Wanning about Workcover Payments
Source from: WorkCover QLD Update
In a recent case an injured worker who was being paid workers compensation was sent to jail for working while still being paid by Workcover.
The worker was sentenced in the Brisbane Magistrates Court on 23 June 2022 after he pleaded guilty to nine charges including fraud and providing false information.
In March 2019, the worker injured his back at work, and was later diagnosed with depression. He submitted a successful workers’ compensation claim for his injury.
The man repeatedly told WorkCover Queensland he hadn’t worked since his injury.
However, the court was told the worker received more than $37,000 in payments while working as a ride share driver between March 2019 and December 2019.
The worker also worked at a retail distribution centre, earning more than $35,000 between September 2019 and October 2020, while he was still receiving workers’ compensation payments.
The worker was jailed for 15 months in June 2022, 10 months to be wholly suspended after serving five months in prison. His appeal of the judgement was refused in the District Court, and he now faces deportation from Australia.
This case is a good reminder to always keep Worekcover or any employment insurer up to date with your earnings, recovery from injury, and related details.
If you have any doubts – why not contact us for an obligation free appraisal??
