The appeals process is one of the primary tools for the injured worker who is denied workers’ compensation benefits. Our attorneys can walk you through that process and provide counsel at every step.
What You Should Do If Your Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied?
In some cases, simply providing medical records or other documents is enough to dissolve disputes over workers’ compensation. That said, insurance companies and most employers have extensive legal resources within their reach. With that in mind, it is likely in your best interest to contact a lawyer before contacting your employer’s insurer. If any doubt exists that an employee’s injuries are work related, the insurance carrier will fight against paying benefits.
The Workers’ Compensation Board of Indiana features an ombudsman division that helps workers explore Alternative Dispute Resolution options, including mediation. However, workers also have the right to file an appeal via the Application for Adjustment of their claims. There is a two-year statute of limitations governing the filing of this appeal.
Although the Workers’ Compensation Board of Indiana does not offer legal advice to injured workers, it does recommend that workers “consult an attorney if [they] are contemplating disputing [their] claim or if [they] feel that [their] rights under the Worker’s Compensation Act are not being upheld.”
Golitko & Daly Can Help
With an experienced attorney in your corner throughout the appeals process, your chances of reversing a claim denial will dramatically improve. Remember, your employer’s insurance carrier will have legal representatives during conflict resolution, whether at an informal mediation session or a formal hearing. Our workers’ compensation attorneys can provide you with trusted counsel and the representation you need to obtain compensation. We have helped many workers injured in construction accidents and other workplace accidents obtain compensation for:
- Lost wages
- Permanent impairment
- Medical treatment
- Prescription costs
Please note: you cannot be compensated for pain and suffering, mental anguish, or other general damages that result from a workplace injury. Workers’ compensation covers only special (or specific) damages. However, workers’ compensation benefits are not taxed, which will help cover expenses and losses related to your injury.
Contact Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers
To learn more about the workers’ compensation appeals process and how our attorneys can help protect your rights, please contact the law firm of Golitko & Daly today.