Frequently Asked Questions

Workers Compensation is a system that was adopted across Canada in the early 1900s.  Every jurisdiction in Canada now has its own workers compensation system. Workers compensation was adopted because the old system of suing employers wasn’t working.  Lawsuits are expensive.  Employers had ways of escaping liability.  And injured workers or their families were being left without any support or help. These problems led to the “historic compromise”.   Workers gave up their right to sue their employer in exchange for an independent, no fault and stable workers compensation system. If you’d like to know more about the history and structure of workers compensation, feel free to contact us!

Dealing with the Workers Compensation Board can be stressful and confusing.  Sometimes it feels like there’s no one looking out for you.  We can guide you through the process and make sure you’re getting what you’re entitled to.  We’re here to be on the workers side. Some of the things we can do include:

• Answer questions
• Talk to the Case Worker on your behalf
• Send letters for you
• Attend meetings with you
• Assist with return to work planning
• Get WCB decision letters
• Provide WCB education to you, your coworkers and your employer
• Help file appeals

You don’t have to wait until you have a problem to contact us.  The earlier we’re involved, the better.  Give us a call, and we’ll see what we can do!

There are three things you must do right away!

1. Tell your employer about your injury as soon as possible.
2. Complete a WCB Injury Report with your employer. (If your employer won't do this, contact us and we’ll tell you how to do it yourself).
3. See a doctor. Make sure you tell them you were hurt at work

Don’t delay – There are time limits to file WCB claims, and the sooner you file it the better. You should also contact our office.  We can make sure your claim process is as smooth as possible.  And the earlier we get involved the better.

See our instructions on how to file a claim here.  If you have any questions or problems, don’t hesitate to give us a call!

If you've reported an injury to your employer, in most cases they have a legal duty to help you file a WCB claim.  But sometimes employers don't want to file a claim, or they think they don't have to do so. If you've reported an injury but your employer says they won't file a WCB claim, contact our office and we'll tell you what to do. REMEMBER!  Never accept anyone's opinion about whether your condition is work related.  Your employer, your doctor, and lots of others might tell you they don't think WCB will cover your injury.  But only WCB can decide if you have a legitimate claim. If you have a problem you believe may be caused by work - even if you aren't sure  - you should always file a claim with WCB and let them decide.

When in doubt, file a claim! Sometimes injuries or illnesses aren’t straight forward.  They may happen over time or “creep up" on us.  There may be more than one cause. If you have a problem you believe may be caused or contributed to by work, you should always file a WCB claim. Never accept someone else’s opinion about whether your condition is work related.  No one - not your doctor, your employer or even our office - can tell you if your problem was caused by work.  Only WCB can decide if you have a legitimate claim.

In the majority of cases WCB claims go smoothly and without problems. But it doesn’t hurt to call us to make sure.  Our involvement can keep things running smoothly as time goes on.  And the sooner we’re involved, the better.

Case Workers are supposed to return your call within two business days.  But we know that this doesn’t always happen.  Often Case Workers are overwhelmed by work and messages, and simply can’t get back to everyone within a reasonable time frame.  Patience can wear thin when you’re never hearing back from anyone. If you aren’t hearing back, we suggest you start leaving messages through WCB’s Info Line at 902-491-8999 or 1-800-870-3331.  This way your message is sure to be documented on your claim file, and there will be formal evidence that you called and you left a messages. If delays are getting unreasonable you can also ask to speak with the Case Worker’s manager. If you’re having difficulty reaching your Case Worker we can help.  Contact us and we’ll work hard to make sure you get the information you need.

You are entitled to have representation and assistance when you’re dealing with WCB.  You don’t need to worry about any negative repercussions of asking us for help. For the most part we work collaboratively with WCB.  Most Case Workers appreciate having us involved because it can simplify things for them. In very rare cases Case Workers can be frustrated about having another party to deal with.  This is often when you need representation the most, so we encourage you to call us.

If WCB makes a decision about benefits that you don’t agree with, you have a right to appeal that decision. You should ask for the decision in writing.  Once you have a written decision letter you have 30 days to file an appeal. If you have any problems or questions, give us a call.

WCB claims are NEVER really closed. Your claim file may be inactive if you haven’t been in touch with them for a long time.  But you can always ask to have it reopened if you need more assistance.   Call us and we can help you arrange this.