What to Do if Workers’ Comp Issues Are Delaying Medical Treatment

If workers’ compensation issues are delaying your medical treatment, you must act quickly. Delays in treatment can worsen your condition and prolong your recovery. You should first address the issue with your employer’s insurance provider and ensure all required paperwork is complete. 

If the delays persist, you may need to take legal action to protect your right to timely medical care. In some cases, you may also have the option to pursue a third-party personal injury claim if another entity contributed to your injury. 

Acting promptly can ensure you receive the treatment you need without unnecessary delays. Our Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyers have the information you need to protect your rights and your claim.

Why Workers’ Comp Delays Happen

Several issues can arise with a workers’ comp claim that may delay your medical treatment. While workers’ compensation is designed to provide quick access to medical care, delays can occur for several reasons:

• Incomplete or Missing Paperwork: Errors or omissions in your claim documents can lead to processing delays.
  
• Disputes Over the Claim: The insurance company may dispute whether your injury is work-related or whether the recommended treatment is necessary.
  
• Pre-Authorization Requirements: Many insurance providers require pre-approval for treatments, which can take time if the process is slow.
  
• Insurance Delays: The insurer may delay processing your claim to save money or avoid paying for care.
  
• Employer Disputes: Your employer might contest the severity or validity of your injury, causing further delays.

Understanding why the delay is happening can help you determine the best course of action to resolve it. If you feel like you’re getting the runaround, it may be time to reach out for advice from an Atlanta personal injury lawyer.

Steps to Take if Workers’ Comp Delays Your Medical Treatment

If you’re experiencing delays in your medical care because of workers’ compensation problems, here’s what you can do to protect your health and rights:

1. Contact the Insurance Provider: Reach out to your employer’s workers’ comp insurer to ask about the delay. Clarify whether additional information or paperwork is needed to process your claim.
   
2. Consult Your Doctor: Work with your doctor to ensure they’ve submitted all necessary treatment requests and documentation. Your doctor can also provide evidence supporting the urgency of your care.
   
3. File a Complaint: Most states allow you to file a complaint with the workers’ compensation board if your treatment is being delayed. This complaint can prompt the board to investigate and potentially resolve the issue.
   
4. Consider Paying for Immediate Care: If your condition is worsening and the delay is unreasonable, talk to your doctor about paying for treatment upfront and seeking reimbursement later.
   
5. Appeal the Delay: If the insurance company denies or delays treatment, you can appeal the decision. This typically involves providing additional evidence to show why the treatment is necessary.
   
6. Consult an Attorney: A workers’ compensation lawyer can help you navigate the appeals process, negotiate with the insurer, and fight for the timely care you deserve.

Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Act

Delays in medical treatment can have serious consequences. Your condition may worsen, leading to more complicated health issues, longer recovery times, and even permanent damage in some cases. The longer you wait, the more stress you may experience due to mounting medical needs and lost wages.

Taking action promptly is essential to protect your health and ensure you receive the care you’re entitled to. Ignoring the issue can also weaken your case if the delay leads to gaps in medical documentation or missed deadlines. 

This can make it harder to file an appeal, hold the insurance company accountable, or seek legal help later. Acting quickly safeguards your rights, helps maintain the strength of your case, and ensures you get the treatment you need to recover.

Can You File a Third-Party Claim?

In some cases, a third party may be responsible for your injury. For example:

• If you were injured due to defective equipment, you could file a product liability claim against the manufacturer.
• If a negligent driver caused your injury during work-related driving, you might file a personal injury claim against them.
• If you were injured on someone else’s property, you might have a premises liability claim against the property owner.

A third-party personal injury claim can supplement your workers’ compensation benefits and cover additional damages, such as pain and suffering, that workers’ comp does not address.

Learn How We Can Help if Your Workers’ Comp Medical Treatment Is Delayed

If workers’ compensation issues are delaying your medical treatment, you don’t have to face this alone. An experienced workers’ comp attorney can investigate the cause of the delay, work to resolve disputes with the insurance company, and protect your rights. 

We can also explore the possibility of filing a third-party personal injury claim to maximize your compensation. Don’t let delays jeopardize your recovery. Get The Strong Arm™ on your side by reaching out to John Foy & Associates today for a free consultation.