First, educate yourself on the process. Read up on all the steps of applying, filing and getting work comp. Once you have a better understanding of it, you will be better equipped to power ahead with confidence. If you are unsure of how the system works, you may miss a chance to get what you rightfully deserve after an injury. Almost all employers are required to offer worker’s compensation benefits, or some sort of benefit for employers who are hurt while at work.
Second, in some states, there is a provision in the law for an immediate trial if you were getting wage loss benefits and they were stopped in the previous sixty days. Do some research and see if your state is one of these. If you have an attorney, they can use this provision to pressure the insurance company to either resume your benefits or quickly settle the case. Asking to move your case to facilitation can speed things up, also. It usually results in a settlement which is quicker than waiting for a trial.
Third, be aware that most work comp cases take time to resolve. In the meantime, all of your medical bills may pile up. Alert the medical provider that you are in the process of getting worker’s compensation benefits. Most are willing to wait on payment if you keep them up to date with the proceedings. Develop a relationship with a contact person at the medical provider’s office so that you can contact the same person regularly with updates. Be ready to show the medical documents to your work comp judge. Sometimes seeing the stack of mounting bills will summon compassion in a judge and may speed up your case.
Fourth, unfortunately the best thing you can do sometimes is hire a work comp attorney. They know all of the ins and outs of the process and can file things and get responses from the court faster than an individual. Hiring an attorney is costly, so be sure that you have reached a point where this is necessary before you contact one.
While the process is arduous, it is worth it to attempt to recover your lost wages with worker’s compensation.
After an on the job injury that results in a doctor or hospital visit and a stack of bills, the next step is usually applying for worker’s compensation. Work comp is a form of insurance that provides the wages lost and medical benefits for a person who has been injured on the job. Unfortunately the work comp process is a lengthy, confusing and usually frustrating one that many find painful and difficult. Here are a few quick tips to make the work comp journey a little smoother and possibly faster.
