If you have a serious injury

Serious injury, as opposed to a chronic illness, is generally defined as physical trauma to the body by an external force that needs immediate hospital or medical treatment. This can be caused by:

• a fall or burn
• an act of violence
• the result of a road accident
• a natural disaster
• a faulty product
• a sporting activity
• an incident at home, at work or in a public place

The injury can, but does not have to, result in:

• long-term impairment or loss of a body function
• permanent disfigurement
• long-term mental or behavioural disturbance or disorder

However, being seriously injured is not only about dealing with any physical impact. There can be emotional, professional and financial challenges as well.

Coming to terms with your injury

Sometimes knowing as much about your injury as possible in the early stages can:

• give you a greater sense of control
• help you deal with any anxiety
• aid your recovery

To find out more, talk to your doctors and health professionals. Some of the questions you could ask include:

• What type of injury do I have and what are the treatment options?
• Why have you recommended this course of action?
• How long will the treatment take and when will I be able to return to work?
• Will I need rehabilitation and if so, what am I likely to experience?
• Is there a chance my injury could be permanent?
• Are there any signs that my recovery is not going to plan?

If you're experiencing any emotional unease or stress following your injury, visit Beyond Blue for ways to help manage anxiety. Also see section #6, Accessing support services, for more information.

Recovering from a serious injury can make it hard to do your usual job and could require you taking extended time off work.

First, check your leave entitlements then talk to your employer about:

• how long the break might be and
• plans for possible backfill arrangements for your role during any absence
• your rights to privacy, job security and any support payments like workers compensation or CTP insurance schemes (if applicable)
• options for flexible return to work arrangements

Leave and notice

Leave entitlements can vary.  Minimum leave entitlements come from the National Employment Standards (NES).

An award, registered agreement or contract of employment can provide for other leave entitlements but they can’t be less than what’s in the NES.

The types of leave available can include (but not limited to) one or a combination of:

• personal leaving, including sick and carer's leave
• annual leave
• long service leave
• leave without pay

To apply, you generally have to give notice and may need to supply documents (except for annual leave) like a medical certificate or statutory declaration.

If you were injured at work or as a result of a motor accident, additional leave provisions may be available as part of a workers compensation or CTP insurance scheme. 

See the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA) for more information.

Rights and responsibilities when taking time off

There are certain rights and workplace protections you're entitled to when organising time off or a change to the way you usually work with your employer.

Privacy

You may not want to tell your employer about your injury if it is not obvious or noticeable.

If you do tell them, but would like it kept private, your employer can't share that information without your consent.

However, you must tell your employer if your injury affects your ability to do your job, or if it will cause health and safety issues for others.

Job security

If you have a work-related injury your employer is not allowed to dismiss you within 6 months of being deemed unfit for work.

This right is protected under the NSW Workers Compensation Act.

When taking sick leave

If you take sick leave while recovering from an injury that is not work related, your job is protected if you've:

• been away less than 3 months in a row (or less than 3 months over a 12-month period)
• taken paid or unpaid leave, or a combination of both
• provided proof of your injury, such as a medical certificate

However, you may not be protected if you've taken more than 3 months off work, even with proof of your injury.

Experiencing a serious injury can have a significant financial impact on you, your family and your budget.

There can be increased costs for medical expenses, specialist health care, and rehabilitation programs.

Plus, your ability to earn an income can also be affected if you have to take extended time off work.

Your health service provider will generally be able to direct you to the appropriate support group, depending on the type of injury you have.

Additionally, there is a range of general and dedicated support groups and resources that could also help with your recovery.

healthdirect

healthdirect is a federal government-funded organisation providing extensive health information and advice, including guidance specifically related to:

• rehabilitation after illness or injury
• understanding occupational therapy 

State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA)

SIRA oversees compulsory third party (CTP) and workers compensation insurance in NSW. They publish an Injured at work guide to help you better understand: 

• what to do if you have a workplace injury 
• the insurance claims process
• what to expect during recovery
• advice on returning to work

Brain injury trauma

The physical impacts of a brain injury can be visible, but possible impairment to your thinking, emotions and behaviour can be harder to diagnose and treat. 

To help, there is a range of organisations supporting people affected by brain injury with:

• assessment programs
• recovery plans
• rehabilitation and therapy services
• community support groups.

Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) Services is a not for profit specialist helping individuals with ABI live a more independent life.

Synapse helps brain injury patients identify and access the most suitable systems of care and support.

Brain Injury Australia is a nationwide referral program improving the social and economic wellbeing of people living with a brain injury.

Spinal cord injury (SCI)

There is a range of specific organisations helping people with a spinal cord injury lead productive, independent lives through rehabilitation and assistive devices.

With the help of community forums and peer support programs, Spinal Cord Injuries Australia aims to help patients:

• overcome barriers
• achieve goals
• live an independent life

The State Spinal Cord Injury Service works to improve the experience and delivery of healthcare for people with spinal cord injuries in NSW.

If you're thinking about returning to work or school as part of your recovery, you may want to talk to your employer or teachers about:

• a possible start date
• whether an awareness plan for other staff or students is needed
• what support services might be available
• any access restrictions if medical aids like crutches or a wheelchair are part of your recovery

Returning to work

Depending on your injury, you may not have to wait until fully recovered before going back to work.

According to the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA), people who keep working, even if they can’t do everything at first, can recover quicker than people who take a longer time off.

SIRA also advises that:

• the longer you’re away from work, the harder it can be to get back to work 
• taking a long time off work can impact you socially, emotionally and physically 
• work helps you stay active and can be an important part of recovery 
• staying active helps to reduce pain 
• being at work is an opportunity to reconnect with people and be part of a community 

Employment Assistance Fund (EAF)

The Australian Government's Employment Assistance Fund (EAF) gives financial help to eligible people with disability and mental health conditions and employers to fund:

• work related modifications and equipment
• Auslan services 
• workplace assistance and support services

Flexible working arrangements

If your injury makes it difficult to work, or forces you to work differently, you could ask to change how your work is structured.

Depending on the extent of your injury and its recovery period, a flexible work arrangement can include:

• part time or job sharing
• changed start or finish times
• compressed working week (more hours over fewer days)
• working from home

Returning to school

To make it as easy as possible for your child to return to school and attend class during their recovery, you can talk to teachers about:

• developing a back-to-school awareness and support plan 
• making any modifications and adjustments to ensure safe access

Depending on the type of injury and how permanent it is, you may also be eligible for support programs to help with your child's studies offered by:

• the Education Standards Authority with adjustments to teaching, learning and assessment activities
• TAFE NSW with classroom assistance and, if you qualify, reduced or no course fees

Public transport assistance

Transport NSW offers a range of accessible travel services to help people use public transport with mobility aids. Find out more about:

• planning an accessible trip
• accessibility on regional trains and coaches
• locally based community transport

Recovering from a injury can be more than physical. It can also mean dealing with:

• changes to how you live and work
• mental health concerns
• legal issues