If you’ve been injured on the job, you know how overwhelming and stressful the experience can be. Not only do you have to deal with the physical and emotional impacts of your injury, but you may also be facing financial challenges. That's where workers’ comp benefits come in. These benefits are designed to help cover your medical expenses and lost wages, providing you with a lifeline during this difficult time.
However, there are times when these workers comp benefits can be stopped or denied, even if you were initially awarded them. In this article, we’ll explore some of the common reasons that workers’ comp checks can be stopped so that you can take proactive steps to protect your claim and get the support you need.
Gaps in Medical Treatment
One of the key factors that can impact your workers’ comp benefits is the consistency and continuity of your medical treatment. If you take a long time to return to the doctor after being awarded benefits, it can create a disconnect between your current symptoms and the symptoms you presented when you suffered your workplace injury. This can make it difficult for the insurance company to determine whether your current treatment is related to your work injury, and they may stop paying your benefits as a result.
The Independent Medical Exam
Another potential roadblock to receiving workers’ comp benefits is the independent medical exam (IME). This is a common practice in the workers’ comp process, where an insurance company hires a doctor to assess your medical condition and determine whether your treatment is necessary and related to your work injury. If you fail to attend an IME, it can be interpreted as uncooperative behavior, and the insurance company may use this as a reason to stop paying your benefits.
The Functional Capacity Exam
A functional capacity exam (FCE) is another tool that insurance companies may use to assess your medical condition and determine whether you can return to work. During an FCE, you’ll be asked to perform various physical tasks to assess your abilities. If the FCE examiner believes that you are exaggerating your pain or diminished abilities, they may report this to the insurance company, which can use this information as a reason to stop paying your benefits.
A Private Investigator
In some cases, insurance companies may hire a private investigator to gather evidence on your activities and determine whether you can return to work. This can include surveillance footage of you performing tasks that violate the restrictions set by your workers’ comp doctor or that show you doing more than you claim to be capable of. If the private investigator finds evidence of this nature, they may try to use it as a reason to stop your workers comp benefits.
St. Louis Workers Compensation Attorney
As you can see, protecting your workers’ comp benefits requires knowledge and preparation. By understanding the common challenges that workers comp claimants face and taking proactive steps to protect your claim, you can increase your chances of receiving the benefits you are entitled to.
At the Law Office of James. M. Hoffman, our St. Louis workers comp attorneys are dedicated to helping our clients navigate the workers’ comp process and get the benefits they deserve. Whether you are facing challenges with your workers’ comp claim, or have questions about your rights and options, our team is here to help. Reach out to us for the legal support and guidance you need.
Call (314) 361-4300 for a free case evaluation.