Reasons for Delays in Workers’ Compensation Claims
After suffering a work injury, you may be eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim. However, sometimes the process of filing a workers’ compensation claim is not straightforward. Sometimes, the workers’ compensation claim process is delayed. Did you suffer a work-related injury and are experiencing delays with your workers’ compensation claim? You may be wondering what is causing the delay.
So, what causes delays in workers’ compensation claims? A workers’ compensation claim can be delayed for various reasons. Below, we discuss why your workers’ compensation claim may face delays.
Mistakes in Your Paperwork
Making mistakes while filling out the necessary paperwork can delay your workers’ compensation claim. If you fill out paperwork incorrectly or fail to provide all the required details, your claim could be delayed. This is why it is best to retain an attorney to help you file a workers’ compensation claim. Also, it is crucial to double-check paperwork before submitting a workers’ compensation claim.
Your Employer Is Causing the Delay
If your employer is contesting your accident, for instance, if they are arguing that your accident did not occur in the course of employment, or if they are questioning the severity of your injuries, that is likely the reason your workers’ compensation claim is taking long. The delay could also be happening because your employer is not following up on your claim.
The Insurance Company Is Causing the Delays
The workers’ compensation insurance company can delay your claim for various reasons. Some reasons are valid, whereas others are not. Valid reasons for delaying your claim may include the insurance company needing more time to conduct investigations or clarify mistakes in your paperwork. However, workers’ compensation insurance companies often delay claims for invalid reasons. In most cases, insurance companies use delay tactics and tricks in an effort to reduce or deny a claim. These tactics include a lack of communication and slowing down some of the administrative procedures involved in the claim.
Your Doctor Made Mistakes
Suppose your treating physician makes mistakes in their examination or report or delays in providing the necessary report to the insurance company. In such a case, the workers’ compensation process may be delayed.
What To Do if Your Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Delayed
It can get infuriating if your workers’ compensation claim is experiencing delays. A delay in your claim can add significant financial stress as your injury-related expenses continue to add up. If your workers’ compensation claim is experiencing delays, you should engage a skilled workers’ compensation attorney. A qualified lawyer will help assess the problem. Before you can pursue any cause of action, you need to understand the reason for the delay. A skilled lawyer can help you determine who or what is causing the delay. After you find out the reason for the delay, an attorney can guide you on how best to proceed. If the delay is unreasonable, an attorney will guide you on how to deal with the bad actor.
Contact a Vermont Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Contact our skilled Vermont workers’ compensation attorney at Sluka Law PLC if you need help with your workers’ compensation claim. We can help you recover the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve in a reasonable amount of time.