When an injured worker faces a workers' compensation dispute after filing a claim, he or she can work with an attorney to fight for fair benefits. After an on-the-job injury, you could be looking at months or even years of recovery. These injuries might keep you away from work, leaving you without the compensation you need. Fortunately, your workers' compensation benefits should cover your losses and help you recover.
Resolving a Workers' Compensation Dispute
Sadly, not every injured worker gets the compensation they need right away. Your employer or his or her workers' comp insurance provider might dispute information regarding your injury. You’ll need to know how to handle an Iowa workers' comp dispute to obtain your benefits soon. There are a few steps you can take with your attorney to appeal your claim.
Informal Meetings
Once you’ve filed your claim, you should receive a letter approving or denying your claim. A denial is unfortunate, but it’s not the end of your chances for work comp benefits. Hang onto your workers' compensation dispute letter, as it will provide the reason for denying your benefits, and this can help you during the appeals process. First, retain the help of a workers' comp attorney. Then, discuss your work comp situation with your employer and the insurance provider together. In some cases, your attorney might be able to negotiate a settlement with them before taking your case further. Be sure to review your denial reason before scheduling a meeting with your employer. You’ll need to know what factors led to your denial, which can range from a missed deadline to a lack of medical evidence. This gives you a chance to review your claim and gather additional evidence. Unfortunately, your employer and the insurance provider might not budge on their decision. In this case, you’ll need to appeal your claim to the Iowa Workers Compensation Commission.
Your Workers' Comp Hearing
When your employer or insurance provider continues to deny you the compensation you deserve, you and your attorney will need to schedule a workers' compensation hearing with the Iowa Workers' Compensation Commissioner, which will oversee your appeal. Here, you’ll need to bring all the evidence needed for your appeal. For example, you might bring eyewitness reports that your accident happened while working; or you might need further medical exam results to show the severity of your injuries and the impact they have had on your life. You and your lawyer will appeal the denial at the hearing. Your lawyer will present the evidence before the commissioner and your employer. Once this is completed, the commissioner will either approve the appeal or deny your workers' comp benefits for a second time.
Get Legal Help with an Appeal
When you’re injured, your workers' comp benefits should help you recover as soon as possible. Unfortunately, the insurance company might not be so willing to approve your claim, leaving you stuck with mounting bills and lost wages. When this happens, you’ll need to know how to handle an Iowa workers' compensation dispute to get your claim appealed. The workers' compensation lawyers at Pothitakis Law Firm, PC can help dispute workers' compensation claim denials. They’ll review your case, prepare your appeal, and represent you before the Iowa Workers Compensation Commission. Struggling with a denial that left you without compensation? Get on track with one of our free consultations. Claim yours by calling (866) 753-4692 or by filling out the online form below.
