If you have been injured on the job, it's in your best interest to hasten the worker's compensation claim process so that you can get your benefits as soon as possible. Here are some of the measures you can take to make this a reality.
Don't Reschedule Appointments Unless Necessary
You will have to make multiple appointments before your worker's compensation case resolution. For example, you will have meetings with your lawyer, medical consultations, independent medical examination (IME) appointment, and mediation talks, among other appointments. The more you delay these appointments, the longer your case will take. For example, the insurance adjuster may not be willing to make a firm settlement offer until after you have seen the IME. Therefore, do your best to make it to these appointments without unnecessary reschedules.
Be a Good Communicator
Prompt and efficient communication will also help your case move along at a good pace. For example, the insurance adjuster may contact you for further clarification on your case or your lawyer may contact you for further documents or with a settlement offer from the insurance company. You need to take these communications seriously; for example, delaying to return your lawyer's calls may prolong the case because it might be that the lawyer can't move forward with the case without a document that only you can produce.
Initiate Settlement Talks
Insurance companies have their own ways of doing things, and their way may not be necessary fast enough for you. Luckily, you don't have to wait for the insurance company to make their move; take the initiative and ask them if they are willing to settle the case, and for how long. At the very least, this will draw the insurance company's attention to your case and probably push it forward the priority list. It's also good to ask your lawyer about any settlement offers regularly to ensure that you can make decisions on such things as soon as they occur.
Understand the Need for Compromise
Lastly, you should acknowledge the fact that injured workers do not lawyers get what they want as far as compensation is concerned. Be ready to compromise on your demands if you want the case to move forward at a good pace. Sticking to your initial demand may signal the insurance company that you aren't willing to settle, which may make them not take the negotiations too seriously.
Don't forget to consult your workers' compensation attorneys for further pointers on how to hasten your claim.
