Understanding the workers' compensation system in BC
In British Columbia, workers' compensation is administered by WorkSafeBC under the Workers Compensation Act. When you're injured at work, WorkSafeBC makes decisions about your claim, including whether it's accepted, what benefits you receive, and for how long.
If you disagree with a decision, the system allows you to ask for a second look. You can generally request a review by WorkSafeBC's Review Division within 90 days of the decision. The Review Division is separate from the people who made the original decision.
I help injured workers understand where they stand in this process, what their decision means, and what their options are.
Workers Compensation Act, Part 6 and Part 7
Time-sensitive
The 90-day deadline is strict.
Most WorkSafeBC decisions can be reviewed if you request it within 90 days of the decision letter. Extensions are only available in limited circumstances, so it's best to act early.
The process
Three steps to a second opinion.
We start with a conversation
Book a free 30-minute consultation by phone or video. Tell me about your injury, your claim, and the decision you received. I'll explain how the review process works, confirm your deadline, and let you know honestly whether I can help.
I review your file
I go through your complete claim file, including the decision letter, prior decisions, correspondence, and medical information. I look at whether the decision applied the right legal test, considered all of the relevant evidence, and followed WorkSafeBC's own policies.
You get clear answers, and support for what's next
You receive a plain-language written report on what was decided, how it was reached, and any issues I found. We go through it together on a follow-up call. If you decide to move forward, next steps may include drafting your request for review to the Review Division, or editing and giving guidance on a submission you've already started.
Why work with me
Inside knowledge. Independent perspective.
Experience across the system
I've worked in client services, claims, the Review Division, and WorkSafeBC's in-house legal department. I know how claim files are built, how evidence is weighed, and where decisions most often fall short
Personal, one-on-one service
I work with a small number of clients at a time, and you deal with me directly from your first call to your final report. Your file gets my full attention.
Plain language
I've spent years explaining workers' compensation law to a wide range of people, from injured workers and people navigating language barriers to WorkSafeBC directors. I'll make sure you understand what your decision means.
Who this is for
You may be in the right place if…
You received a decision you don't understand
WorkSafeBC decisions can be technical and hard to parse. I'll explain what was decided and why.
You think something was missed
If you believe WorkSafeBC didn't consider all your evidence or applied the wrong test, that may be grounds for review.
You're approaching the 90-day window
The deadline to request a review is strict. If you're running out of time, early assessment is critical.
You need help with your request for review
Whether you're starting from scratch or already have a draft, I can help you write your submission to the Review Division, edit what you've prepared, or give it a second look before you send it.
Scope of review
Decisions I can help you assess.
• Claim acceptance and denial: Whether your injury arose out of and in the course of your work. (Workers Compensation Act, s. 134) • Mental health claims: Claims for mental disorders caused by a traumatic event or significant work-related stressors. (Workers Compensation Act, s. 135) • Occupational disease: Illnesses caused by workplace exposures or conditions. (Workers Compensation Act, ss. 136 to 145) • Wage rate and average earnings: How your earnings were calculated for wage-loss benefits. (Workers Compensation Act, ss. 208 to 222) • Temporary disability and ending of benefits: Wage-loss while you recover, and decisions that benefits should stop. (Workers Compensation Act, ss. 191 and 192) • Permanent disability awards: Permanent impairment and loss of earnings assessments. (Workers Compensation Act, ss. 194 to 196) • Pre-existing conditions and recurrences: How a prior condition affects your claim, and whether a later flare-up is connected to your original injury. (Workers Compensation Act, ss. 125 and 146) • Health care benefits: Coverage for treatment, medication, therapy, and medical equipment related to your injury. (Workers Compensation Act, ss. 156 to 161) • Vocational rehabilitation: Retraining plans, job search assistance, and decisions about what work is considered suitable for you. (Workers Compensation Act, s. 155)
About
I'm Templar Bacha. I know this system from the inside.
My career has been spent inside the systems that support people through injury, illness, and income loss. I began with the Government of Canada at Employment and Social Development Canada, then worked in benefit claims analysis at a large provincial benefits provider , before joining WorkSafeBC.
At WorkSafeBC, I worked in several roles across the claims process, from client services to the Review Division, where I served as a Review Officer. I later completed my articles in WorkSafeBC's Law and Policy Division, working on litigation, prohibited action complaints, and administrative penalties. Along the way, I saw how decisions are made at nearly every stage of a claim.
Across all of these roles, I've worked closely with people going through some of the hardest moments of their lives: injuries that change how they work, uncertainty about the future, and real financial pressure while they wait for answers. I take the time to explain things clearly, patiently, and without judgment. I work with injured workers who want an honest, informed assessment of their situation. I don't promise outcomes. What I offer is clarity: what your decision says, how it was reached, and what your realistic options are.
I offer a free 30-minute consultation. If your matter is one I can help with, I'll tell you plainly. If it isn't, I'll tell you that too.
Credentials
- Barrister and Solicitor, Law Society of British Columbia (2026)
- Juris Doctor, Thompson Rivers University
- B.A., Geography: Environment and Sustainability, minor in Biology, University of British Columbia
Fees
Transparent, flat-fee pricing.
Larger firms offer full-service representation, often at a cost that puts it out of reach for many workers. Free services are a valuable resource, but high demand can limit the time available for each file. I aim to offer something in between: focused, one-on-one support at a clear, fixed price. You'll know the cost before we begin.
Free Consultation
Free / 30 Minutes
- A conversation about your decision
- An overview of the review process and your deadline
- An honest answer on whether I can help
Written Assessment
TBD
- Detailed review of your claim file
- Plain-language written report
- Follow-up call to go through your options
Review Application
TBD
- Drafting your request for review
- Or editing and feedback on your own draft
- Guidance on supporting evidence
Contact
Request a claim review.
Share a few details and I'll be in touch within 2 business days. Please don't send documents, medical records, or share any claim numbers. I'll let you know how to share them securely once we've spoken.