When you’re hurt at work and need to file a workers’compensation claim, one of the questions that probably circles your mind is — how long will this take?
Unfortunately, there is no clear-cut answer to this question because some workers’ compensation claims can be solved in just a few weeks or days, whereas others may take much longer. A good lawyer can help move things along more effectively, but the process can still be arduous.
The factors influencing how long it’ll take to complete the entire process are numerous, but there are five main things you need to pay attention to.
1. Severity of the Injured Worker’s Injuries
First and foremost, the severity of your injuries may greatly impact the duration of the entire process, since it determines how much time you’ll need for the diagnosis and treatment, as well as how long it’ll take for the insurer to understand the long-term effect the injury may have.
If the injury is severe and requires surgery, rehabilitation, and therapy sessions, it may take more time to solve the claim than if you had only minor injuries. In such a case, there might be more back-and-forth between your lawyer and the insurer to reach a mutually acceptable arrangement.
2. Promptness of Reporting and Documentation of the Injury
How fast the incident is reported and supporting documentation is submitted may greatly influence the claim processing duration, which is why you should do both immediately. When you report the injury right away and document it properly, you will increase the odds of the claim being resolved sooner rather than later.
3. Claim Processing and Investigation by the Insurance Company
Another thing you should consider is the work of the insurance company. It has to review your application, evaluate your medical records, and determine whether you are eligible for certain types of assistance. All this may take some time, especially if the insurer has questions or doubts regarding your claim.
Some of the issues that may make the insurer take its time include the following:
- Incompleteness or insufficiency of the provided information
- The existence of conflicting reports regarding the circumstances of the accident
- The uncertainty regarding the nature of the injury
Sometimes, the insurance company may ask for an independent medical evaluation, and this procedure may require additional time.
4. Whether or Not Your Claim Is Disputed
Sometimes it’s hard for insurers to accept claims without questioning them. It can be frustrating if an insurer seems to be dragging its feet on your claim, but insurers often take their time to detect and prevent fraudulent cases.
If the claim is disputed, the insurer will typically require more time for additional investigations, hearings, and other procedures.
5. Types of Benefits Sought by the Applicant
The types of workers’ compensation benefits you want can also affect the timeline. For instance, if you only want medical benefits, it will take less time than if you need to prove the need for wage compensation and permanent disability payments.
It’s worth noting that it’ll take time for each specific workers’ comp coverage you’re seeking. In this case, each type will take some time to be reviewed. It means that even if part of your benefits are provided instantly, another part may take longer.
What Is Considered Normal When It Comes to Workers’ Comp Claims Timelines?
Claims solved quickly may take only a couple of weeks to a month or two, since everything required to make a decision will be submitted on time.
Meanwhile, claims of moderate difficulty usually take several months to resolve. Finally, complex claims may take half a year or a year to be processed successfully.
When you hire a workers’ compensation lawyer, you’ll have a better idea about how long your claim might take. No two cases are the same, but an experienced legal professional can offer timelines based on the particulars of your claim.
Steps to Help Move Your Claim Along Faster
While the specifics pertaining to your claim will greatly impact the pace, that doesn’t mean there aren’t some things you can do to help move things along a little bit faster.
Here are some things to do in order to speed up the process:
- Notify the employer of your accident right away.
- Get to the hospital or clinic at once to receive medical attention.
- Obtain the required medications according to your doctor’s prescriptions.
- Document the injury.
- Comply with the insurer’s requests.
Following these steps, you’ll have a higher chance of getting assistance faster than might otherwise be the case.
As you can see, the claim processing time is determined by several factors. While the process is likely to last longer than expected in some cases, knowing what influences the pace will help you keep your cool and stay the course until your claim is resolved…hopefully in your favor.