When you suffer an injury at work, filing a workers' compensation claim may be the best way to get financial relief. You may have medical bills and other expenses that need to be covered, so you need to understand why your claim could be delayed and what you can do to prevent any potential delays.
Here are a few common reasons why your workers' compensation claim could be delayed.
Incomplete Paperwork
Incomplete paperwork can be a major obstacle to the success of a worker's compensation claim. When filing for a claim, every document should be filled out correctly and completely for it to be approved by an insurance company. Additionally, if an employee has seen multiple doctors for their injury or illness, then each doctor's report needs to be submitted with the filing.
Filing incomplete paperwork can delay the process, as the claims adjustor may need additional documentation or clarification on certain items before approving the claim. This could cause unnecessary stress and frustration for both parties involved.
To stay on top of paperwork requirements when submitting a workers' compensation claim, you should keep track of pertinent documents and create detailed notes of each step taken in this process.
Employer Contests the Claim
Challenges from an employer can lead to delays in a worker's compensation claim. If an employer does not agree with the employee's account of the incident, or if there is confusion about what happened and who should be held liable, they may decide to contest the claim. This involves a long and often complicated process as it requires additional review from insurance companies and legal teams.
Furthermore, during this period of challenge, payments will likely be delayed as well until all questions are addressed and resolved. You might have to wait for a hearing or other legal proceedings to be completed before the claim can proceed.
To avoid these types of delays, you should ensure they have complete records of everything that occurred before submitting a claim. An experienced workers' compensation lawyer could help ensure all paperwork is in order and your case is presented effectively. They could come up with strategies to prove your case in the event of a challenge.
For instance, if your employer is contesting the fact that you were injured at work, your lawyer could present evidence from witnesses or medical records to solidify your case. They could even use photographic evidence that shows the conditions leading to your injury.
Understanding the different reasons why your claim could be delayed can help to prepare you for any potential delays and make sure that you have a successful experience. With the right guidance and preparation, you can ensure that your claim is filed correctly and swiftly so you can get the support you need.
For more information, contact a workers' compensation lawyer near you.
