Causes and penalties for workers’ comp delays

Filing for workers’ compensation benefits is a paperwork-laden process for all the parties involved, whether an employer, insurance company, or employee.

To prevent delays of any kind, either by accident or design, the law contains provisions under which the Workers’ Compensation Board can impose penalties. Infractions and their potential penalties include, but are not limited to:

• Failure by an employer or insurance company to timely notify the board when payments to a recipient cease: discretionary $300 may be directed to be paid to the injured claimant.

• An employer’s or insurance company unexcused failure to timely pay any compensation after an award is made by the Board: 20% of any compensation not paid within 10 days of an award being made, payable to the claimant, with an additional $50 payable to the state treasury.

• An insurance carrier’s frivolous controversy or failure to file notice of controversy: mandatory $300 paid to the claimant.

• An employer’s or insurance company’s objection to an award lacks just cause: An additional $300 paid to the claimant.

• An insurance company’s failure to pay installment of ongoing compensation due: 20% of the amount due, plus $300, payable to the claimant.

• A frivolous request for a nonemergency adjournment of proceedings: $1,000 paid to the board.

As noted earlier, all parties face paperwork burdens with workers’ compensation. Having an experienced workers’ compensation law firm at your side will assist in moving your case forward and ensuring that the insurance company is doing everything they should be, and doing it on time.

Do you have workers’ comp questions?

Workers’ compensation benefits provide medical care and financial support to employees who are hurt on the job. If you are an injured worker, hiring an experienced workers’ comp lawyer can help you get the benefits you deserve.