Employees injured at work can either claim under the Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA) or common law, but not both. There are key differences between the two approaches as well as deadlines for making and withdrawing claims.
Differences between WICA and common law
If you are an eligible employee who has suffered a work-related injury or illness, you can seek compensation through either the Work Injury Compensation Act (WICA) or common law, but not both.
The main differences between making a WICA claim and filing a civil suit under common law are as follows:
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Question
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WICA
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Common law
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Who do I make the claim with?
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You should notify your employer as soon as possible. No need to make claim with MOM as it is deemed made once you notify your employer of the accident.
Your claim will be processed by Assistant Commissioners (Work Injury) from MOM or the designated insurer.
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Make your claim with either the States Court or the High Court.
Your claim will be decided by the judges from the court.
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Do I need a lawyer?
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No.
It is optional to engage a lawyer as you don’t need one to complete the claim process.
MOM or the designated insurer will guide you through the process.
However, such guidance and information are not intended as legal advice.
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Yes.
You need a lawyer and have to pay their legal fees.
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How much compensation will I get?
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Amount of compensation is based on a formula and has set limits.
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No limits on compensation amount, but you need to prove damages before the court.
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Do I need proof to support my claims?
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You need to prove that the injury or disease was due to work, e.g. getting a memo from your treating doctor.
You don’t need to prove fault or negligence on anyone’s part.
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You need to prove that your employer or a third party was at fault.
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Can I claim under both WICA and Common Law?
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No.
If you make a claim under WICA, you cannot make a claim for the same injury under common law.
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No.
If you make a claim under common law to court, you cannot make a claim under WICA for the same injury.
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Deadlines for withdrawing a claim or suit
You have up to 1 year from the accident to decide whether to claim under WICA or under common law.
| For policies that started from 1 January 2021 |
Your claims will be processed by designated insurers. You can submit the withdrawal form to your designated insurer if you decide to withdraw the claim.
After the notice of computation is objected, the objection will be processed by MOM. You can notify MOM if you decide to withdraw the claim.
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| For policies that started before 1 January 2021 |
Your claims will be processed by MOM.
You can submit the withdrawal form directly to MOM.
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Withdrawing a civil suit to file a WICA claim
If you want to withdraw your civil suit to claim under WICA, you need to make your WICA claim within 1 year from the date of the accident or diagnosis of illness.
Withdrawing a WICA claim to file a civil suit
If you want to withdraw your WICA claim, you can do so at any time before MOM issues your notice of assessment (NOA) or notice of computation (NOC)..
Only you, or your legal representative, can notify MOM or the designated insurer of the decision to withdraw a claim.
Once the notice of assessment or notice of computation has been issued, you can withdraw your claim:
- Within 14 days from the date of service on the NOA or NOC, if there are no disputes.
- Within 28 days from the date of service on the NOA or NOC, if there are disputes.
If all parties accept the NOA or NOC, your employer (or the insurer, if applicable) is required to make payment within 21 days from the date of service of NOA or NOC. The case is then considered resolved, and you will no longer be able to claim under common law.