Whether you are getting your first workers’ comp check or have been receiving benefits, it’s important to know when you can get benefits. You need to understand your rights and what processes your employer or their insurer must follow. This makes sure you get always get your benefits without delay. An experienced workers’ comp lawyer Virginia Beach can explain these rights and processes to you. In fact, they can help you navigate the workers’ comp system and its complexities.
When Can You Get Your Check?
The notification process dictates when you can get your workers’ compensation check. If you sustained an injury or get sick at work, you must notify your employer not later than 30 days from when you got injured or 60 days from when you got sick. Not reporting your injury or illness within this timeframe can lead to the denial of your claim. Typically, your employer has ten days to notify the Workers’ Compensation Commission about your injury. Once your compensation is approved, you can start getting benefits. If your claim is denied, you can appeal the denial within 3 years from the date you got injured.
The Workers’ Compensation Act wage loss benefits are given to injured workers on the same schedule they get paid when they were working. If your employee paid you every week, you need to get your worker’s compensation check every week. However, checks can be late. But if the delay is more than 14 days, your employer or their insurer may need to pay a penalty of 20%.
Medical Benefits Will Start Right Away
When you start getting worker’s comp benefits, your medical bills will be paid for by your employer, their insurer, or the state following your filing. Your claim does not need to be accepted or denied before you can get benefits. Also, you don’t have to file a claim first before you get medical treatment. After a work-related injury, seek help from your employer right away and see a physician. From there, the doctor can evaluate your injury and document it.
When to Get Non-Medical Workers’ Comp Benefits
You should be able to get benefit payments right after the acceptance of your claim. Claims have a waiting period of 7 days for insurance providers to investigate the case from the date of the injury. Once your claim is accepted, you should be able to get disability payments right away.
Some insurers delay payments. If this happens to you, your attorney can take steps to speed up the process.
