Workers compensation · Sydney & NSW
If you have suffered a physical or psychological injury because of your work, Robert Bryden Lawyers can help you understand your rights, deal with the insurer and pursue the workers compensation entitlements available to you.
Experienced guidance
A workers compensation claim can involve more than simply having your initial claim accepted. Questions can arise about weekly payments, medical treatment, returning to work, permanent impairment and what happens if an insurer disputes your claim.
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Workers compensation may include weekly payments if you cannot work or have reduced earnings, as well as reasonably necessary medical, hospital and rehabilitation expenses. Depending on your injury and circumstances, other entitlements may also be available. Robert Bryden Lawyers can help you understand what applies to your claim.
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If an insurer rejects your claim or disputes your treatment, payments or other entitlements, you may be able to ask for the decision to be reviewed or take the dispute further. Robert Bryden Lawyers can review the insurer's reasons, explain your options and help you take the appropriate next step.
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If your injury results in permanent impairment, you may have additional entitlements depending on the degree of impairment and your circumstances. Permanent impairment can also affect other aspects of your workers compensation claim, so it is important to understand the implications before an assessment or settlement. Robert Bryden Lawyers can advise you before important decisions are made.
Eligibility
If you are a worker and suffer an injury or illness connected with your employment, you may be entitled to workers compensation in NSW. Claims can involve physical injuries, diseases and psychological injuries, although the legal tests and entitlements differ depending on the type of claim and when the injury was notified.
If you are unsure whether you are covered as a worker, or whether your injury is sufficiently connected with your employment, legal advice can help clarify your position.
Important: a statutory workers compensation claim is not the same as a work injury damages claim. Negligence is relevant to some damages claims, but should not be presented as a universal requirement for every workers compensation claim.
Your entitlements
The compensation available depends on your injury, capacity for work, treatment needs, permanent impairment and the applicable NSW workers compensation rules.
Income support may be available where your work-related injury affects your capacity to work. The amount and duration depend on the legislation and your circumstances.
Reasonable and necessary treatment, rehabilitation and related expenses may be covered, subject to the scheme rules and insurer decisions.
Some workers with permanent impairment may be entitled to lump sum compensation. Assessment rules and thresholds can differ according to the type and date of injury.
After an injury
Acting promptly can make it easier to document your injury and progress your claim.
Notify your employer as soon as possible and make sure the incident or condition is properly recorded.
Obtain appropriate medical treatment and medical evidence. Keep copies of certificates, reports and treatment information.
Lodge the workers compensation claim with the relevant workers compensation insurer and seek advice if there is uncertainty or a dispute.
Time limits: SIRA states that a workers compensation claim should generally be made within six months of the injury or death, although extensions can apply in certain circumstances. Do not delay getting advice if the six-month period has passed.
Disputes
A declined claim does not necessarily mean the matter is over. If an insurer disputes liability, treatment, weekly payments, permanent impairment or another aspect of your claim, there may be options to challenge the decision.
Depending on the type of decision, the dispute pathway can involve asking the insurer to review its position and/or making an application to the Personal Injury Commission. The correct approach depends on the decision you received and the issues in dispute.
A key area of experience
Psychological injuries can be just as serious as physical injuries. They may arise from traumatic events, bullying, harassment or other work-related circumstances, but NSW now applies specific rules to primary psychological injury claims notified on or after 1 July 2026.
Robert Bryden Lawyers has significant experience assisting clients with mental health and psychological injury matters. The current website states that more than 70% of the firm’s cases relate to mental health claims.
Because psychological injury claims can involve complex medical and factual evidence, early advice may help you understand how the current rules apply to your circumstances.
For primary psychological injuries first notified from 1 July 2026, SIRA says new eligibility, entitlement and claims-process rules apply.
Important update
NSW workers compensation laws changed on 1 July 2026. New eligibility requirements now apply to primary psychological injury claims, while changes to permanent impairment assessments may affect entitlements including weekly payments, medical expenses and lump sum compensation.
If you have an existing claim or your injury was notified around 1 July 2026, Robert Bryden Lawyers can help you understand which rules apply and how the changes may affect your entitlements.
Legal costs
The Independent Review Office (IRO) operates the Independent Legal Assistance and Review Service (ILARS). Eligible injured workers may be able to access independent legal advice and assistance through an IRO Approved Lawyer, with approved legal costs funded by IRO.
Robert Bryden Lawyers states that it is an approved IRO provider. Eligibility for ILARS funding and the scope of a funding grant depend on the applicable guidelines and the individual matter.
Why choose Robert Bryden
Robert Bryden began practising law in 1984 with a particular interest in personal injury and compensation. As the original owner of Bryden Lawyers, he brings decades of first-hand legal experience to his current family-owned practice.
Clients of Robert Bryden Lawyers deal personally with Robert and the firm’s team rather than being passed through a large rotating group of junior lawyers.
That personal approach is what makes Robert Bryden Lawyers different. Your claim is personal, and Robert believes your legal support should be too. Every client meets personally with Robert, giving you direct access to the experience behind the Bryden name.
Local support
Robert Bryden Lawyers’ head office is in Sydney CBD and the firm also lists appointment locations across Greater Sydney and Wollongong.
Appointments available by arrangement.
Common questions
You do not need a lawyer to lodge every workers compensation claim. Legal advice can be particularly helpful if your claim has been rejected; your weekly payments or medical treatment are disputed, you have a permanent impairment, or you are unsure whether you are receiving your full entitlements. Robert Bryden Lawyers can review your claim and explain your rights and options.
A workers compensation claim in NSW should generally be made within six months of the date of injury or death, although extensions can apply in certain circumstances. If more than six months has passed, don't assume it is too late to claim. Speak with Robert Bryden Lawyers about the time limits that may apply to your circumstances.
A rejected workers' compensation claim does not necessarily mean the matter is over. You can ask the insurer to review its decision and provide additional information, and some disputes can be taken to the Personal Injury Commission (PIC). Robert Bryden Lawyers can review the insurer's reasons for rejecting your claim and advise you on the next steps.
Yes, workers compensation may be available for a work-related psychological injury, but new eligibility requirements apply to primary psychological injuries first notified on or after 1 July 2026. Under the new rules, the injury must be caused by a specified relevant event or series of events, have a real and direct connection with employment, and employment must be the main contributing factor. Robert Bryden Lawyers can help you understand how the current rules may apply to your claim.
NSW law provides protections for injured workers. An employer cannot dismiss you within the first six months of being unfit for work where your work-related injury and resulting incapacity is a substantial reason for the dismissal, although dismissal may still occur for unrelated reasons. If you're concerned about your employment while receiving workers' compensation, speak with Robert Bryden Lawyers to understand your rights and options.
Take the next step
If you have been injured at work, your claim has been rejected, or you are unsure about your workers compensation rights, speak with Robert Bryden Lawyers about your circumstances.
Reviewed by Robert Bryden, Principal Lawyer
Last reviewed: September 2026
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