Getting seriously injured or sick on the job may affect your ability to perform your regular duties for weeks, months, or even years after the initial accident or when you first begin noticing symptoms. Fortunately, you can receive workers’ compensation benefits for a substantial period after your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance provider accepts your claim, ideally until you reach “maximum medical improvement” and can return to work.
If you suffer a life-altering injury or illness because of your job, it can be helpful to understand the typical length of a Van Nuys workers’ compensation claim and the factors that may influence its duration. An expert workers’ compensation attorney at Glauber Berenson Vego could help ensure you receive all necessary benefits for your recovery.
Any qualifying employee who files a workers’ compensation claim after a workplace accident or work-related diagnosis is entitled to reimbursement for all “reasonably necessary” medical expenses from the moment they notify their employer. This may include expenses related to ongoing care or rehabilitation.
However, temporary disability payments for lost wages do not begin unless the employee has to miss more than three days of work or is hospitalized overnight because of their condition. Even so, those first three missed days are only covered retroactively if the worker misses at least 14 total days of work. Therefore, it is crucial to accurately track time off and communicate with the employer.
Generally, temporary disability benefits are only available for a maximum of 104 weeks (roughly two years) from the date of injury or illness. However, this period can be extended up to 240 weeks (about four and a half years) for certain severe conditions. If someone becomes permanently disabled due to a workplace injury or illness, they may be eligible for permanent disability benefits for life, although there are limitations.
The length of a workplace injury claim in Van Nuys may vary significantly based on individual case specifics and the nature of the injury or illness.
Although workers with permanent disabilities are technically entitled to lifetime benefits through workers’ compensation, it is rare for insurance companies to agree to indefinite benefits. Instead, insurance companies will often offer settlements to close the case, either as a lump-sum amount to cover all expected future damages or an agreed-upon weekly sum of benefits over a period.
Since you typically cannot negotiate terms if your condition worsens after accepting a settlement, it is crucial to consult with an attorney before accepting an offer. It is also essential to wait until you reach “maximum medical improvement,” as determined by your doctors, before agreeing to a settlement.
Understanding the timeline of a workers’ compensation claim in Van Nuys can help you make informed decisions about accepting a settlement. Expert legal counsel could help negotiate the terms for a settlement to ensure a favorable outcome.
Several factors can affect the length of a Van Nuys workers’ compensation claim. The duration of your claim will depend on your specific situation and how effectively your legal representation advocates for your entitled benefits.
Our skilled workers’ compensation lawyers are ready to assist you. Seek the services of Glauber Berenson Vego today for help with your work injury case.
