If you’ve been injured at work, you may be entitled to medical benefits to help cover the cost of your medical treatment. However, obtaining these benefits can be a complicated process, and many people are denied benefits due to errors or omissions in their application. This blog post outlines the steps you need to take to get the medical benefits you deserve.
Report Your Injury
The first step in obtaining medical benefits is to report your injury to your employer. In California, you have 30 days from the date of your injury to report it to your employer. If you fail to report your injury within 30 days, you may lose your right to benefits.
Get Medical Treatment
After reporting your injury, seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Your employer may have a designated medical provider that you must see for treatment. If you’re not happy with the provider or the treatment you’re receiving, you have the right to request a change of provider.
File a Workers’ Compensation Claim
To obtain medical benefits, you must file a workers’ compensation claim with your employer’s insurance carrier. Your claim must be filed within one year of the date of your injury. Your employer is required to provide you with a claim form within one day of your report of injury. If your employer fails to provide you with a claim form, you can download one from the California Division of Workers’ Compensation website.
The claim form requires you to provide information about your injury, medical treatment, and other relevant information. An experienced attorney can help you fill out the claim form and ensure that it is complete and accurate.
Wait for a Decision
After you file your claim, the insurance carrier will review it and make a decision on whether to approve or deny your benefits. If your claim is approved, you will receive medical treatment paid for by the insurance carrier.
If your claim is denied, you have the right to appeal the decision. An experienced attorney can help you navigate the appeals process and ensure that your claim is complete and accurate.
Contact PLBH for a Free Legal Consultation
If you’ve been injured at work, it’s essential to understand your rights and take action to protect them. Our experienced attorneys can help you navigate the workers’ compensation system and ensure that you receive the medical benefits you’re entitled to. Contact PLBH at (800) 435-7542 for a free legal consultation and learn how we can help you obtain the medical benefits you deserve.