What to do if Workers’ Compensation Benefits Stop Unexpectedly

There are many circumstances when individuals or companies may stop providing certain services. For example, neglecting to pay monthly utility bills could result in the cessation of electricity and other services.

Similarly, insurance companies may be able to cease payment of workers’ comp benefits under certain circumstances. However, you may be able to get the insurance company to continue providing benefits in several ways.

Oftentimes, if your benefits stop too soon, it’s best to speak with a workers’ compensation attorney to help you determine your options. With the help of an attorney, you may be able to file issues with your state’s workers’ compensation commission to reinstate your benefits.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits Aren’t Permanent
It’s important to keep in mind that workers’ compensation benefits are intended to be temporary, with a few exceptions. The main goal of workers’ comp benefits is to provide you with the financial support you need to recover and return to work following a workplace accident and subsequent injuries. Benefits could cover a variety of expenses, including medical bills and lost wages resulting from time taken off from work to heal. Ultimately, workers’ comp benefits are intended to help you recover enough to get back to work within a reasonable amount of time following an accident.

In some cases, health care providers may determine that a worker won’t recover beyond a certain point and is eligible for permanency benefits. Permanent loss of bodily function and an inability to return to work could also warrant permanent disability benefits.

Why an Insurance Company Might Stop Paying Workers’ Comp Benefits
Some of the reasons why an insurance company could cut off benefits include:

• A healthcare provider determines that a worker has reached a level of maximum medical improvement, which means that the worker won’t recover any further and won’t benefit from any additional treatment.
• The doctor designated by the insurance company determines that a recipient suffers from a pre-existing medical condition that doesn’t warrant compensation benefits.
• The employer’s insurance company determines that the worker didn’t suffer an injury as a result of a work-related accident.
• A healthcare provider provides a written report that indicates a worker is capable of returning to work.

Regardless of the circumstances, you may be able to file issues with your state’s workers’ compensation commission to appeal the decision to cut off benefits. From there, the commission will schedule a specific hearing date to discuss your case.

Consult with a Workers’ Compensation Attorney
If you are cut off from workers’ compensation benefits and believe that you still qualify to receive them, you should speak with an experienced workers’ comp attorney who can provide some additional advice on these matters. A reliable attorney will help determine if you have a case and may be able to help you seek reinstatement of benefits from an insurance company.