Well, it depends.
Workers’ compensation timelines can be difficult to determine since there are so many different factors involved such as the type of injury, when it happened, and the evidence that is available.
Usually, most claims take anywhere from 12 to 18 months to resolve, depending on the specific details of the case.
And, the workers compensation system can be difficult or hard to deal with at many times. Furthermore, it’s also important to understand how the workers’ compensation system works, as well as the timely processing of a potential claim.
So what are the different factors that go into a workers compensation claim in the United States? Let’s find out.
Overview of Workers’ Compensation Claims
Workers compensation is a system where employees who may have been injured on the job at a site or elsewhere can receive compensation while they are injured.
Some of the most common types of workplace injuries include:
- Slip and Falls
- Motor Vehicle Accidents With Company Vehicle
- Falling from heights
- Chemical Exposure
- Neck and Back Injuries
The purpose of the workers compensation system is to give injured workers an opportunity to get their life back and pay for the medical bills and lost wages they might be enduring.
So, even though this system is incredibly complex, there are many factors from this system that can make a positive impact on someone’s life.
Factors Influencing Claim Duration
With such a complex system in place, it unfortunately is not perfect.
There’s so many claims that end up getting denied due to a number of reasons. Some of these include complex paperwork, the injury not being on the worksite, and the accident happening due to an employee’s pre-existing condition.
However, there are usually ways to dispute these denials, but with so many laws and systems in place, it can seem nearly impossible to navigate this system on your own.
But, if you choose to hire a trusted Washington D.C. workers’ compensation attorney who knows all of the specific laws and statutes surrounding workers compensation, that can benefit your claim significantly.
It’s also important to keep in mind that every state has different workers compensation laws, meaning that it’s nearly impossible to navigate everything on your own, without the assistance of an experienced lawyer who can help you significantly.
Initial Steps in the Claims Process
The first step in the workers compensation process is to file a claim.
And the first step in filing is to report your injury to your employer. The employer will then usually fill out the necessary forms that include instructions on how to navigate your workers compensation claims.
After that, your employer will then file a claim to the state workers’ compensation agency and their insurance. Once that step is complete, the employer will file the claim form and eventually get a response from the workers compensation agency, either approving or denying the claim.
If workers compensation chooses to deny the claim, that is often the most contested part of a case. On the plaintiff’s side, they will try to argue that their injuries are more severe than the employer believes. Vice versa on the defendant’s side.
State-Specific Variations In Workers Compensation
As mentioned previously, there are state-specific special statutes and laws in place for workers’ compensation.
In most states, there are usually differences regarding the number of employees a business needs to have workers compensation insurance be required. In addition, another difference in the laws between states is the benefits that are administered.
For example, Alaska allows 80% of a worker’s spendable wage, while most other states only allow 66% of that spendable wage. There are also maximum limits that are set, ranging from $300 to $1,100 per week, depending on the state you’re in.
Be Patient With Your Workers’ Compensation Claim Today
In conclusion, workers comp claims can either take months, or even years due to the nature of these claims, or they can be settled in as quick as a few weeks or months.
There’s also many factors that go into the process including the extent of injuries, the timeline of events, and the employer’s insurance company refusing to pay for someone’s injuries. It’s also important to keep in mind how the system works, and if you need any help to call an attorney.
Remember that your rights are worth protecting at the end of the day, and that you shouldn’t be going into this right alone.