About WSIB

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Can I Sue my Employer?

Generally, you cannot sue your employer.

Is there a time limit to apply for WSIB?

Yes, there is a six-month time limit to apply for benefits.

If you miss a time limit, you should complete a Form 6, immediately, and send it along with a letter explaining why the time limit was missed. The WSIB may extend the time limit for specific reasons in limited circumstances.

How much does the WSIB pay?

The amount of benefits paid depends on the impact the injury has on you physically, mentally and financially. You are entitled to Loss of Earnings Benefits if you suffered a loss of income due to the work related injury. The level of benefits paid, depends on the accident date.

Can I receive money for the permanent injuries I sustained?

Yes.  A Non economic loss award is paid by the WSIB when your injury has a permanent impairment on your life. A permanent impairment means any permanent physical or functional abnormality or loss (including disfigurement) which results from an injury, and any psychological damage arising from the abnormality or loss. To determine if you have a permanent impairment, the WSIB looks at the medical information in your file.

The amount of your award is expressed as a percentage of the whole body and based on the medical and physiotherapy reports in your file.

Does WSIB pay for my Health Care?

The WSIB does pay for chiropractic and physiotherapy treatments as long they are recommended by your physician to treat your injury, and the treatment would improve your condition. You would usually receive 12 weeks of benefits for these treatments. An extension can be granted if your chiropractor or physiotherapist believes it is necessary and the Board agrees. The WSIB will only pay for these treatments until you reach maximal recovery.

The WSIB will also pay for any medication that is needed for your injury, as long as entitlement is granted for that injury by the Board.

Does WSIB pay for my Prescriptions?

In most cases when you are injured, you will require some form of medication. In many cases the WSIB will reimburse the injured worker for these expenses, however they must be pre-approved by the board.

As an injured worker you must provide the WSIB with the original prescriptions and receipts for all medications, assistive devices and supplies.

Does WSIB cover mileage to my medical appointments?

Many injured workers will need to travel for treatment and in some instances the WSIB will pay mileage or some travel expenses. Approval must be obtained for out of town travel. If the treatment is outside of city limits but still local, the reimbursement is based on mileage. Treatment within the city limits is based on bus fare. In all cases it is important to ask for approval in advance.

What happens if I cannot return to my preaccident job?

Often times an injured worker is unable to return to their original employment due to the severity of the injury. Injured workers are eligible for a Return to Work (formerly Work Transition) assessment if it is unlikely the worker will be re-employed by the accident employer due to the nature of the injury and or the injury employer is unable to arrange for suitable and available work. Based on the results of the assessment, the WSIB decides whether a worker requires an WT plan to return to the labour market. The  plan should be tailored to each individual worker based on their existing transferable skills. A worker will receive benefits while co-operating with their plan. If the worker does not agree with the suggested goal chosen or Suitable Occupation (SO) they must appeal within 30 days in writing to the board. If you have any doubts that the goal is suitable you should appeal to preserve your ability to argue the suitability of the goal in the future.

Obtain Legal Representation

Far too often, disputes arise over what benefits are owed to you. Contact a WSIB lawyer who knows the worker’s compensation system. The Ontario law is complex. Employers are typically represented by competent experienced worker’s compensation lawyers who try to defeat the claim or minimize the benefits paid to you. You need a lawyer who will fight for you.