How to Deal with the Stress of Worker's Compensation
Being injured on the job can lead to a claim for workers' compensation insurance, which provides medical treatment and a salary substitute while you are in the process of healing from the injury. When all goes well, the system returns you to pre-injury physical condition and you return to work at your regular position. But when things go badly, such as a need for surgery, long healing times, increased pain or even late checks, you can feel stress due to the workers' compensation case. Combining legal, medical and personal approaches, you can find remedies for these issues.
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Instructions
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Know your rights. Although the adjuster should send a letter listing your rights, if one is not received, contact the adjuster for the letter. You can also contact your state's website for the information. Review the pamphlet to confirm the benefits you are able to receive to help ease your mind about the costs of medical bills and your inability to work.
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Discuss your condition with your doctor. Although he may be busy, you are entitled to know your medical condition and proposed treatment plan. Ask for a timeline of how long treatments will last and alternate treatments available if those prescribed are ineffective. Confirm the need for medications, physical therapy or massage and type and length of treatments. This should help to alleviate the uncertainty of your medical condition and reduce stress.
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File for a hearing if your disability check is late more than twice and request a penalty. Although a check may get lost in the mail once, a second time may be indicate a pattern. Rather than worrying about receiving your check the day it is due, stop the problem before it worsens. Filing for a hearing sends a message to the adjuster that this behavior is unacceptable. The court should award a penalty unless the adjuster is able to prove it was out of his control, but either way, the judge will order timely payments.
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Accept the fact that you may not be able to return to your previous position. During the treatment phase, review other possible employment options and the necessary training and time frame for completion. This way, if the doctor determines you are unable to return to your job, even with accommodation, you will not be worrying about your future because you have built an alternate course of action.
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Ask your doctor for a referral to a psychiatrist or psychologist if yo stress. Psychological counseling, testing and possible medication can help your medical team determine the causes of your stress and possible remedies, including counseling, exercise and medication.
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Tips & Warnings
Go outside for fresh air and get regular exercise appropriate to your medical limits.
Contact an attorney in your area for more information.
Don't allow the adjuster to intimidate you. File for a court hearing if you disagree with any decision.
References
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