Navigating the workers’ compensation system on your own is not easy. There are deadlines to consider and a variety of delays that could leave you waiting for the compensation you are entitled to receive. Our skilled workers’ compensation attorneys could help guide you through the process.
The length of an Oakwood workers’ compensation claim can vary dramatically from one case to another. There are times when these issues are entirely out of your hands, but in some situations, the right attorney could limit any further delays. At Smith Hulsey Law, we could help you secure the benefits you deserve as soon as possible.
Even when an injured worker follows the proper steps, workers’ compensation claims do not always move quickly. Several common issues can slow down the decision-making process. Understanding these delays could help claimants set realistic expectations and prepare for obstacles. The following factors can impact the time it takes to receive compensation after filing a claim due to a workplace injury in Oakwood.
One of the most frequent causes of delay is missing or incorrect documentation. If the initial claim form is not fully completed or if medical records are inconsistent, the insurance company may request clarification. Every request adds time to the process, especially if there is any delay in providing the insurer with the documents they need.
Sometimes, employers may challenge whether the injury is work-related. They might argue that the injury happened outside of the workplace or that it is a pre-existing condition. These disputes can significantly slow the claim because of the need to investigate or potentially even litigate.
Insurance companies rely heavily on medical evidence. If a worker is still undergoing treatment or doctors disagree about the severity of the injury, the insurer may wait for more definitive records.
Finally, to prevent fraud, insurers often conduct their own reviews before approving benefits. This may include interviews, background checks, or surveillance to confirm the validity of the claim. These investigations can considerably extend the timeline for securing compensation.
Understanding these factors is key to ensuring that your claim is not unnecessarily delayed.
Anyone who has been hurt at work will want to receive the benefits they deserve as soon as possible. Our Oakwood attorneys cannot guarantee any particular outcome for a claim, but we could work to limit the time it takes to receive workers’ compensation.
We start by addressing any issues or requests as soon as possible. Insurance companies are known for delays, but they are avoidable. By staying on top of a claim and ensuring an individual has done everything they can to advance it, we could reduce delays.
One important action someone could take is notifying their employer as soon as possible following their injury. An individual has a window of time to provide this notification, but after doing so, their employer only has a few weeks to submit the information surrounding the incident to the state and formally begin the claims process. Immediate notification of an injury therefore advances the time frame for a claim.
If you are considering a claim for workers’ compensation, it is vital that you act to avoid any unnecessary delays. At Smith Hulsey Law, our team of attorneys could help you navigate the system.
Let us help you shorten the length of an Oakwood workers’ compensation claim. Schedule a confidential consultation today.
Smith Hulsey Law