Why Am I Being Ignored By My Claims Adjuster?
Posted by Michele Lewane | Claim Accepted - Now What?, Claim Denied - Now What?, First Steps, Workers' Compensation Benefits, Working With The Adjuster/Nurse Case Manager
I get so many calls from injured workers who say the workers’ compensation insurance claims adjuster or their “case manager” will not return their calls. Worse yet, many of them tell me that when they do finally get to speak with someone, they are not treated very kindly. It is very sad but if you …
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You CAN Get Workers’ Compensation Benefits Even if an Adjuster Says you Can’t!
Posted by Michele Lewane | Claim Denied - Now What?, First Steps, Hiring A Lawyer, Workers' Compensation Benefits
We receive so many calls from injured workers who are frustrated with the insurance adjuster on their case who has told them that they are not covered or their claim was denied. I can’t say it enough – FILE YOUR CLAIM FORM WITH THE VIRGINIA WORKERS’ COMPENSATION COMMISSION! This is how you dispute the insurance company’s denial …
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6 Things you Need to Know When Your Virginia Workers’ Compensation Claim is ACCEPTED
Posted by Michele Lewane | Claim Accepted - Now What?, First Steps, Workers' Compensation Benefits
When your workers’ compensation claim is accepted and your medical care is being covered by the insurance company, there are still things you need to do: You still need to file a Claim Form form with the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission to have your benefits formally recognized by the Commission. This is also to protect you against the …
Keeping Your Medical Benefits ACTIVE!!
Posted by Michele Lewane | Workers' Compensation Benefits, Working With A Doctor
Having an Award Order for lifetime medical benefits through the Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission is only part of the struggle in the Virginia workers’ compensation process. Once the Commission awards you your benefits, it is up to you to keep them active. I tell people all the time to keep their benefits active because if …
What Is Taking My Workers’ Compensation Claim So Long?
Posted by Michele Lewane | Claim Denied - Now What?, First Steps, Hiring A Lawyer, Workers' Compensation Benefits
Main Takeaways: Filing a workers’ compensation claim in Virginia is an imperfect and SLOW process. When an insurance company requests a second opinion, they will not approve any new treatment until the second opinion is performed and the adjuster is able to review the independent doctor’s evaluation. if you haven’t filed a Claim Form with the …
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The 5 Things you MUST Do After a Work Injury
Posted by Michele Lewane | First Steps, Workers' Compensation Benefits
When you suffer a work injury, there can be a lot of confusion on what steps need to be taken and, sadly, employers and workers’ compensation insurance companies don’t always give injured workers the guidance they need to file their claim and request their benefits. I have compiled this list of steps for injured workers so …
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Can I get Workers’ Compensation Benefits Even if the Accident was my Fault?
Posted by Michele Lewane | First Steps, Types Of Accidents, Workers' Compensation Benefits
You can get workers’ compensation benefits in Virginia even if the work injury was your fault. One of the things the Virginia workers’ compensation system got right is that it is a “no fault” system. This means that even if an your action or oversight contributed to your injury, you can still receive benefits. However, …
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Can the Bankruptcy Court Take my Workers’ Compensation Settlement?
Posted by Michele Lewane | Settlement, Workers' Compensation Benefits
This is a complicated question and each case is different. So, talk to your bankruptcy lawyer or workers’ compensation lawyer for the specific answer in your particular situation. Sadly, while some injured workers are waiting for their case to be resolved or for their settlement money to come in, they are so buried in debt …
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What to Do If Your Workers’ Compensation Check Is Late
Posted by Michele Lewane | First Steps, Workers' Compensation Benefits
Main Takeaways: When receiving a lost wage check from the insurance company, it is important to have an Award Order. An Award Order puts time limits on how late a check can be and allows you to claim a 20% penalty from the insurance carrier if the check is late. If you believe your check …
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Am I an Employee or an Independent Contractor?
Posted by Michele Lewane | First Steps, Workers' Compensation Benefits
I get calls from people who have been injured on the job who are confused about their situation because, after their injury, their employers tell them that they are not covered by workers’ compensation insurance because they are considered to be an independent contractor. Sadly, many of them are caught off guard by this statement …
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