Completing a claim for workers’ compensation benefits, like dealing with any type of insurance claim, can be confusing and even overwhelming. It can be even more so if you’re seriously injured or ill while you’re trying to do it.
Even minor mistakes can delay or reduce your benefits or even potentially cause your claim to be denied. The more serious the error or omission is, the more difficult it can be to correct.
Some minor errors can be corrected by filing an amendment to the original claim. A more serious mistake, like not correctly describing your injury or illness or providing inaccurate medical records, is more likely to cause an initial denial or a reduction in benefits.
Correcting an error in your claim
The North Carolina Industrial Commission does allow claimants to correct their claims. It’s important, though, to do it as soon as possible. The best first step is to contact the Commission to find out what you need to do to make the correction. You may just need to provide an amendment to your claim to correct a relatively minor error or provide additional or corrected supporting documentation, like medical records or doctor’s notes.
What if there’s a mistake with your benefits or you disagree with a finding?
Certainly, if your claim has been approved, it’s important to make sure you’re receiving the benefits you’re supposed to be getting. If there appears to be a mistake, it’s important to contact the insurer that’s paying you or covering expenses, like medical costs, as soon as you notice a problem. Make sure you have your documentation handy that details what your benefits are.
If you believe that you were wrongfully denied benefits, you can file a request for a hearing to discuss your claim. If you think that’s the case or even if there’s been a serious mistake on anyone’s part that can’t seem to get resolved, it’s always smart to get experienced legal guidance as soon as possible to help you navigate this cumbersome and often confusing system and obtain the benefits to which you’re entitled.
