Many hurt workers trust their workers' compensation insurer to help them after a work injury. However, some workers are surprised when that does not happen. The below situations show that some injured workers will need to take action when the insurer lets them down. Read on to find out more.
- Customer Service Can be Inadequate: When workers have questions about claims, it can be difficult to contact the carrier. You may need to wait to speak to them, leave a message, or go through an annoying series of representatives before you get the help you need.
- Your Workers' Comp Payments May be Late: When a worker must stay home, they are paid disability wages. However, many workers find that their payments are late or missing. Keep up with all such incidents – the insurer may owe you interest on those payments.
- You Cannot Choose Your Own Doctor: In many states, workers can choose their doctor for their work injury care. However, you may be assigned a doctor in other states. It can be difficult to work with a doctor that you don't like, or you feel is giving you inadequate care. The doctor treating your work injury holds a lot of power. They can decide when it's time to send you back to work and more. Many workers are not aware that they can request an alternate doctor in many cases. If you have already been ordered to return to your previous position, know that you are likely entitled to a second opinion from a different doctor.
What to Do Next
- When the insurer lets you down, no matter the reason, it's vital for workers to assert their rights and stand up for what they deserve. That can be difficult when they are coping with a work injury, however. Speak to a workers' compensation lawyer about your problems. They can do the below and more to help you not only get through your claim but to do so successfully.
- Once you speak with a lawyer and they agree to represent you, they will be working with the insurer on your behalf. You won't need to deal with bad customer service anymore.
- Your lawyer knows about workers' comp laws in your state and will know how to remind the insurer about those laws. They can help you get your benefits flowing and fight for any back payments or interest you are owed.
- Your lawyer will have you examined by a doctor of your choosing so that an accurate picture of your injury is established.
Consult a representative like Scott E. Shaffman Attorney At Law to find out more.
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