When you make a workers’ compensation claim, you expect that they will fairly evaluate and process your claim. In most cases, this is true and the insurance company acts in (relatively) good faith.
However, insurance companies are a business and like all businesses, they’re in it to make a profit. A workers’ comp insurance provider may act in bad faith to deny your claim, reduce benefits, or slow down the entire process. Here are some signs your workers’ comp insurance agency may be acting in bad faith and what you can do about it.
They Delay the Processing of Your Claim
The most common indicator of bad faith acting is when a workers’ comp insurance company delays the processing of your claim. Statutes of limitations apply and after so long, you may no longer pursue compensation if enough time has passed.
Delaying the processing of your claim past the statute of limitations is a common way that insurance companies avoid paying workers’ comp claims. The delay of your benefits payments is also fairly common.
They Deny Your Claim for a False Reason
Workers’ comp is meant to evaluate your claim and approve or deny it based on the evidence and facts available. If the insurance company denies your claim for a false reason, this may mean that they are acting in bad faith.
They Deny Requests for Necessary Medical Care
Another common indicator of a bad-faith actor is that requests for necessary medical care are denied. For example, say your doctor performs a standard x-ray and decides that you need additional testing. They send the request to workers’ comp, who then approves or denies the request.
Generally, the physician’s word should be trusted and if additional testing is ordered, the workers’ comp agency is responsible for ensuring their insureds receive the appropriate medical care. If the agency rejects the request despite your physician’s clear indication that the medical care or test is necessary, this may mean they are not acting in good faith.
Dealing with a Workers’ Compensation Claim? Contact Attorney Lawrence Hubert Today
Working with workers’ compensation insurance can be a hassle to begin with, even when the insurance agency is acting in good faith. When a workers’ comp insurance company begins to act in bad faith, this can make things even more challenging.
Don’t wait to get help with your workers’ comp case. Contact Lawrence Hubert for help today.