Everything You Need To Know About Workers’ Compensation Claim Deadlines

Rispoli & Borneo P.C.

Workers Compensation Lawyers

Injuries requiring medical attention can be costly. Their financial impact is even worse when they create an inability to work. The good news is that you are eligible to receive workers’ compensation if you were harmed on the job. Unfortunately, your claim could be denied for multiple reasons, one of which is missing the filing deadline. Here’s a fast guide to making workers’ compensation claims on time.

Basics of Workers’ Compensation Deadlines

Generally speaking, you should file a workers’ compensation claim as soon as possible. The specific deadlines for making claims vary from state to state. In Iowa, you have 90 days after an incident to request compensation. Florida and California are stricter, giving you no more than one month. Colorado is exceptionally tight, granting only 10 days. 

You can find out how much time you have to file a claim from your state’s workers’ compensation board. Alternatively, consult a workers’ compensation lawyer in your area to look it up for you.

Your window of opportunity for filing a claim begins closing the moment you get hurt. Determining this specific date is often easy, although sometimes it’s anything but simple. For instance, an employee could develop carpal tunnel syndrome as a result of work activities. No one can say precisely when this condition fully develops. A workers’ compensation attorney can be extremely helpful in these sorts of situations.

Consequences of Missing Workers’ Compensation Deadlines

Missing your workers’ compensation claim deadline has negative consequences. The amount of money you receive may be severely reduced as a result. Another possibility is that your claim gets rejected entirely. 

To avoid this, you need to properly complete an injury claim form, as well as supply paperwork showing that you received medical treatment. Include as many details about your injury as possible, such as when and where the incident occurred, why it happened, and how you’ve suffered.

Employers are required to submit compensation claims to insurance providers. The time they have for doing this can stretch as long as three years. Because they have so much leeway, filing quickly is essential; the sooner your claim is processed, the better your odds of receiving the money you need earlier rather than later.

Workers’ compensation is there in case you are hurt while earning a paycheck, but you’ll have your claim turned down if you do not file in a timely fashion. Consulting with workers compensation lawyers from a law firm like Cohen & Cohen, P.C. could give you a better understanding of the legal process and would help make certain your claim is processed before the deadline flies by.