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Length of a Victorville Workers’ Compensation Claim

Legal issues usually take more time than you would expect, and that can become frustrating, especially if your finances are in limbo during the time it takes to process a workers’ compensation claim. Although the length of a Victorville workers’ compensation claim can take from a year to in some cases 10 or more years, it can vary depending on unique circumstances. If your case is complex, you can expect the claim process to have some delays.

Instead of waiting in hopeful expectation month after month, take some time to learn the factors that may influence the process. Knowing more about it may cause you to bring your case to the attention of a workers’ compensation attorney who can guide you through the lengthy legal process to reach the best possible outcome.

Processing a Workers’ Compensation Claim Involves Specific Deadlines

California Labor Code § 5400 indicates the statutory requirements for timing of some key points in a workers’ compensation claim in Victorville. Some timing factors in the process include:

  • Employees must notify their employer of the work-related injury within 30 days of the injury
  • Employers must provide an injured employee with a claim form and information about their potential right to benefits within one day of receiving the notice about the work injury
  • After receiving a workers’ compensation claim, the employer or insurance adjuster has 90 days to deny it before it is presumed approved
  • The injured employee has one year from the date of injury or of the last received benefit to file a claim before the workers’ compensation appeals board
  • The injured employee and the employer can submit a petition for reconsideration up to 20 days after the final order from the appeals board

An experienced lawyer can help ensure all timing requirements are met during the workers’ compensation process.

Delays in a Workers’ Compensation Claim

If any of the steps of the claim filing process are not completed on time or are completed at the last possible moment, there could be delays in the entire process. This is why it is beneficial to allow a lawyer to handle the paperwork.

Delays in a Victorville workers’ compensation claim can also occur when some part of the claim has been disputed. Disputes may require more evidence to be submitted or more investigation by the insurance company. If the injured employee did not submit full medical records, this could lead to a dispute that could have been avoided by full disclosure of medical records. Keeping careful records and having everything on hand is one safeguard against delays in the process.

Call Us to Help Manage the Length of a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Victorville

Deadlines are in place, so your workers’ compensation claim process does not drag on too long, but there can still be problems and delays that extend the length of a Victorville workers’ compensation claim. When you need help to get the benefits you deserve in a timely manner, turn to the experienced legal team at Silberman & Lam. We can manage your claim process, help you meet all your deadlines, and guide you through any disputes that may arise.

Schedule your consultation to get legal advice that you can trust. We are here to help you.