If you pay attention to news about workers’ compensation claims, it’s usually a lot of information about workers’ comp problems and how it hurts employers or about how employers need to work harder to save money. But what about employees? Workers’ comp is supposed to protect you if you’re injured or become ill in a work-related incident. You should get paid any lost income and have your medical expenses covered. In the name of saving money, it doesn’t always go as smoothly as it should. Here are four common problems with workers’ compensation employees may face once they file a workers’ compensation claim.
Untimely Filing
One of the most common problems with workers’ compensation is you may be told that your injury isn’t covered because you didn’t file a workers’ comp claim in time. Untimely filing is a common loophole that companies use to avoid providing an employee with workers’ comp. Typically you have 30 days to make a claim, but it’s always best to notify your employer as soon as possible. If you notify them verbally, always follow it up in writing.
You should be given a form to fill out, but if not, type it up with the date, time, and details of how you were injured. Once the paperwork starts flying between you, your boss, and the insurance company, make sure you get copies of everything for your files. This will be helpful if you need to call an attorney.
Confusion About Treatment and Doctor Visits
Another one of the biggest problems with worker’s compensation that most workers’ don’t know is that only specific doctors can help them during a workers’ comp claim. In most cases, you’re given the option of picking someone from a panel of physicians approved by the workers’ compensation company. Your doctor will likely not be on that list. You can go to your doctor, but workers’ comp won’t cover the cost.
Here are some other things to be aware of:
- Don’t exaggerate your injuries to make them seem worse than they are. If you get caught, your entire claim could be denied.
- Follow the treatment plan to the letter. This includes going to all appointments. If not, the workers’ comp claim administrator might decide you’re not trying or that the injury is fake.
- Get copies of your medical records for all visits. This helps you later if you need an attorney.
- Don’t be surprised if there’s a dispute between the treatment the doctor recommends and what the claim administrator will allow.
Denied Claims
The biggest problem with workers’ compensation claims is that the claim might be denied. This means you’ll have to pay out of pocket for any rehabilitation or treatment or use your health insurance to cover it. You might be out of work for a while and lose your income. Your employer may fire you, not because you filed the claim, but because you’re not coming to work.
Your claim may be denied for all kinds of reasons, some legitimate and some not:
- You filed your claim late.
- They say your injury isn’t work-related or the company denies being at fault.
- The company claims you’re not an employee but a contract worker.
- You’re accused of faking your injury.