subject: When Workers Comp Payments Are At Risk [print this page] The workday could start out with business as usual, but one day somethinganythingcan go terribly wrong. An on-the-job injury occurs, leaving the worker unable to work for months. The inability to work could mean financial disaster, but workers compensation insurance can help by paying benefits for the period of time when the injured worker is unable to work. However, those benefits can be placed in jeopardy and end up reduced or even eliminated by failing to cooperate in a number of scenarios:
Refusing to undergo an ordered medical examination
Refusing to submit to medical services that are deemed reasonable
Conviction and imprisonment for commission of a crime
Failing to complete and return an employee verification form within the 30-day period required by the workers compensation insurance company
Other instances that could result in the loss of all or a portion of ones workers compensation benefits include:
A ruling by a judge who has been appointed to review a workers compensation claim can interpret the facts and concur no additional benefits are due
By signing a final receipt, a worker indicates he or she is fully recovered from the injury and is in agreement that no additional benefit payments are due
By agreeing to take a lump sum of money (also called a compromise and release, no additional benefit payments are due
Upon returning to work and earning the same or more than the amount earned prior to the injury, no additional benefit payments are due
When the 500-week benefit period for partial disability is expired, no additional benefit payments are due
If the injured worker dies from causes unrelated to the injury suffered on the job, no additional benefit payments are due
If the worker is released to work in a modified or light-duty capacity, reduced payments may still be available if the position pays the worker less than he or she made at work prior to the injury
If the period for specific loss payments is over (the length of this period is determined by the nature of the injury), no additional benefit payments are due
Preserving workers compensation benefits for the duration of ones injury is important to maintaining financial equilibrium. Work with a professional independent insurance agent to make sure eligibility to receive all payments is not compromised. Whats more, an agent can help with risk management and safety programs to mitigate losses, controlling claims costs, and getting premiums done. This is especially important as Worker Comp costs are rising throughout the country.
by: KellieM.Atkinson
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