Australian injury guide
What to Do After an Injury in Australia
Safety and treatment come first. The next useful step is to preserve reliable information without trying to prove a legal case yourself. Different states and injury settings have different notice and claim processes.
Attend to health and safety
Call emergency services when required and obtain appropriate treatment. Tell the practitioner how the injury happened and keep certificates, referrals, accounts and medication records. Do not delay treatment to collect evidence.
Record the setting without making allegations
Note the exact place, time, weather, route or activity. If safe, take wide photographs showing the setting and closer images of the relevant condition. Keep the original files and avoid public accusations.
Report the incident through the right channel
Ask for a police, employer, transport operator, school, council or premises incident number as appropriate. A report is a contemporaneous record, not an admission of liability.
Check the correct state scheme early
Motor, workplace, public liability and medical negligence matters follow different processes. A court limitation period may not reveal an earlier insurer notice or claim form date.
Sources and scope
healthdirect — accidents and first aid ↗
Sources checked 25 September 2026. General information only. Check current state or territory legislation, scheme guidance and individual advice before acting on a time limit.