There are many times when you should talk to a workers compensation attorney. These are some of the most important:
1. If your employer does not fill out the workers compensation report of injury within 10 days of your injury. That’s a bad sign. You’ll know because you are supposed to sign the report. It could mean your employer doesn’t want to report the injury to keep his insurance premiums down. It could mean he doesn’t have insurance. It’s okay if he doesn’t have insurance, because there is a fund available to reimburse your benefits.
2. If you don’t hear from an insurance adjuster within 14 days of your injury. That is a bad sign. You should have gotten a call or a letter with your claim number and an address for turning in your receipts. You’re hurt, you might not be able to work, you are racking up bills, you need money to pay the rent and buy food. The longer it takes for the insurance company to set up your file, the longer it’ll take for you to get your benefits.
3. If you were taken off work and haven’t received your first temporary total disability payment within 21 days. That is a bad sign. That means the insurance company is not processing your file correctly.
4. If the insurance company schedules you for an “independent” medical evaluation. That is a bad sign. That means the insurance company doesn’t believe you got hurt at work.
5. If the insurance company sends a nurse to your doctor appointments with you. That is a bad sign. She is an insurance company spy and sent to influence your doctor’s recommendations.
6. If you notice someone following you around. That’s a bad sign. They do hire private investigators. They will videotape you buying groceries, filling your car up, walking in and out of your doctor’s office. That means they don’t believe you are really hurt.
Keenan Powell has practiced Workers Compensation law in the State of Alaska for over 35 years and has dedicated her practice to Workers Compensation representing injured Alaskans handling hundreds of cases. www.keenanpowell.com.
All consultations are free. To make an appointment, email: keenan@keenanpowell.com or call: 907 258 7663.