You went to work like any other day…to do your job, earn a paycheck and take care of your family. But today, you had an accident at work, injuring your knee. Your coworker saw you fall. Your employer was notified, and they helped you complete an accident report.
You had pain but you thought it would go away. But that night your pain got worse, so your spouse urged you to go to an emergency room. When you arrived, you informed the doctors of your accident earlier that day at work. The doctors gave you a note to stay out of work, and recommended you make an appointment with a specialist. You gave the note to your employer, and they helped you fill out an accident report and told you not to worry about it and focus on getting better.
A week later you received a call from the hospital asking for your private insurance information. You are confused. The next day you receive a form in the mail called a “First Report of Injury” or FROI-04. What does this mean? The form stated your work accident was being denied or controverted. Why? You fell at work, your coworker saw you fall, your employer filled out an accident report and you told the doctor it happened at work. Yet the Workers’ Compensation insurance carrier claimed that your accident did not happen.
Although most work injuries are covered by Workers’ Compensation insurance, sometimes the carrier disputes the claim for a variety of reasons. These reasons can be overcome in court, however, the carrier’s assertion of these “defenses” often delay the payment of your medical bills and lost wages. Sometimes that delay can be months, and, in some cases, years.
But your bills don’t stop coming—how do you pay for them?
While it’s possible to win a controverted claim without a lawyer, the process is complex and overwhelming. Most people are unfamiliar with the administrative law process. Although you are not required to obtain a lawyer to represent you in your Workers’ Compensation claim, it is often a necessity in a controverted claim. The employer will have an experienced attorney, shouldn’t you?
You don't have to go it alone. If you receive a FROI-04, the workers' compensation attorneys and staff at MCV Law understand these forms and the process. If you find yourself in this situation, call MCV Law. We can help you receive your benefits for your work-related claim and ultimately, get your life back. We only get paid if we win.