If you’re dealing with a work injury, waiting for workers’ compensation benefits can be stressful, especially when the medical bills start adding up, and paychecks stop coming in. While there are set timelines for processing claims, some cases move slower or faster than others.

So, what happens if you’re facing severe financial difficulties in the wake of your injury? Is there a way to speed up the payment of your benefits?

Read on to learn what can cause delays, when a case might qualify for expedited handling, and how a Louisiana workers’ compensation lawyer can help move the process forward to secure your benefits sooner.

How Fast Can You Get Workers’ Comp Benefits?

Workers’ compensation claims follow a general timeline, but the exact length of time depends on the circumstances. In straightforward cases, wage benefits may arrive within a few weeks, while medical benefits typically take a month or two. However, disputes or claim form errors can add weeks or months to the process.

In extreme cases, appeals or legal challenges can last years. Medical evaluations, investigations, and negotiations impact processing time, and the more complex the case, the longer it may take.

What Causes Delays in Workers’ Compensation Claims?

Several issues can delay your claim. If your case isn’t progressing as expected, one or more of the following could be the reason:

  • Incomplete or Inaccurate Paperwork: Errors like missing signatures, incorrect dates, or incomplete medical records can delay processing.
  • Disputes Over the Injury: If the insurance company or employer questions whether the injury happened at work, they may require additional evidence, slowing the process.
  • Medical Treatment and Evaluations: Complex injuries, specialist visits, or insurer-requested medical exams can extend the time it takes to approve benefits.
  • Delays From the Insurance Company: Insurers may take longer than necessary to review claims, request extra documents, or deny claims without clear justification.

A knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorney can help you overcome these challenges and resolve your issue quickly.

How To Prevent Delays in Your Claim

While some setbacks are unavoidable, there are ways to keep your claim moving. Take these steps:

  • Submit Complete and Accurate Paperwork: Double-check your claim forms, such as the First Report of Injury or Illness and the Choice of Physician Form, and provide all necessary medical records upfront.
  • Follow Medical Advice: Attend all doctor appointments and follow treatment recommendations to avoid disputes about your condition.
  • Communicate Promptly: Respond promptly to requests for information from your employer, the insurance company, or medical providers.
  • Work With a Skilled Lawyer: A qualified workers’ compensation lawyer can handle the paperwork, gather the necessary evidence, and push back against delays to keep your case on track.

Can You Expedite a Workers’ Compensation Case?

You may qualify for an expedited review if your case involves urgent medical needs or financial hardship. Below are some common situations where a claim may be fast-tracked:

 

Reason for Expedited Review When It May Apply Evidence To Support the Request
Severe Injuries Requiring Urgent Medical Care Your injury prevents you from working and requires immediate treatment. Applies to life-threatening conditions, serious disabilities, or cases where delays could cause long-term harm.
  • Medical records showing severity
  • Doctor’s notes explaining how delayed treatment could cause further harm
  • Specialist recommendations for immediate procedures or interventions
Extreme Financial Hardship Delayed benefits could lead to eviction, utility shut-offs, or the inability to afford medical care.
  • Overdue bills or shut-off notices
  • Eviction or foreclosure warnings
  • Medical expenses showing urgent financial strain

 

Eligibility for an expedited claim depends on individual circumstances. Consult a seasoned workers’ compensation attorney for legal advice about your specific situation.

How a Lawyer Can Help Expedite Your Case

An experienced workers’ compensation lawyer can help avoid delays and process your case promptly. Here’s how our team at Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers can help:

  • File a Motion for an Expedited Hearing: If your situation qualifies, your lawyer can submit a formal request based on medical urgency or financial hardship.
  • Gather Strong Supporting Evidence: Our attorneys collect medical records, doctor’s statements, and financial documents to prove why your case qualifies for an expedited review. We also make sure that all necessary paperwork is submitted correctly to avoid delays.
  • Push the Insurance Company to Act: We communicate directly with the insurer, applying legal pressure when necessary to prevent unnecessary stalling. We take immediate steps to hold them accountable if they delay responses or deny requests without cause.

Get the Benefits You Deserve With Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers

Speeding up a workers’ compensation claim isn’t always easy, but having the right legal team can help avoid unnecessary delays. At Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers, we have years of experience handling complex workers’ compensation cases and understand what it takes to push claims forward.

From filing expedited requests to holding insurance companies accountable, we fight to get injured workers the benefits they need as soon as possible.

Schedule a free consultation with Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers today, and let us help you get the workers’ compensation benefits you need to protect your physical and financial well-being.

Disclaimer: This content has been reviewed by Scott Sonier, workers’ compensation attorney at Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers.