If you've suffered a work related injury and need
help with your normal household activities and chores then you're
entitled to ask your Case Manager that this be included in your
rehabilitation and paid for by your WorkCover.
For example, if your treating doctor writes on your WorkCover
Medical Certificate that you need assistance with activities such
as lawn mowing or general household cleaning, then you can ask your
Case Manager to implement a Rehabilitation Program which approves
the costs for providing these services.
If your Case Manager refuses to implement a Rehabilitation
Program you may be able take out an action in the SA Workers
Compensation Tribunal to force them to do so.
If your treating doctor states that you require specific
equipment to help with your rehabilitation, then this may be
included in your Rehabilitation Program as well. This type of
equipment may include an ergonomic chair for your work station, an
orthopaedic mattress for your bed or a back-brace to provide
support whilst lifting at work.
If these items are not included in a Rehabilitation Program then
WorkCover is not obliged to pay for them, even if you have already
paid for them yourself and are asking to be reimbursed.
If you think you should be receiving some Home Help as a result
of your workplace injury, or some specific equipment to help you
rehabilitation and your Case Manager is not actioning this, you
should seek legal advice. For more information on this topic
or your WorkCover case generally, you can speak with
today's blog writer, Andersons
Solicitors Senior Associate, Marion
Williams.
Please note, this Blog is posted in Adelaide, South
Australia. It relates to South Australian legislation.