Hurt at Work? Here’s the Real Truth About Workers’ Comp & Your Rights

Let’s be real—nobody wakes up in the morning thinking, “You know what would make today awesome? A workplace accident.”
But injuries happen. And when they do, most of us don’t have a clue what comes next. Do you file a claim? What if it was your fault? What if you’ve got a dodgy knee from footy ten years ago? And why does it feel like there’s a million rules nobody ever explains until it’s too late?

That’s exactly why I invited Gemma Bunner, personal injury lawyer and co-founder of Shaw & Bunner Legal, onto The StacyM Show. She’s seen it all—workers’ comp claims, negligence cases, clients who’ve been through absolute hell—and she knows how to break it down without drowning you in legal jargon.

Workers’ Comp Isn’t Just About Paperwork

One of the biggest myths Gemma busts is that workers’ comp is just ticking a few forms and waiting for the payout. Nope. It’s about timing, honesty, and credibility.

• If you don’t report your injury properly, it will come back to bite you.

• If you’re not upfront about your history, insurers will find out anyway (and trust me, that’s not a good look).

• And yes, surveillance and social media are a thing. That Insta post of you holding a beer at your cousin’s wedding? Could end up in court.

Gemma’s advice is simple: be honest with your lawyer from day one. The truth is always easier to work with than a half-story that unravels later.

Mental Health Matters Too

This episode also dives into something a lot of people don’t realise: workers’ comp isn’t just about physical injuries. Mental health claims are on the rise, and they’re every bit as real. Stress, burnout, and toxic workplaces can take a massive toll. Gemma shares how the law is shifting to recognise that—not just broken bones and bad backs.

Why I Loved This Chat

What I loved most about talking with Gemma is that she’s not your stereotypical lawyer. She’s local, she’s grounded, and she genuinely cares about her clients. Shaw & Bunner was built to give regional communities big-city expertise with small-town heart. And honestly? That’s exactly what you want when you’re going through one of the toughest times in your life.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

• Report your injury properly—and on time.

• Honesty with your lawyer is non-negotiable.

• Social media and surveillance are real risks in claims.

• Mental health counts. Don’t ignore it.

• Local, connected lawyers can make all the difference.

Ready to Learn More?

This chat with Gemma is one of those “wish I knew this sooner” conversations. If you’ve ever wondered what really happens in a personal injury or workers’ comp case, you’ll want to hit play on this one.

Listen to the full episode of The StacyM Show here or if you need legal advice, book a chat with me at: https://www.stacymunzenberger.com