Broken bones at work: Your rights and next steps

A broken bone from a workplace accident can derail your life. It can mean time off work, medical bills, rehabilitation costs, and ongoing pain. If you’ve suffered a fracture at work, you have legal rights.

Here’s what you need to know.

Common workplace broken bone injuries

Broken bones at work happen across industries:

• Construction: falls from heights, machinery accidents
• Manufacturing: crush injuries, equipment-related fractures
• Hospitality: slips and falls, lifting injuries
• Trades: hand and arm fractures, ladder falls

It doesn’t matter where you work, if your broken bone was caused by your job, you likely have a claim. In Australia, workers compensation covers workplace broken bones comprehensively. You’re entitled to:

• Medical treatment:  Surgery, hospital stays, imaging, specialist care
• Ongoing care: Physiotherapy, occupational therapy, pain management
• Wage replacement: Initially at full pre-injury average earnings
• Rehabilitation support: Return-to-work programs, retraining if necessary
• Permanent injury compensation: Lump sum for lasting disability (if applicable)

Fracture severity matters

Simple fractures heal faster than complex breaks. Compound fractures, multiple breaks, or fractures requiring surgery typically result in higher compensation due to:

• Extended recovery time
• Increased medical expenses
• Longer period away from work
• Greater likelihood of permanent disability

What to do after breaking a bone at work

Follow these important steps if you have a broken bone caused by your work.

1. Seek immediate medical attention
   Get proper diagnosis and imaging. Document everything, hospital records become crucial evidence.
2. Report to your employer
   Notify your supervisor and employer immediately, in writing if possible. Keep a copy.
3. Gather evidence
   Photograph the scene, collect witness statements, preserve any equipment involved, and keep all medical documentation.
4. Avoid settlement without legal advice
   Don’t accept initial offers without understanding your full entitlements. Insurance companies often undervalue claims.
5. Consult a workers compensation lawyer
   Early legal advice protects your interests. Lawyers understand how to calculate fair compensation for broken bone injuries.

How MEJ can help

Broken bone claims could involve complex calculations of medical costs, lost wages, and permanent injury compensation. Our experienced workers compensation team ensures you receive fair compensation covering all aspects of your injury.

Contact MEJ today for expert advice and a free consultation on your workers compensation claim.