Workers’ compensation
Experiencing a workplace injury or illness can be distressing and challenging. Whether you’ve been injured on the job or have a work-related health issue, it’s important to know about the available benefits and support. Learn how to apply for workers’ compensation, and what you can do if your claim is denied.
Explore the links below to reliable online guides and tools and to organizations in BC. They have been chosen by librarians at Courthouse Libraries BC.
Selected resources
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Federal Workers’ Compensation Service
The FWCS processes compensation claims submitted by federal employees who have suffered a work-related injury or illness. The page links to compensation for federal workers, merchant seamen, survivors of employees slain on duty, locally engaged foreign citizens, federal inmates, and more. It includes information on how to track claims data.
Solution Explorer: Small Claims
The Solution Explorer is the first step in the online Civil Resolution Tribunal (CRT) process, with free legal information and self-help tools. You can apply to the CRT for small claims dispute resolution right from the Solution Explorer.
Making a Claim for Workers’ Compensation
Explains how workers’ compensation works, and who can get it, explaining the range of injuries and illnesses. It describes the benefits you might be entitled to if you suffer a temporary disability, or are permanently disabled, and the benefits for families of workers. It explains the steps you need to take to make a claim.
Workers’ Advisers Office
A summary of the services provided by the Workers’ Advisers Office. They can help you deal with WorkSafeBC, including when you need help with your claim or have a complaint.
Appeal a Decision
Information about the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Tribunal (WCAT) process, where you appeal a decision made by WorkSafeBC. It explains how to start and prepare an appeal, respond to an appeal, and find out an appeal’s status, and what happens after an appeal.
Reviews and Appeals (WorkSafeBC)
A fact sheet about your options if you disagree with a WorkSafeBC decision about your claim. You will deal with the Review Division or the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Tribunal (WCAT), and there are specific deadlines.
Extension of Time Applications (WCAT)
This fact sheet explains what happens if your review or appeal is filed late, what steps you need to take to start a late review or appeal, what you should put in your extension of time application, what counts as special circumstances, what counts as injustice, what other factors may be considered, and what happens next.
Late Applications for Workers’ Compensation
Explains how to apply for workers’ compensation. The page explains how much time you have to apply, what happens if you apply after more than a year, and what special circumstances WorkSafeBC considers. It covers when your benefits will start, what happens if there’s new medical evidence, and what happens if your claim is rejected.
LSLAP Manual: Workers’ Compensation
This chapter on workers’ compensation is from the manual used by law students handling cases at LSLAP’s legal clinics. It provides an overview of the law relating to compensation for workplace injuries or illness, and describes the claims and appeal procedure.