You never know when you may have a Florida workers’ compensation claim. One of the constant problems that the State of Florida and insurers are involved in is awarding and paying for benefits while keeping the system solvent. There are many reasons for the fiscal struggles that the workers’ comp system is experiencing.
Cited Problems
With over 50,000 workers’ comp claims per year, Florida has a lot of people and paperwork to process. When a claim is initially filed it stands a good chance of being declined if any part of it is questionable. For someone who has a legitimate claim, this can be very frustrating, and if they do not use a lawyer in the initial phase, they often do during the appeal process when so much is on the line.
There are various problems that have been cited that are responsible for putting undue stress on the system. These include:
- Fraud: the occurrence of fraud, which is said to be rampant in Florida, costs everyone money and taxes the system.
- Doctor’s Fees: the amount that doctor’s are reimbursed for workers’ compensation cases has been said by many to be on the high end, with the payment schedule offering double the normal amount for some procedures. As an example, an average outpatient knee surgery costs $8,441 when performed under the aegis of workers’ comp, while it costs $4,200 when paid for by a group carrier.
- Volume of Cases: the sheer number of cases is taxing the system.
- Cost of Drugs: another question has to do with a State of Florida claim that the dispensing prescription drugs by doctors directly to patients drives up workers’ comp costs.
Benefits in Jeopardy
One thing to be aware of is that with the state under such financial pressure when it comes to workers’ compensation that patient benefits are in jeopardy. Legislators are always looking to curb costs, and one way may be to cut benefits, while another will be to be more vigilant when it comes to ferreting out fraud.
Legislative action that might reduce benefits will directly affect everyone, while investigative efforts can make workers’ compensation harder to get, and may certainly make more people seek out legal representation.
Do You Have a Claim?
If you do have a possible workers’ comp claim, it is important that you seek medical attention immediately and have your case documented. All necessary paperwork must be submitted, including a doctor’s assessment of your claim. If you have questions concerning your case, it’s a good idea to contact a workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible.
A savvy and top rated workers' compensation attorney West Palm Beach will be able to assess your claim and will ensure that all steps in the process are properly followed. If you wait until the appeals process to work with a lawyer, it will be very important to have your legal representative involved throughout the entire appeal process. Deadlines must be met during your appeal. If they are not, you could lose out on important benefits. Make sure you leave no room for doubt in the minds of those who are judging your claim.
Cited Problems
With over 50,000 workers’ comp claims per year, Florida has a lot of people and paperwork to process. When a claim is initially filed it stands a good chance of being declined if any part of it is questionable. For someone who has a legitimate claim, this can be very frustrating, and if they do not use a lawyer in the initial phase, they often do during the appeal process when so much is on the line.
There are various problems that have been cited that are responsible for putting undue stress on the system. These include:
- Fraud: the occurrence of fraud, which is said to be rampant in Florida, costs everyone money and taxes the system.
- Doctor’s Fees: the amount that doctor’s are reimbursed for workers’ compensation cases has been said by many to be on the high end, with the payment schedule offering double the normal amount for some procedures. As an example, an average outpatient knee surgery costs $8,441 when performed under the aegis of workers’ comp, while it costs $4,200 when paid for by a group carrier.
- Volume of Cases: the sheer number of cases is taxing the system.
- Cost of Drugs: another question has to do with a State of Florida claim that the dispensing prescription drugs by doctors directly to patients drives up workers’ comp costs.
Benefits in Jeopardy
One thing to be aware of is that with the state under such financial pressure when it comes to workers’ compensation that patient benefits are in jeopardy. Legislators are always looking to curb costs, and one way may be to cut benefits, while another will be to be more vigilant when it comes to ferreting out fraud.
Legislative action that might reduce benefits will directly affect everyone, while investigative efforts can make workers’ compensation harder to get, and may certainly make more people seek out legal representation.
Do You Have a Claim?
If you do have a possible workers’ comp claim, it is important that you seek medical attention immediately and have your case documented. All necessary paperwork must be submitted, including a doctor’s assessment of your claim. If you have questions concerning your case, it’s a good idea to contact a workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible.
A savvy and top rated workers' compensation attorney West Palm Beach will be able to assess your claim and will ensure that all steps in the process are properly followed. If you wait until the appeals process to work with a lawyer, it will be very important to have your legal representative involved throughout the entire appeal process. Deadlines must be met during your appeal. If they are not, you could lose out on important benefits. Make sure you leave no room for doubt in the minds of those who are judging your claim.