Being bullied by your boss is more common than most people think, but it doesn’t make the experience any less isolating. Whether it’s shouting or subtle acts of victimisation at work, dealing with a bullying boss can harm your mental health, career, and overall well-being. The good news is you’re not powerless—you have rights, and there are steps you can take to protect yourself.
In this blog, I’ll explore what bullying at work looks like, signs that your boss may be crossing the line, and how to handle the situation, including claiming workers compensation. Also, this blog will cover Workplace bullying and how our workers compensation lawyers can advise and act on your behalf, at no cost to you.
What Is Workplace Bullying and Victimisation?
Workplace bullying occurs when someone repeatedly behaves unreasonably towards a worker, causing physical or emotional harm. If your boss targets you with unfair treatment or aggression, this can constitute bullying—and when it escalates into retribution for standing up for yourself, it becomes victimisation at work.
What Does Victimisation Look Like?
Victimisation is a specific type of workplace mistreatment where you’re punished for asserting your rights, such as:
- Filing a complaint about bullying, harassment, or discrimination.
- Requesting workplace changes to accommodate mental or physical health issues.
- Standing up to unfair treatment.
If your boss begins to bully and treat you unfairly because of these actions, that’s victimisation—and it’s illegal under Australian workplace laws.
Signs That Your Boss Is Bullying You
Bullying at work isn’t always obvious. Sometimes, it’s a pattern of small, harmful behaviours that build up over time. Here are the key signs that your boss may be bullying you:
- Unreasonable Work Demands
- Assigning impossible tasks or deadlines.
- Overloading you while reducing tasks for others.
- Public Humiliation or Belittling
- Criticising you harshly in front of colleagues.
- Making sarcastic or demeaning comments about your work or abilities.
- Micromanagement and Exclusion
- Constantly watching over your shoulder and nitpicking minor issues.
- Excluding you from meetings, team events, or important communications.
- Retaliation for Raising Concerns
- Penalising you after you voice complaints or concerns.
- Reducing your hours, responsibilities, or opportunities without valid reasons.
- Creating a Hostile Environment
- Yelling, shouting, or showing anger frequently.
- Making you feel unsafe, nervous, or anxious about coming to work.
If any of these sound familiar, it’s important to recognise the behaviour for what it is—bullying. No one deserves to work under those conditions.
What to Do If Your Boss Is Bullying You at Work
Facing workplace bullying can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to deal with it alone. Here are actionable steps to take:
- Document Everything
Keep a record of all incidents, including dates, times, locations, and details of what happened. Save emails, texts, or any written evidence of bullying or victimisation.
- Speak to Someone You Trust
Discuss your concerns with a trusted colleague, family member, or HR representative to get support and guidance.
- Follow Workplace Policies
Most workplaces have formal policies for reporting bullying. Submit a complaint to HR or a designated workplace representative and provide clear evidence such as emails or text messages.
If you have done this already and have found that the bullying has become worse as a direct result of your complaint, that constitutes victimisation at work.
- Seek Professional Support
Bullying will have negative impacts on your mental health if left unaddressed. PTSD, depression, and even physical symptoms like fatigue or headaches are common responses to prolonged workplace bullying. It is essential to speak to your General Practioner (GP) so you can get the medical care and support you need.
Doctor’s reports also serve as evidence in a workers compensation claim, as a medical report can link your diagnosis directly to the workplace bullying. Taking this step not only protects your health but also strengthens your legal position.
- Speak to a Workers Compensation Lawyer – it costs you nothing
If the bullying or victimisation has caused psychological harm, you may be eligible for mental health workers compensation. Our team of trusted workers compensation lawyers can help you understand your rights and file a claim for compensation.
We offer an obligation free consultation, at no cost to you, and the legal fees for a workers compensation claim are entirely covered by the Independent Review Office (IRO) so you pay nothing out of pocket to make claim.
What Entitlements Are Available for Psychological Injury from Bullying?
If you’re suffering from a psychological injury due to workplace bullying or victimisation, you may be eligible for the following entitlements under workers compensation laws:
- Weekly Payments: If you’re unable to work or working reduced hours due to your injury, you can receive payments to reimburse lost wages.
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for treatment costs, including therapy, counselling, and medication.
- Return-to-Work Programs: Assistance and support to help you transition back into work safely.
- Lump-Sum Payment for Permanent Impairment: If your psychological injury results in a permanent impairment assessed at 15% or greater Whole Person Impairment (WPI), you may be entitled to a lump-sum payment as well as a lump sum payout to compensate your future loss of earning ability.
Work Injury Damages Claims for Psychological Injury
If your psychological injury caused by workplace bullying or victimisation has been assessed at 15% or greater WPI, you may also be eligible to make a work injury damages claim, also known as a common law claim. This type of claim allows you to seek lump sum compensation for past and future economic losses, including:
- Lost wages.
- Loss of earning capacity due to your injury.
To make a successful work injury damages claim, you must prove that your employer’s negligence caused your injury. Our team of workplace bullying lawyers can help you gather the necessary evidence, including medical assessments, reports, and workplace documentation. We have decades of experience helping clients with workplace bullying claims and take pride in seeing the change that a successful workers compensation claim can have on a client’s life.
Why Make a Work Injury Damages Claim?
A work injury damages claim can provide significant financial
relief. Unlike weekly payments, this claim delivers a substantial lump
sum payment to cover your past and future income, helping you manage
ongoing financial commitments and secure your future. This is a payout. It’s
important it truly compensates your future loss of income as once you settle or
resolve this payout, you give up your wages and medical expenses entitlement.
Our work injury damages lawyers will advise you the range of similar claims to
assist you make an informed decision about whether you want to accept the
payout or not.
Our experienced work injury damages lawyers can help you evaluate
whether this claim is right for you. We’ll provide clear and straightforward advice
at no cost to you, to ensure you make an informed choice that supports your
financial security and overall well-being.
How a Workplace Bullying Lawyer Can Help
Bullying and victimisation can lead to serious mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, or PTSD. If you’re experiencing these effects, you may be entitled to compensation under Australian workers compensation laws.
What Our Lawyers Can Do for You:
- Assess Your Case: Our trusted team of workers compensation lawyers will listen to you and determine if you have grounds for a workers compensation claim and whether you need lawyers or not.
- Act on your behalf: Our lawyers have decades of experience with workplace bullying claims, so we know what your claim is worth. We fight to secure compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, and lump sum payments for permanent impairment.
- Gather Evidence: They’ll help you collect medical records, witness statements, and workplace documentation that will play a vital role in securing the maximum compensation available.
- File Your Claim: Our lawyers streamline the process to ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time. Workers’ compensation claims are time sensitive, and having experience with the process maximises the chances of a successful claim.
Workers compensation can truly be a lifeline. Compensation, if claimed correctly can give you the time to recover, seek treatment, and regain control of your life after workplace bullying.
Why Addressing Bullying Matters
Ignoring workplace bullying doesn’t make it go away—it often gets worse. Bullying and victimisation can damage your health, career, and self-confidence.
By addressing it:
- You stand up for yourself and others who may also be experiencing it.
- You create a safer, healthier workplace environment.
- You ensure your rights are upheld under Australian law.
Why Reach Out to Withstand Lawyers for Your Bullying Boss Claim?
At Withstand Lawyers, we understand how overwhelming it can feel to take action against a bullying boss. That’s why we’re here to make the process as simple, smooth, and stress-free as possible for you.
With decades of experience handling workplace bullying and workers compensation claims, our friendly and approachable team knows how to navigate the legal system efficiently. We’ll explain everything in plain, easy-to-understand language so you’re always clear about your options and next steps.
The best part? There’s no cost to you. All legal fees are covered by the Independent Review Office (IRO), so you can focus on your recovery and leave the legal heavy lifting to us.
If you’re ready to take control and get the support you deserve, reach out to Withstand Lawyers today. We’re here to stand by your side every step of the way.
Total. Permanent Disability Claims - Another payout separate to your workers compensation claim
If your unable to work due to an injury or condition, you could also be entitled to make a Total, Permanent Disability (TPD) claim through the insurance within your existing superfund accounts. Our TPD Lawyers can do a free eligibility check and inform you whether you would be eligible. This is separate to your entitlements to workers compensation and one doesn’t affect the other.
Final Thoughts: You Deserve Better
Dealing with a bullying boss or victimisation at work can feel like an uphill battle, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Recognise the signs, document what’s happening, and reach out for help. Whether it’s reporting the behaviour internally or seeking legal advice for a workers compensation claim, taking action is an important step toward protecting your health, well-being, and future.
If you believe you’ve been bullied or victimised at work, contact us today. Our experienced team can guide you through your options and help you take the next steps with confidence.
Issa Rabaya
• Bachelor of Laws
• Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice
• Approved Legal Service Provider to the Independent Review Office
• Member of the Law Society
Issa Rabaya
• Bachelor of Laws
• Graduate Diploma in Legal Practice
• Approved Legal Service Provider to the Independent Review Office
• Member of the Law Society
