What If My Workplace Injury Gets Worse Over Time?

June 16, 2026

Frequently asked questions

You may still have options if your workplace injury gets worse after you return to work or after your initial treatment. Many workplace injuries develop gradually or become more severe over time. If you’ve suffered a work-related injury, you may be entitled to make a WorkCover claim and, in some circumstances, pursue a workplace injury claim.

Is It Common for Workplace Injuries to Worsen?

Yes. Not all workplace injuries heal as expected. Some injuries may appear minor initially but become more serious weeks, months or even years later.

This can occur with:

Back injuries
Shoulder injuries
Neck injuries
Knee injuries
Repetitive strain injuries
Psychological injuries

Symptoms may increase as normal work duties resume or as underlying damage becomes more apparent.

What Should I Do If My Symptoms Get Worse?

If your condition deteriorates:

See your doctor as soon as possible.
Follow recommended treatment.
Keep copies of medical records and certificates.
Report any changes to your employer where appropriate.
Keep records of how the injury affects your work and daily activities.

Updated medical evidence is often important when a condition changes.

Can a Worsening Injury Affect My Claim?

Potentially.

A worsening injury may impact treatment requirements, work capacity and recovery timeframes. This is one reason why ongoing medical treatment and accurate documentation can be important throughout the claims process.

Related Information

Office Locations

Trilby Misso Lawyers has offices across Queensland, including:

Kathryn MacDonell

Chief Executive Officer

Kathryn is Trilby Misso’s Chief Executive Officer.

Meet Kathryn

Your next step is a small one, but don’t delay

Your next step is a small one. All you need to do is give us a call on 07 3910 5470 or complete this form here to arrange a quick chat.

During this initial conversation, we will:

Have a chat about your circumstances.
Give you an approximate indication of your eligibility for compensation.
Explain, in simple terms, how our process works. We will answer any questions you have about fees, the legal process, and anything else you’re unsure about relating to your circumstances.