If you’ve been injured at work, chances are you’ve found yourself asking: “How much will I actually get from workers’ comp?” While the system is designed to support injured workers, there’s no single fixed amount. Your compensation will depend on a mix of factors like how bad the injury is, how long you’re off work, and whether your employer was at fault.

This guide breaks down how workers’ compensation payouts are calculated, the types of payments you might receive, and average figures based on recent data — with a focus on Queensland’s WorkCover system, but also insights from other states.

What types of payments make up a workers’ comp payout?

A workers’ compensation payout isn’t just one payment — it’s usually made up of several parts depending on your injury and situation:

• Weekly compensation – wage replacement while you’re off work

• Medical and rehabilitation expenses – bills for treatment and recovery

• Lump sum for permanent impairment – if your injury leaves lasting damage

• Common law damages – if your employer’s negligence caused your injury

Each of these is assessed separately and can vary based on your case.

How are weekly payments calculated?

If you’re unable to work due to your injury, you’ll receive weekly payments to cover lost wages. In Queensland, these are usually:

• 85% of your normal weekly earnings for the first 26 weeks

• 75% for the following period

• Reduced again after two years, depending on capacity and award type

These payments are capped based on Queensland’s Ordinary Time Earnings (QOTE), meaning high-income earners may receive less than their full pre-injury wage.

What medical expenses are covered?

WorkCover (or your state’s equivalent) pays for reasonable and necessary medical treatment, including:

• GP and specialist appointments

• Surgery and hospital stays

• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation

• Prescription medications

• Psychological treatment (if required)

You don’t usually receive these payments as cash – they’re paid directly to your providers or reimbursed to you. If your injury is serious, these costs can add up to tens of thousands of dollars or more.

What is a lump sum for permanent impairment?

If your injury results in long-term or permanent effects, you might be assessed for a Degree of Permanent Impairment (DPI). This is done after your condition stabilises.

You’ll be assigned a percentage rating (e.g. 5%, 12%, etc.) based on how much the injury has affected your body. The higher the percentage, the higher the statutory lump sum you’re offered. In Queensland:

• A 1% DPI might result in a few thousand dollars

• A 20% DPI or higher could reach six figures

• The maximum payout for 100% impairment is about $398,000

Not everyone receives a lump sum — only those with lasting impairment.

What if my employer was at fault?

In some cases, your injury might have been caused by negligence, such as unsafe work practices, faulty equipment, or lack of training. If so, you may be eligible to make a common law claim.

This is a separate legal claim that compensates you for:

• Pain and suffering

• Loss of future income

• Loss of superannuation

• Future care or support needs

These claims often result in much higher payouts, but you need to prove fault. Many workers choose to pursue these claims with help from a no win no fee lawyer.

What’s the average payout for a workers’ compensation claim?

The average payout can vary widely depending on injury severity and whether common law is involved. According to recent Queensland data:

Average statutory claim (wages + medical only):
Typically ranges from $5,000 to $50,000 depending on injury and time off work

Average lump sum (permanent impairment):
For minor injuries, $5,000–$25,000
For more serious injuries, $50,000–$150,000+

Average common law settlement:
Around $180,000 in-hand, after refunds and legal fees
Many serious cases settle for $250,000–$400,000, and some even higher

The type of injury heavily influences this. For example, a severe back injury may result in a payout over $300,000, while a sprained ankle with a full recovery might only involve a few weeks’ pay and physio costs.

What are typical payouts for different injury types?

Minor injuries (e.g. sprains, cuts, light strains)
Time off work: 1–4 weeks
Little or no permanent damage
Payout: $2,000–$10,000

Moderate injuries (e.g. fractures, herniated discs, psychological injuries)
Time off: 1–6 months
May include impairment rating
Payout: $15,000–$100,000

Serious injuries (e.g. permanent back injury, brain injury, multiple surgeries)
Long-term or permanent impact
Common law claim likely
Payout: $150,000–$500,000+

These are only indicative figures, based on Queensland trends. Payouts in NSW, VIC, and other states follow similar structures but can differ in caps and step-downs.

How long does it take to receive workers’ compensation?

The timeline depends on the complexity of your case.

• Weekly payments often start within 1–2 weeks of claim approval

• Medical costs are paid as needed

• Lump sum offers come after recovery stabilises (can take 6–12 months)

• Common law claims usually take 12–24 months to settle

Most minor claims resolve quickly, while serious injuries can take years to finalise.

Can I get workers’ comp for stress or mental health?

Yes — if your mental health condition was caused by or significantly worsened by your job, you may be eligible for compensation. Common examples include:

• Psychological injury from bullying or harassment

• PTSD from a traumatic event

• Anxiety or depression due to work-related stress

Mental health claims are assessed carefully and may require extra evidence. They can lead to similar compensation as physical injuries, including wage replacement, treatment, and potentially lump sum offers for permanent conditions.

Are workers’ comp payouts the same in every state?

No, each state and territory runs its own scheme. While the structure is similar across Australia, the fine details differ.

Key differences include:

• Weekly payment rates and durations

• Caps on impairment and lump sums

• Thresholds for common law access

• Process for assessing impairment

For example, in NSW you might receive 95% of pre-injury earnings early on, compared to 85% in QLD. Some states have tighter rules around suing for damages. Still, all systems aim to ensure support for injured workers.

What should I do if I’m unsure about my entitlements?

Understanding what you’re entitled to isn’t always easy — especially with longer-term injuries. While you don’t need a lawyer for every claim, legal guidance can help with:

• Disputed claims or rejected applications

• Impairment assessments and lump sum offers

• Exploring negligence or common law options

• Ensuring all entitlements are paid properly

At Trilby Misso, we operate on a no win no fee basis, which means you don’t pay anything if your claim doesn’t succeed — helping you seek advice with confidence and without pressure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much compensation do you get for a back injury at work?
Back injury payouts range from $10,000 for minor cases up to $300,000+ for severe, long-term injuries, depending on time off, treatment, and permanent damage.

Will I still get paid if WorkCover rejects my claim?
If your claim is rejected, you won’t receive weekly payments — but you may be able to appeal or seek legal advice to challenge the decision.

Can I claim both workers’ comp and common law damages?
Yes, but only in certain cases. In QLD, if your impairment is under 20%, you must choose one or the other. If it’s over 20%, you may be entitled to both.

Further Reading

Queensland Government – Workers’ Compensation Overview
https://www.qld.gov.au/jobs/entitlements/compensation

Safe Work Australia – National Compensation Statistics
https://www.safeworkaustralia.gov.au/doc/australian-workers-compensation-statistics-2020-2021

WorkCover Queensland – Claims Process
https://www.worksafe.qld.gov.au/claims-and-return-to-work/workers

Workers’ compensation payouts in Australia can range from a few thousand dollars for minor injuries to hundreds of thousands for severe, long-term cases. In Queensland, the WorkCover system provides structured support through weekly wage replacement, medical treatment, and potential lump sums — with additional compensation possible through common law claims if negligence is involved.

How much you receive depends on your income, time off work, medical needs, and the lasting impact of your injury. Every claim is different, but understanding how the process works gives you the confidence to take the next steps. And with no win, no fee arrangements, there’s no cost to get advice if your situation gets complex.