Alabama employees are covered under workers’ compensation insurance. The policies define how these workers receive benefits if they are injured while doing work-related duties. The policy also outlines the total value of these benefits based on various injury types. Unfortunately, hundreds of Alabama employees will be denied these benefits due to hidden terms and unethical work practices. This is why a workers’ compensation lawyer in Mobile, AL works diligently to help these employees.
The Guidelines for Filing a Claim
Human Resources Departments manage workers’ compensation claims. They must provide the worker with the correct paperwork and send them to a doctor. Select policies require these workers to visit specific doctors for treatment. It is the responsibility of these departments to inform the worker of which doctor to visit.
Next, the doctor must mail in the forms or send them back to HR with the employee. There is a 10-day deadline for submission. If the doctor or HR doesn’t submit prior to the deadline it could delay or forfeit the worker’s rights to these benefits.
The Red Tape
A claim’s adjuster must assess the injuries and determine if they meet the policy’s guidelines. If the employer’s insurance doesn’t cover specific injuries, the worker won’t receive benefits. Most workers are unaware of this red tape. It is a loophole used by insurers to deny benefits.
Why Is It Difficult to Get Benefits?
In most cases, the insurer won’t provide benefits unless the injuries are long-term. If the worker can perform light-duty work, the insurer can deny the claim. They can also deny the claim if the workers’ injuries don’t present a long-term or permanent disability.
What to Do If the Insurer Denies the Claim
The first step is to speak to a workers compensation lawyer in Mobile, AL. They’ll guide victims and help them prepare for an appeal or formal lawsuit. An attorney could prepare the worker for these tasks more effectively.
Alabama employees receive workers’ compensation benefits based on their injuries. All employers must maintain these insurance policies if they wish to hire workers. The employer must follow all guidelines for filing a claim. If the worker is denied, they have the right to a hearing.
