As the late, great Tom Petty says, the waiting is the hardest part. So, what do you do when you are waiting for your workers’ compensation payments? Don’t worry, we’ve got the answers you need.

At Connor, Kimmet & Hafenstein, LLC, we understand that waiting for your workers’ compensation benefits can be a stressful time. When you are sick or injured, the last thing you need to worry about is how you are going to pay your bills while you recover. 

It can take some time to receive your payments, however, so here are some things you need to know.  A workers’ compensation claim can take weeks or even a month or two to process after you file before an initial decision is made.  If a hearing is required, the process can take six months or longer.   This is due to several different factors, such as what kind of illness or injury you incurred, whether the medical records confirm what injury you sustained and how you were injured, whether your employer or the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation contests/fights your claim, etc.  

These possible delays are why it is SO important to report your injury or illness to your employer and file your claim in a timely manner. 

If you are injured or ill and cannot work, you might be worried about your family’s finances – and that’s a valid concern!

While you are waiting for your workers’ compensation payments, you might have options available to you, such as:

1. Sick or vacation time
2. Short or Long-Term Disability Insurance if you are covered by a policy
3. Leave Benefits that may be provided by your employer as part of you employer’s provided benefits
4. Talking to your creditors, such as your mortgage company to get extensions to pay
5. Financial assistance or unemployment benefits
6. Possible Social Security Benefits such as SSI/SSD

There may also be ways to try and speed up the process and get a decision quicker if you are having financial issues that qualify for more urgent timeframes to be put into place for hearings.   Additionally, having an attorney experienced with working with medical providers can help ensure that the correct documentation is in place the claim to move forward.  

Waiting for your workers’ compensation claim to be processed can be a lengthy and stressful process, but it can be done – while maintaining your sanity and recovering from your illness or injury. Sometimes, talking to a qualified workers’ compensation attorney can help, as we have the patience and knowledge to help you navigate the system and get you the benefits you deserve.

Connor Kimmet and Hafenstein LLP

If you have questions about workers’ compensation payments, we have qualified attorneys who can help. Contact us today.