Workers’ Comp New Year’s Resolutions

As 2014 rolls in, it is time to take stock of our goals for the new year. While many of us will focus on the age-old fitness and organization resolutions, CJG encourages you to keep on top of your workers’ comp case in 2014. Here are the top 5 things to keep your case in shape:

Number 5: Ask for your medical mileage and prescription drug payments to be reimbursed to you. The insurance company has money with your name on it. Here are the forms you can use to get your money back.

Number 4: Understand your time limits. When your case is accepted, you have two years to get medical treatment in most cases. Every time you go to the doctor, you get two more years. But if that passes, you will not be able to go to the doctor and get the insurance company to pay for it.

Number 3: Figure out if you are being paid correctly.  The insurance company must pay you 2/3 of your pay over the past year in most cases.  Sometimes they “forget” to include overtime compensation, or bonuses.  Make sure that you are not losing money every week that you could use to buy groceries, gas and electricity.

Number 2: Stay away from social media. While you may have your social media settings restricted to close friends and family, it takes only a click of a mouse to make something private into something public.

Number 1: Cooperate. The insurance companies are looking for any reason at all to cut off your benefits. Failing to do as you are asked can give them the excuse they need to make your life difficult. If you are supposed to look for employment, be sure to do so and keep neat, specific records of all attempts you make to find work. If you are supposed to attend vocational rehabilitation, go to your meetings on time and do as you are asked. Be sure to attend all of your doctors’ appointments and get permission before seeking any additional medical advice.

Keeping these resolutions can ensure you and your family are protected from the pitfalls of workers’ compensation system.

CJG wishes you and yours a happy and healthy new year!