Take The Initiative After Being Denied Workers' Compensation Benefits
You have rights when it comes to workers' compensation matters. Each state has a board that governs this type of work insurance. Unfortunately, some hurt workers don't assert their rights because they are hurt, confused, and suffering from the financial ramifications of being out of work due to an injury. Getting your claim back on track is easier if you take the initiative and make a plan. Read on for some tips for taking the steps you need to take on your workers' compensation claim.
After a Denial
It's tempting to get overwhelmed after a denial. You should know being denied workers' compensation benefits is not the end of the story. It's possible to get your benefits started, re-started, and to be paid back pay and a settlement. With that in mind, the below steps should put you in the right place to get the benefits you deserve:
- Call the insurer when you receive the denial letter. Find out if you can rectify the issue and get your claim reinstated. You may be told to file an amended claim form or send in a new form if there are issues with the claim.
- If you are being turned down for something serious, take action by seeking legal help. Some common and very serious reasons for being turned down are:
•Drug or alcohol use.
•Not following safety protocols.
•The accident occurred away from work.
The injuries you are experiencing are from a previous accident or medical condition.
- Call a workers' compensation lawyer and get started right away on the appeals process.
- Follow up on the appeal. Pay attention to the deadline and note any hearings and other events to attend. Almost all denied workers' compensation claims must go through mediation prior to any court hearings. Your lawyer can assist you in preparing for these events and be by your side.
- Attend the hearings. Your state board of workers' compensation presides over disputes with insurers. These hearings can be a bit intimidating for many hurt workers. If you have not hired a workers' compensation lawyer by now, do so soon. They can help to prove that the insurer make a mistake when they denied you benefits.
- If the hearings find that the insurer made a mistake, you could be paid back pay, interest, penalties, and a lump sum settlement in some cases.
The above steps tend to have a better chance of being successful when overseen by a workers' compensation lawyer. For more advice, contact a company like Gilbert, Blaszcyk & Milburn LLP.
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