Are you someone who carries out unpaid work for an organisation (such as a non-profit organisation or a religious, charitable or benevolent organisation) voluntarily?
If so, its important that you’re aware of your entitlements as a volunteer to the same degree as if you were an employee.
What Happens If I’m Injured When Volunteering?
Those who have sustained an injury whilst performing volunteer work may be asking the question, ‘what’s next?’ when their injuries lead to financial loss. Some may end up paying out-of-pocket for medical treatments or having a loved one become a carer following an unexpected injury that was no fault of their own.
So, while compensation for these financial losses is the best way to help get lives back on track; eligibility (for Worker’s compensation specifically) will depend on your state or territory, and if the company you volunteer for has chosen to take out a limited policy that covers their unpaid workers.
In Queensland, it is not compulsory for organisations to cover volunteers for any work-related injury that could happen whilst volunteering. (worksafe.qld.gov.au)
It could be possible, however, for you to pursue a public liability claim. This will be a matter of proving that a ‘duty of care’ owed to you has been breached.
Duty of Care whilst Volunteering
The organisation for which you are providing unpaid work will have a duty of care to provide you with safe working methods. If this duty of care has been breached and can be proven as the cause of your injury. You may have grounds for making a public liability claim.
Finding Appropriate Legal Assistance
If you have sustained a serious injury as a volunteer, we encourage you to explore all options about seeking compensation. Discussing your situation with a Personal Injury Lawyer could lead you to financial stability which you otherwise could have missed.
Have you fallen victim to a personal injury as a volunteer worker?
Let us assist you during your recovery. With a professional Personal Injury Lawyer by your side, you can increase the chances of succeeding in your claim, whilst prioritising what’s most important: your recovery.
To discover more about how we can be of help to you, please click through to the link below. We are located in Roma, Toowoomba and Central Brisbane.