Important Info about Your Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Insurance companies don’t want you to know that they can stop your benefits if you need surgery. Even if you have a relatively minor injury and don’t require much medical treatment or time off work, they may initially pay you. However, once you are referred to surgery, they will look for ways to deny your workers’ compensation claim.
If you’ve experienced a more serious injury, need surgery, or suffer a permanent disability that prevents you from working, and you’re currently receiving benefits, it is crucial to understand how your case could change.
How Insurance Companies Cut Off Benefits
In every case involving a serious injury, the workers’ compensation insurance company will try to limit or deny your benefits. They can stop payments and medical treatment without warning — all they do is file a form.
What’s worse, you may unknowingly give them a reason to terminate your benefits. Remember, you are not expected to be an expert in D.C. workers’ compensation law, which spans 58 chapters in addition to the statute itself. But your adjuster has handled hundreds of these cases and has a team of case managers, nurses, investigators, insurance lawyers, and doctors on their side.
Mistakes That Can Hurt Your Case
Here are common mistakes injured workers make that can harm a valid claim:
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Seeing the insurance company’s doctor
They may claim the doctor is “approved” or part of their panel. After a few visits, that doctor may declare you fine to return to work or blame your injury on a pre-existing condition. There is no such thing as an “approved” doctor panel. If a doctor mainly treats patients sent by the insurance company, ask yourself whose interests they serve. -
Attending repeated “independent” medical exams
These exams are arranged and paid for by the insurance company. There are limits on how many they can require, but many workers don’t know this. -
Posting on social media
Insurance investigators look at your online presence. A photo, video, or even a post by someone else can be twisted and used against you. -
Being followed by investigators
They may watch your home for days and capture minutes of video, like you carrying groceries. Without context, they will argue you can work. -
Allowing a nurse case manager into your care
This nurse is hired by the insurance company, not you. They meet privately with your doctor to push for limited treatment or an early return to work.
Why Having the Right Lawyer Matters
The smartest decision you can make is to work with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer. We know the insurance company’s tactics and how to stop them. Our job is to prevent mistakes before they cost you benefits.
Sadly, we’ve met people who waited too long. By the time they came to us, they had already lost benefits and were in a worse financial and emotional situation. The hardest part is that they never realized they were being taken advantage of.
Don’t Let This Happen to You
Call us today at 202-393-3320 or schedule a free consultation by clicking here. Our team at Donahoe Kearney Law Firm is ready to fight for your rights and ensure you receive the benefits and compensation you deserve. Let us handle the insurance company so you can focus on recovery.