
Resolving a workers’ compensation claim can take several months to a year or more, depending on the case. Factors like the severity of the injury, the time needed for medical treatment, and whether any disputes arise can all affect the timeline.
Straightforward claims are usually resolved faster, while complex cases or those involving disagreements may take much longer. If you are seeking workers’ compensation benefits, getting legal help might make the process easier, especially if it involves a complex claim.
A Raleigh workers’ compensation lawyer from our firm can protect your rights, guide you through the process, and help you secure your deserved benefits. Start with a free consultation.
Factors that Can Affect How Long Workers’ Comp Takes
The timeline of a workers’ compensation claim depends on several factors, each of which can either streamline or delay the process. Below are the key factors and how they influence the duration of a claim:
Severity of the Injury
Minor injuries often result in shorter claim timelines because the medical treatment and documentation are straightforward. Severe or complex injuries, however, require longer treatment, specialist evaluations, and sometimes multiple opinions, which can make the process longer.
Employer Response Time
Your employer is responsible for reporting your injury to their workers’ compensation insurance provider. A prompt response means the claim process can begin without delay. If your employer is slow to act or disputes the circumstances of the injury, this can result in considerable delays.
Insurance Company Processing Time
How fast the insurance company works determines how quickly it processes your claim. Some companies may review claims promptly, while others may take longer to investigate the details or request additional documentation, causing delays.
Disputes or Contested Claims
Disagreements over whether an injury is work-related or disputes about the compensation amount can also lengthen the process. These situations often require mediation or formal hearings. If this happens in your case, it can add weeks or months to the timeline.
By understanding these factors, injured workers can better prepare for potential delays in their claims and take proactive steps to address them. Working with our knowledgeable attorneys can help mitigate these delays and streamline the process.
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Contact Us Today For a FREE Confidential Case Review (800)785-5000The Typical Timeline for Workers’ Comp Claims in North Carolina
After a workplace injury, the workers’ compensation process typically begins with notifying your employer as soon as possible. In North Carolina, you must provide written notice of your injury within 30 days, per G.S. § 97-22.
You generally have two years from the date of your work injury to file a claim. Once your employer receives notice about the injury, they must report it to their workers’ compensation insurance provider. Generally, the insurer has up to 14 days to respond to a claim.
Medical evaluations are often the next step. Initial treatment will aim to stabilize your condition, followed by ongoing care or specialist evaluations if needed. Depending on the complexity of your injury, these medical steps can take anywhere from weeks to months.
When Can You Expect Workers’ Compensation Payments?
If your claim is straightforward and the insurance company accepts it, you may begin receiving benefits within a few weeks of approval. However, claims requiring more documentation or medical opinions can take much longer to finalize, possibly a few months to a few years.
To get an idea of a timeline for your specific case, you can consult our workers’ compensation attorneys.
What Happens if there are Disputes or Denials with a Claim?
Disputes or denials of workers’ compensation claims can take more time to process. If your employer or their insurance company challenges the validity of your claim, the timeline will be extended while parties gather and review evidence.
In North Carolina, these disputes are often addressed through the North Carolina Industrial Commission’s mediation section. Mediation is a process where both parties attempt to resolve the dispute with a neutral mediator’s help. This step can take weeks or months, depending on availability and scheduling.
If mediation fails, the case may proceed to a formal hearing before a Deputy Commissioner of the Industrial Commission. Preparing for and attending a hearing can extend the timeline by several months or longer, depending on the complexity of the issues and the commission’s schedule.
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Contact Us Today For a FREE Confidential Case Review (800)785-5000How Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Can Help Your Case
Handling a workers’ compensation claim can be a lot to take on, especially if you’re recovering from an injury. Our Raleigh personal injury lawyers will manage your claim’s timeline, which includes filing your claim correctly and on time.
We also will advise you on what to reasonably expect as we work on your case.
We are committed to the highest quality client service and one-on-one attention.
Contact Us Today For a FREE Confidential Case Review (800)785-5000Avoid Common Mistakes that Delay Workers’ Comp Claims
Mistakes can delay your benefits or even lead to a claim denial. These include:
- Failing to report the injury promptly
- Missing deadlines for filing a claim
- Providing incomplete or inaccurate information
- Not seeking immediate medical attention
- Failing to follow doctor’s orders
- Not keeping records of your injury and treatment
- Accepting a denial without challenge
- Attempting to handle complex disputes alone
- Miscommunication with your employer or insurance company
- Going back to work too soon
Our workers’ compensation lawyers can help you avoid these errors and streamline the process. If we must handle a dispute about your claim, we will stand up for you during mediation or hearings with the North Carolina Industrial Commission.
We will collect evidence and talk to the insurance company for you. We can also handle your case if your workers’ comp claim is denied.
Wondering How Long Workers’ Compensation Can Take? Call Us
At Whitley Law Firm, our team has been helping injured workers in North Carolina for over 50 years. How long it takes to receive workers’ compensation benefits can depend on various factors.
These include the severity of your injury, how quickly your employer and its insurance company act, and whether your claim involves any disputes. If you want help handling your claim, we will guide you.
Our team is available 24/7 and returns calls within 24 hours. Contact us today to learn how we can help you recover your deserved benefits.
Learn about what makes us unique and why we are the right firm to help you.
Contact Us Today For a FREE Confidential Case Review (800)785-5000