Many Australians who are entitled to compensation after an injury never claim it. Sometimes they do not know the avenue exists. Sometimes they assume it is not for people like them, or that it would cost too much to pursue. Often they simply run out of time, because the limits on these claims are strict and shorter than most people expect.
This guide maps the main types of compensation claim in Australia and points you to a detailed explainer for each. It is general information only, not legal advice. Every claim turns on its own facts, the rules differ by state, and strict time limits apply, so if you think you may have a claim, speak to a qualified lawyer sooner rather than later.
After a car accident
If you were injured in a motor accident, the Compulsory Third Party (CTP) scheme is usually the avenue. Start with car accident compensation and how CTP claims work. For the most common injury, see whiplash compensation.
Injured at work
Work injuries are generally covered by your state’s no-fault scheme. See workers compensation in Australia.
Cover you may already hold in your super
This is the one people miss most. Many Australians hold disability and income insurance inside their superannuation without knowing. See TPD claims, income protection claims, and the cover hiding in your super.
Injured in public, or by negligence
If someone else’s carelessness injured you, a negligence claim may apply. See public liability claims, medical negligence claims, and the umbrella explainer on personal injury claims.
Victims of crime
If you were hurt by a violent crime, most states run a financial assistance scheme that is separate from suing the offender. See victims of crime compensation.
The most expensive mistake in a compensation claim is waiting. Time limits are short, and once they pass, a strong claim can be worth nothing.
How the lawyers get paid
Most compensation lawyers work on a no win no fee basis, which is why cost is rarely the real barrier. Understand how it works, and what you owe if you lose, in no win no fee, explained.
The bottom line
If something happened to you that was not your fault, or you were hurt at work or on the road, it is worth finding out where you stand before the clock runs out. A free, no-obligation eligibility check like CompoCheck can tell you quickly whether one of the avenues above might apply, and the explainers here tell you how each one works.