It is for many. Some employees, however, face many obstacles that make it difficult for them to concentrate solely on recovery. Here are a few of the most common workers’ compensation problems, ranging from claim denials to ineligibility and medical issues to inadequate evidence.
Your Employer Disputes It
When you have suffered a foot or an ankle injury while at work, and your workers’ comp claim has been denied due to employer disputes, it can be in your best interests to contact a foot and injury lawyer.
Sometimes insurance companies deny claims when employers dispute the validity of a claim. You may be told that the accident didn’t happen at work or that it wasn’t your fault. Contacting a Personal Injury Lawyer can be crucial when you are entitled to compensation.
You Reported Late
It is easy to get so focused on your recovery that you overlook the importance of following your workplace procedures. You should also report any injury or illness immediately to your employer. Reporting your claim too late can cause issues with receiving workers’ compensation. There are strict reporting deadlines for workplace injuries.
Reporting deadlines can vary by state. In some states, the reporting period is 30 days. But in other states it may be up to 90. This deadline may be extended depending on the severity of the injury or illness. OSHA states that employers have only eight hours to notify a fatality, and they can report an amputation, hospitalization or eye loss up to 24. Compensation claims may be challenged after these deadlines.
The medical evidence is insufficient
The insurance company and the employer will need to see plenty of documents that prove the link between your workplace injury and what occurred there. The majority of people are able to provide this documentation via their healthcare provider. It’s not always easy to determine.
The evidence provided by a healthcare provider may not be sufficient to prove that the injury or illness was caused at work.
You Can’t Negotiate a Fair Settlement
In the United States, medical bills can be costly. They account for around 7% non-mortgage consumer debt. You might be counting on a fair settlement after being injured at your workplace to cover medical bills, lost wages and disability.
Insurance companies may not offer you what you want. Some employees are disappointed by the settlements offered, as they do not cover their costs related to work accidents. This can be a serious issue and may require legal assistance.
It is difficult to link the Illness or Injury.
It can be difficult to prove a connection between a condition that has developed over time and a workplace, such as repetitive stress injuries or occupational diseases. Insurance companies and employers can push back by saying that an illness you have developed over time has nothing to do with your job.
It’s easy to think that a workers’ compensation claim will be straightforward and stress-free, but it’s not always the case. It is important to seek legal help as soon as you can if your employee faces challenges such as those listed above.