Your workers' comp insurance benefit is an amazing perk of the job, but only if your claim is approved. In most cases, you are able to get your medical benefits fully covered and additionally, you can stay home and recuperate while earning a portion of your usual salary. Unfortunately, claims can sometimes be delayed or denied altogether. When certain problems crop up, you may need to seek more help. Read on to learn more about how to know that you need a workers' comp attorney.
1. Your employer is refusing to file a claim on your behalf, perhaps insisting that your injury was not work related. If your supervisor is dragging their feet, procrastinating filing the paperwork, or delaying the claim in any manner, you may need to seek help.
2. If you have received a denial of coverage from the workers' comp carrier for any reason, contact an attorney. The denial letter will state the reason, and you do have the right to appeal that decision.
3. If your injury was so severe that you and your doctor suspect that you will be unable to ever work at your job again, you will need to take some extra steps. Being saddled with a permanent injury, even if your claim was approved and you are receiving some benefits, means that your claim will change. This type of injury deserves more attention, since you will be negotiating for a settlement that will continue to support you for the rest of your life. You may entitled to a lump sum settlement, rehabilitation training, and more.
4. You have been receiving benefits, but now your supervisor is asking you to return to work or risk losing your job. You must be cleared by your doctor before you can return to work, and the workers' comp insurance carrier may request that you undergo a special type of medical exam to determine how much longer you will need benefits. The independent medical exam will focus on your work injury and determine the answers to the following questions:
- Can you return to work right now?
- Do you need more time to recover?
- Has your recovery come to a standstill? (this means a permanent injury).
5. You are unable to cope with the details and paperwork associated with getting a workers' comp claim filed and approved. If your injuries are severe, such as a head injury, or you have been incapacitated in some manner, you may need some professional help getting your claim pushed through and approved.
Talk with a personal injury lawyer right away if any of these situations apply to you.
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