Arcadia Delayed Workers’ Compensation Claim Attorney
When you are injured on the job, especially if you are unable to continue working as a result, you are entitled to workers’ compensation coverage. Moreover, you are entitled to coverage fast. Medical bills and other expenses can start piling up immediately while you are simultaneously missing out on your wages. California law requires not only that your employer and their insurer cover your bills and expenses; the law requires that they do so promptly. Insurance companies and employers may look for any reason to delay or deny your claims to protect their bottom line, but you have California law on your side. With the help of a knowledgeable and passionate California workers’ compensation attorney, you can start getting the benefits you are owed without unjustified delay.
Dedicated workers’ compensation lawyers fighting for your rights
Employers and insurance companies do not have the right to delay or deny your workers’ compensation claims without justification, nor do they have the right to deny payment while they are “investigating” your claim. The Arcadia workers’ compensation attorneys at the Law Offices of Dulio R. Chavez, II, have decades of experience representing clients who have been injured while on the job in California. We know the ins and outs of California labor and insurance laws, and we know how insurance companies and employers think. We will fight to see that you receive the maximum coverage possible and that you start to receive your coverage promptly and in accordance with your rights under California law.
How to avoid a delay in workers’ compensation coverage
California law sets certain deadlines for workers, employers, and insurance carriers to deal with claims of workers’ compensation. Injured employees must generally notify their employer of their injury or illness within 30 days of the accident or discovery of the illness. The employer will then provide the worker with a workers’ compensation form to fill out and return. Once the form is returned, the insurance company has 90 days to either approve or deny the claim.
In order to preserve your rights and maximize your coverage, you must file your claim within the deadline set by California law. Moreover, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to get a proper diagnosis, back up your workers’ compensation claim, effectively connect the workplace accident to your reported injury, and avoid any complications or exacerbations of your medical problem that could be caused by delaying treatment of some latent injury. Fill out your claim form thoroughly and with as much support as you can. Seek out the help of a dedicated workers’ compensation attorney to help you file your claim and back it up should any questions be raised.
Employers and insurance companies must make a decision and pay you promptly
Insurers or employers may try to delay making a decision on your claim or delay your initial payments in order to tire you out and encourage you to either drop your claim or accept an inadequate settlement. Our California workers’ compensation claim lawyers will make sure that you are not bullied out of the benefits unscrupulous insurance companies or employers owe you.
If your employer or their insurance carrier does not issue an immediate approval (or denial), they have 90 days to make their decision. They must send you a letter informing you that they are delaying your payment while they investigate. In the meantime, they must cover your medical bills until they make their final decision, up to a total of $10,000. If they do not issue an approval or denial within 90 days, then your injury is presumed to be covered, and, in most cases, you will receive benefits.
If the insurer does not pay for your coverage starting the day after you file your claim, or if they delay later payments, the insurer may be subject to a penalty for any late payments. If you filed your claim form at least 14 days before the payment was due and they send a payment late, the claims administrator must pay you an additional 10 percent. Moreover, if your claim is further delayed or denied, your workers’ compensation attorney can take you through the appeals process efficiently and effectively to maximize your benefits and start your coverage as soon as possible.
Get Professional Help With Your Delayed Workers’ Compensation Claims in Pasadena and Southern California
For talented, knowledgeable, and passionate legal assistance with a delayed workers’ compensation claim in Southern California, contact the Arcadia Law Offices of Dulio R. Chavez, II, for a free consultation at 626-357-3303.