Injured workers in Lake Havasu City and the rest of Arizona often find it baffling that workers’ compensation settlements take so long. The workers’ compensation system is denied to help those who have endured on-the-job injuries or have been diagnosed with occupational diseases. If you aren’t sure of what it takes to file a claim, you can learn more here or talk to an attorney. In this post, we are discussing the aspects that eventually affect the time required to settle such cases.
The process
Claims go through the workers’ compensation court system. The purpose is to determine whether an injury is related to the work of the claimant and if they deserve the benefits. This can take time. The insurance company that pays the compensation is obviously not interested in justice. The claims adjuster will only find ways to deny and delay your claim, and the settlement is determined as per the circumstances. From the nature of your injuries to how the accident impacts your ability to work, multiple factors are considered. There are also other things that may influence the outcome. For instance, if you have a third-party claim, that could be a significant aspect.
Other reasons why claims take longer
- The insurance company decides not to cooperate
- The claims adjuster is busy with many cases at once
- The claims adjuster hasn’t managed to determine fair compensation for your claim
- There is a dispute related to your injury
- There is an investigation related to your claim for fraud
- There is an ongoing litigation
- Your employer is dealing with bankruptcy, or the insurance company has ongoing business disputes
Get an attorney
Many injured employees often fail to understand the timeline and deadline for workers’ compensation claims. If you are unsure of how to take the next step or need more time to focus on your injuries and recovery, it is always better to have an attorney on your side. A qualified attorney will not only ensure that you adhere to the norms and regulations but will also take care of the paperwork. They will also help with filing an appeal if the carrier denies your workers’ compensation claim and will prepare for the hearing accordingly.
Most law firms in AZ often work on such cases on a contingency arrangement, which means there is no immediate financial burden to hire an attorney. At the least, you deserve a case assessment to know the circumstances better.
