What to do if you're injured at work in the Northern Territory
- Halfpennys
- Jul 16
- 7 min read
Updated: Aug 25
Whether you work in Darwin’s busy construction sector, health services, hospitality or public service, getting injured at work can affect more than just your body. Beyond the physical and mental impacts, it can also cause financial stress when you need time off and medical treatment. Recovery isn’t always straightforward. That’s where workers’ compensation can help.
If you’re injured at work in the Northern Territory, the first step is to tell your employer. From there, you’ll fill in a claim form and start your recovery journey. Read on to learn how workers’ compensation works in the Northern Territory and what you can do to get back on your feet after a workplace injury.
What is workers’ compensation?
Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance that provides payment to employees who are injured at work or become ill due to their job. It covers lost wages while you’re off work, as well as medical and rehabilitation costs.
All workers in the Northern Territory are covered, regardless of age, visa status, or whether they work full-time, part-time or casually. This also includes labour hire workers.
Workers' compensation doesn’t apply in every situation. You won’t be covered if your illness or injury is not caused by work, or if your medical and rehabilitation costs are unrelated to your employment. Injuries that happen outside work hours are also not usually covered, unless they occur in the course of your employment.
As outlined in NTWorkSafe’s worker’s guide to workers’ compensation, workers are not covered for standard motor vehicle journeys to and from work. However, you may be covered in the following situations:
You walk or ride a bike to work
You’re called into work after hours (even if you’re not paid for the journey)
You’re travelling to or from a different workplace at your employer’s request
How to claim workers' compensation in the NT
If you’re injured at work, it’s essential to act quickly. Follow these steps to start your claim and get the support you need.
Notify your employer
If you think you have sustained a work-related injury or illness, advise your employer as soon as possible. While the Northern Territory Workers' Compensation Act doesn’t impose a specific deadline for you to take this step, it’s best to do so promptly.
Even if you’re not sure yet whether you’ll make a claim, it’s still important to notify your employer. Keep note of the date and time of the injury, how it happened and the details of any witnesses. Pass this information on to your employer, who will keep a record of your injury notice.
In the Northern Territory, you can notify your employer either verbally or in writing. However, it’s best to have written evidence to avoid misunderstandings or disputes. If you speak to them in person or over the phone, follow up with an email summarising what you discussed.
See a medical professional
See a doctor promptly to get treatment for your work-related injury or illness. While some employers have arrangements for their employees to see certain medical professionals, you have the right to choose the doctor who treats you. If you make a claim, your employer or their insurer may ask you to attend an independent medical examination for a second opinion.
Your doctor will complete a Workers’ Compensation Medical Certificate of Capacity, which outlines your injury, any work restrictions, and whether you’re fit to return to work. You’ll receive a copy of this certificate, which must be submitted with your claim form if you’re seeking income support.
Be sure to keep copies of all medical certificates, receipts, invoices, and related documents for your records. These records may be needed to support your claim or for reimbursement of expenses.
Complete a workers’ compensation form
To begin your claim, download and complete Part One of the Northern Territory Workers’ Compensation Claim Form. This form, along with other important information about injuries and claims, is available online to help guide you through the process.
Part One must be filled in and signed by you (or someone acting on your behalf), including the declaration and the authority to release medical and relevant personal information. If you're claiming for income loss, you must also submit a Medical Certificate of Capacity, completed and signed by your treating doctor. This certificate can initially cover up to 14 days.
You have six months from the date of your injury, or from when you first became aware of your illness or incapacity, to lodge a claim. In some cases, claims submitted after this period may still be accepted, but it's best to act as soon as possible.
Once you've completed and signed your form and gathered any required documents, such as your medical certificate, hand, email or post them to your employer without delay. If posting the form, it's recommended to send it via registered mail. Always keep copies of everything you submit, including claim forms, medical certificates, invoices and receipts for treatment.
Your employer must then complete Part Two of the form and forward the entire claim to their workers’ compensation insurer within three working days. The insurer is required to make an initial decision on your claim within 10 working days of receiving it from your employer.
Stay in touch with your employer
After reporting your injury and submitting your claim, it’s important to maintain regular communication with your employer throughout your recovery.
Let your employer know as soon as possible if you need time off work or if your capacity to work changes. Keeping them informed can help ensure you get the support you need, whether that’s reduced hours, modified duties, or adjustments to your work environment.
You can also assist your treating doctor by sharing information about your usual tasks and any suitable duties your employer may be able to offer. This can help your doctor make informed recommendations about your return to work and ensure your recovery is safe and supported.
Why is medical treatment so important?
Seeking medical treatment is one of the most critical steps after a workplace injury, not just for your health, but for your workers’ compensation claim. To receive compensation, you need medical evidence that confirms your injury is work-related and outlines its severity.
A doctor’s opinion helps establish how the injury affects your ability to work, whether you need time off, and what kind of treatment or support you may require. This medical information forms the foundation of your claim and is essential in determining whether you’re entitled to compensation, including payment for lost wages and medical expenses.
Without proper medical documentation, your claim may be delayed or rejected. That’s why it’s crucial to see a doctor as soon as possible and keep records of all appointments, certificates, and treatment recommendations.
What if my workers’ compensation claim is rejected?
Many workers’ compensation cases are successful; more than 86 per cent of injury claims made in the Northern Territory in 2022-23 were accepted. If your workers’ compensation claim is rejected, it’s important not to panic, but don’t delay taking action either. The first step is to speak with a workers’ compensation lawyer, who can assess your situation and advise you on the next steps.
There are a number of reasons why a claim might be rejected. For example, the insurer may believe the injury didn’t occur at work, or that it doesn’t meet the threshold of a ‘significant’ injury eligible for compensation. In some cases, there may be concerns about fraudulent claims, or disputes over whether certain medical treatments or expenses should be covered.
Even if your claim was initially accepted, it may later be ceased, meaning payments or support stop before you’ve fully recovered. This could happen due to a change in medical opinion, a reassessment by the insurer, or new information being brought forward.
Medical evidence often plays a central role in these decisions. Conflicting opinions from doctors, specialists, or allied health providers can lead to disputes about the cause of your injury, how serious it is, or what treatment is necessary. In many cases, your treating doctor’s report will be compared with assessments by independent medical examiners appointed by the insurer.
If you've received any notice about a claim rejection, payment stoppage, or refusal to fund treatment, it's essential to get legal advice as soon as possible.
Can you dispute your rejection yourself?
Yes, you can dispute a rejected workers’ compensation claim on your own, but it’s not recommended. Workers’ compensation law in the Northern Territory is complex, and the process of challenging a decision involves strict timeframes, detailed evidence, and legal procedures that can be difficult to navigate without support.
While you're legally entitled to represent yourself, it's important to understand that your employer and their insurer will almost certainly have legal representation. To give yourself the best chance of success, it’s wise to seek legal advice early.
A workers’ compensation lawyer can help you understand the reasons for the rejection, gather the right medical and factual evidence, and advocate for your rights throughout the process.
Disputing a claim is about more than just stating your case; it often involves interpreting legislation, responding to insurer arguments, and presenting expert medical opinions. Having the right legal support can make all the difference to the outcome.
Moving forward after a workplace injury
Workplace injuries can happen in any Darwin workplace, from remote project sites to retail, offices or hospitals. Whatever your role, acting early understanding workers’ compensation in the NT will help you get back on your feet. If your injury was caused by work, you may be entitled to compensation for treatment, lost income, and support to return safely.
Keep records of everything, stay in touch with your employer, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Many employers are willing to support your recovery. And above all, stay safe and aware in your workplace.
If your claim has been rejected or you're unsure what to do next, contact our workers’ compensation lawyers for expert advice and support.
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