How to Navigate Disputes in Workers’ Compensation Cases

In a perfect world, workers’ compensation cases would always work out for the best for both the employee and the employer. However, that’s not always the case. Disputes can and will arise, usually between the employee and the insurance company. Handling these disputes correctly is essential. We’ll discuss a few important ways to navigate these difficult situations.

Hire an Attorney

Perhaps the single most important thing to do during a workers’ compensation case, whether there’s a dispute or not, is to hire an experienced attorney. Your attorney will represent you throughout the case and can help you understand what’s going on and what your options are. This is particularly important if your case goes to court, but your attorney can also be an important asset during informal claims.

Schedule a Dispute Resolution Conference

In most cases, disputes arise because of disagreements between the employee and the insurer. The employer may or may not be involved. When notified that the insurer is disputing their claim, the employee can request a dispute resolution conference. This is a chance to sit down with the insurer and find workarounds for the situation. Your attorney can work with you here and can attend the conference with you.

Provide Documented Evidence of Everything

Often, disputes arise because insurers lack documented information about the injury or illness in question. Make sure you have all the required documentation and that it’s been provided to the insurer. In many cases, simply refiling your claim with the right information is enough to get your case renewed and reviewed once more, hopefully with a positive outcome. Your attorney can assist in this process. 

Speak with Your Employer

Sometimes the employer may dispute a workers’ comp claim. This is particularly true if the employer is trying to reduce premium costs and the claim isn’t as strong as it could be. Employers can also dispute your claim if your injury didn’t require medical treatment if the accident didn’t happen at the workplace or did not result from work-related activities, if it’s related to a preexisting condition, or if you didn’t file your claim in time.

Dealing with a workers’ compensation dispute is no fun at all. An attorney can help you understand the situation and find the best path forward. Get in touch with the workers’ compensation attorneys at Grewer Law to schedule your free consultation.