Injured workers and their families rely on workers’ compensation benefits to pay their bills and feed their families. If you receive a termination notice, you may feel confused or even scared. Fortunately, there are things you can do to extend your benefits and continue receiving assistance until you can return to work. Learn about the legal options available to you under Arizona law, and know when to contact a Phoenix workers’ compensation attorney.
Signs that your benefits could change
Your employer may be trying to change or terminate your benefits if they ask you in writing for any of the following:
- An independent medical examination (IME). These examinations are anything but «independent,» as they are conducted by doctors hired by your employer or their insurance company. They pay this doctor to find evidence that you have sufficiently recovered from your injuries and can return to work, which leads to the termination of your benefits.
- An assessment of the degree of impairment. This differs from an IME because it is conducted by the Arizona Industrial Commission . It must be completed within a specified timeframe and evaluates your degree of impairment, which could modify or terminate your benefits.
- Career guidance. If you receive an offer of training or career counseling, it may be because your employer doesn’t believe you can return to your current job. A career advisor will determine whether you are able to work for pay and whether your current condition affects your ability to earn an income.
Modification versus termination of benefits
If your disability status changes after any of these tests, your employer’s insurance company may decide to modify your benefits. Some of the most frequent reasons for modification or termination are:
- You have recovered to the point where you can perform some paid work. Although you cannot return to your previous job duties, your employer may be able to offer you some «lighter» work that can accommodate your physical limitations.
- The results of any of your assessments show that you are well enough to return to your old job.
Losing your benefits can be disheartening, especially if you’re not well enough to return to work. However, you may still have legal options. An employer cannot suspend your benefits without good reason, and you may still be entitled to receive them. If you receive a notice that your benefits will be terminated, take the following steps:
- Pregunta el motivo. A veces, puedes recibir una finalización de las prestaciones simplemente porque la compañía de seguros impugnó tus derechos a ellas, o que tus prestaciones temporales finalizan debido a la denegación de una solicitud de prestaciones.
- Solicita un recurso. Puedes oponerte a las denegaciones de reclamaciones e intentar cobrar las prestaciones a las que tienes derecho según la ley de Arizona.
- Contrata a un abogado de indemnización por accidente laboral en Phoenix. Los recursos de reclamación son procesos legales complejos, y un abogado puede ayudarte a navegar por ellos, aumentando las posibilidades de un resultado positivo.
Los abogados de Cruz y Asociados pueden ayudarte a entender tus derechos conforme a la ley de compensación de los trabajadores de Arizona. Permítenos revisar tus opciones legales durante una consulta legal gratuita y confidencial. Para programar la revisión de tu caso, ponte en contacto con nosotros.
