Anyone who has been injured on the job knows how difficult it is. Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system that may help employees get medical coverage, benefits, and compensation for their injuries and illnesses. However, it isn’t always a simple or quick procedure. Injured employees in California are frequently interested as to when their workers’ compensation case will be resolved.
While the legislation establishes a number of deadlines for submitting and reviewing claims, there are a number of potential delays that might cause the process to take much longer. Continue reading to discover more from a skilled California workers’ compensation lawyer. Then contact PLBH at (800) 435-7542 for a free legal consultation.
Potential delays in the process
One of the most common causes of delays in a workers’ compensation case is the worker’s own actions. A case cannot proceed until it has been officially filed. An employee may delay to file a claim, or he or she may file a claim that is not submitted to the claims administrator by the employer. California workers’ compensation attorneys recommend that injured employees submit their claims as soon as possible following an injury to guarantee that the process gets underway.
Claims administrators have 90 days
Claims administrators in California have 90 days from the date of the claim form to examine a workplace accident or sickness claim. Medical treatment, on the other hand, must be approved within one working day, and if the damage causes temporary impairment, disability benefits must be given within 14 days of learning of the injury. Similarly, if the damage causes permanent disability, payments should begin within 14 days unless the employer provides the employee a position that pays between 85 and 100% of the compensation earned at the time of the injury.
Additional delay causes
In the workers’ compensation procedure, there are a variety of delays that might occur. Any California workers’ compensation lawyer will tell you that scheduling or deposing a Qualified Medical Evaluator (QME) Panel can take a long time (anywhere from 60 to 90 days for a panel, and up to 120 days for a deposition). A QME has a certain period of time to provide reports, which is 30 days for the first report and 60 days for additional reports.
Of course, these are just a few instances of frequent concerns that can cause a workers’ compensation case to take significantly longer than expected if a disability or injury is challenged in California. It’s crucial to remember, though, that a dispute can be settled and a settlement reached at any time. Based on the circumstances of your claim and the history of your employer and/or the insurance carrier in the case, a seasoned California workers’ compensation attorney can assist you evaluate the likely timetable and possibility of a settlement in your case.
If you’ve been hurt at work, you’ll need a workers’ compensation lawyer in California who knows the system and will fight for your right to the benefits you deserve. To book a free first consultation and understand how PLBH may help you, call (800) 435-7542 or email info@plblaw.com now.