for employers across Australia. This can be especially true when matters escalate to hearings, conciliations, arbitrations, or trials.
Our legal experts and Industrial Advocates have extensive experience managing disputes and negotiating on behalf of employers at any worker’s compensation hearing, conciliation and trial.
In addition, as an Industrial Advocate and non-lawyer with extensive experience, our Mr Timothy Ashton advocates for clients in worker’s compensation disputes concerning insurer’s decisions at Workplace Injury Commission Conciliations where lawyers are not always permitted or allowed to represent clients.
Protecting Employers’ Interests in Court
When employees pursue compensation matters through the courts, Hentys Lawyers protect the employer’s interests, ensuring their side of the story is well-represented to Workers Compensation scheme authorities such as WorkSafe Victoria, WorkSafe WA, SafeWork SA, WorkCover Queensland and SafeWork NSW. This includes advocacy to the authority’s Solicitors and agents, such as insurers and panel firms representing the authority.
Our team conducts thorough case analyses and prepares strong legal arguments to defend employers against claims that may be unreasonable or unsupported by evidence. This service helps mitigate the risk of adverse judgments and provides employers with the peace of mind that their case is being handled with diligence and expertise.
Compliance with State and/or Territory Workers’ Compensation Legislation
Workers’ compensation legislation can vary across Australian states and territories, making compliance a critical, but complex task for employers. Hentys Lawyers ensures employers understand and meet their obligations under the relevant legislation, helping them avoid costly penalties and maintain a compliant workplace. Our team reviews company policies, assists with claim documentation, and advises on best practices to meet legislative standards. This compliance support fosters a safer work environment and reduces the risk of legal issues.
Surveillance and Circumstance Investigations under Legal Professional Privilege
In certain cases, employers may need to conduct surveillance or investigations to verify the legitimacy of a claim. Hentys Lawyers offers these investigative services under Legal Professional Privilege, ensuring that sensitive information remains confidential and protected. Our team arranges forensic surveillance to gather evidence that can support the employer’s case, helping to prevent fraudulent claims or exaggerated injury reports from impacting the business, including incorrect premiums payable. This approach provides a layer of protection for employers while ensuring that all investigative actions are conducted legally and ethically.
Statistical Case Estimate and Premium Calculation Model Advice
Workers’ compensation premiums paid to Workers Compensation Authority insurers are often based on case estimates and historical data, making it essential for employers to have accurate and strategic input into their premium calculations. By understanding how claims impact premiums, and exploring ways to reduce claim costs, we assist employers in maintaining more manageable premium levels over time. This service is particularly valuable for businesses looking to control operational expenses without compromising their obligations to workers.
Why Choose Hentys Lawyers?
Customised Employer-Focused Solutions
Our advisors work closely with employers to create solutions addressing your specific concerns, whether preventing injury claims, managing costs, or streamlining internal processes.
Experienced Legal Support in Employer Claims
Hentys’ advisors have decades of experience advocating for employers, making us a trusted partner for navigating workers’ compensation laws.
Proactive Cost Management and Claims Monitoring
Our proactive approach to claims management controls costs and minimises the administrative burden. By constantly monitoring each case, we can spot potential issues early and resolve them before any issue on a workers’ compensation claim escalates. This level of vigilance helps our clients save money and maintain stable premiums.
24/7/365 Availability
We know your business may not stop after 5pm like most law firms. This is another reason why we are different. In addition to monitoring and facilitating forensic surveillance investigations, in the event of an incident or concern, we offer 24/7 advice and consultation 365 days a year. We’re there for you when your business needs us.
FAQs for Employers Managing Workers Compensation Claims
Trust Hentys as Your Worker’s Compensation Management Advisor in Melbourne
With Hentys as your advisor, you gain a trusted partner who understands Australia’s regulatory landscape and is dedicated to safeguarding your worker’s compensation. Our tailored services ensure that every claim is managed in the employer’s best interests—protecting your bottom line while fostering a safe and compliant workplace. Contact us today to learn how Hentys can streamline your worker’s compensation management and give you peace of mind.
Contact Hentys Lawyers today for expert legal advice and tailored solutions on (03) 8615 4200.